Find calm in one of Winchester's most peaceful places, from spas and bookshops to churches and hidden gardens
Feeling overwhelmed? Here's how to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city while still enjoying some of Winchester’s must-see spots
Sometimes life can feel a little overwhelming, especially during the autumn, when the city is dotted with the spooks and scares of Halloween, or later in the year as the city buzzes with Christmas shoppers and people visiting the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. But luckily, Winchester is full of tiny pockets of calm for when it all gets too much and you need to chill, from Winchester Cathedral’s hidden gardens to the tranquil and historic Hospital of St Cross via yoga studios and secret spas. Wander off the beaten path and explore peaceful places in and around Winchester.
Peaceful gardens, walks and parks in Winchester
The River Itchen flows through the length of this city centre nature reserve, providing water for wet grassland, reedbeds, wet woodland and streams. This wetland haven is a wonderful place to escape city life and with its many paths, boardwalks and bridges, you can enjoy the walk year-round.
Dean Garnier Garden
Dean Garnier Garden is found next to Winchester Cathedral’s south transept and sits on the former site of a Benedictine Monastery. This tucked away corner is the perfect slice of tranquillity in the heart of the city. Bring a picnic, wander through the herb garden or take a moment for yourself under the arbours.
From the city centre, take the 30-minute walk along The Itchen Navigation Trail. Head up the steps to the summit of the hill where you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the city, a copse of beech trees (the former site of a Norman chapel), and the 17th century turf ‘mizmaze’.
Queen Eleanor’s Garden
The garden is located through the grand south doors of The Great Hall and named after two Queen Eleanors: Eleanor of Provence, wife of Henry III, and her daughter in-law Queen Eleanor of Castile, wife of Edward I. Be transported back in time as you explore the recreated medieval herbarium, tunnel arbour and stone benches of this hidden gem.
Image: The view from St Catherine's Hill, South Downs National Park
Winchester's tranquil historic attractions
Journey along the Keats Trail, through Winchester’s water meadows, to the breakthaking Hospital of St Cross. Here, you can receive the unique 'Wayfarers’ Dole', explore the medieval almshouse grounds and chapel, and bask in the calmness of the Master’s Gardens.
Surrounded by 650-years of heritage, history-lovers will find the halls of Winchester College the perfect place to spend a few peaceful hours. Browse the Treasury of art and archaeology for free or explore the College’s history, architecture, gardens, and collections with a guided tour.
This breathtaking medieval cathedral in the heart of the city has been a beacon of peace and reflection for over 900 years. Visitors are invited to worship and attend services for free, and lunchtime concerts (held most Tuesdays in the Lady Chapel) provide a serene and uplifting escape in the middle of the day.
Peninsula Barracks
Hidden away at the top of the high street is Peninsula Barracks, the site of a former royal palace, the historic Rifle regiments, baroque-style formal gardens and now five of Winchester's Military Museums.
Image: The War Cloister at Winchester College
Calming places to eat and drink near Winchester
Hampshire Pantry is set on a working farm on the edge of Winchester, and is home to a café, coffee roastery, gelateria, seasonal pot shop and pick your own produce. It is a great way to quickly feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.
What's more relaxing than lavender? Get a good sniff of the calming stuff at Long Barn in nearby Alresford, a café, lifestyle store, and plant nursery, surrounded by heritage lavender fields which are used to create their famous soaps, candles and oils. It offers a calming atmosphere ideal for unwinding, as well as the chance to pick up some locally-grown gifts. There's also a café on site where you can pause, surrounded by plants.
For more relaxing rural vibes, discover the birthplace of English sparkling wine at award-winning Hambledon Wine Estate. Just a half-hour drive from Winchester, the vineyard offers an idyllic escape from the bustle of the city. Walk through the historic vineyards, visit the state-of-the-art gravity fed winery and explore Hambledon’s underground cellars during a tour.
Image: The Restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate
Places to relax and unwind in Winchester
Located at voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, The ANA Spa is one of Winchester’s best kept secrets. Shake off your stresses by booking a massage, or exploring the spa's hydrotherapy and wellness spaces, which include sensory showers, a Himalayan salt sauna and a crystal steam room.
Winchester Hotel & Spa is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, so an afternoon of pampering is never far away. Their spa packages include everything from indulgent facials and body treatments to multi-day spa packages.
Winchester’s Independent Business of the Year, New Energy Yoga is a local favourite for relaxation, yoga and Pilates, as well as one-off workshops on breathwork, mindfulness and more. Keeping the emphasis on a stress-free experience, classes are offered on a flexible pay-as-you-go basis, making this the perfect spot for locals and visitors alike.
Image: The ANA Spa at voco Winchester Hotel & Spa
Quiet Winchester spots to explore
A treasure trove for book lovers, P&G Wells is situated just a stone’s throw from Winchester College and the house Jane Austen spent her final weeks. It is presumed to be the oldest bookshop in Britian (they haven’t found an older one yet!), and to walk through the traditional wood-panelled frontage is like stepping back in time. Spend a lovely relaxing moment browsing their classics, new releases and a full upper floor of children’s books.
Walk through the impressive ruins of the old Bishop’s Palace in Winchester, which date back to the 12th century when it belonged to Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen. While you visit, you can imagine the many occasions held behind these walls, from the siege of Empress Matilda during The Anarchy and the wedding banquet of Queen Mary and Philip of Spain. This free site is tucked away so you'll often have it all to yourself.
Step off the busy thoroughfare of Jewry Street into the peaceful Winchester Library at The Arc. Members and non-members can take a moment to relax and browse a wide choice titles from current bestsellers to award-winning non-fiction. Visitors can also enjoy coffee and cake or a light lunch at The Arc café.
Tucked above the medieval Kingsgate, this church is one of the smallest in England. Visitors and worshipers are able to take a quiet moment to bask in the peaceful and historic atmosphere. It is just a stone’s throw away from Winchester College but is quite easy to miss if you don't know it's above you!
Discover more restful and relaxing things to do in Winchester
Happily Ever After… Party
EXPIRY DATE: 31 December 2026
EXPIRY DATE: 31st Dec 2026
