Relax and unwind in five easy steps

Are you in need of a chance to unwind? Maybe you’ve been balancing homeschooling with work for the last four months? Perhaps you’ve been shopping for shielding friends and family, or are you one of our key workers who deserves a rest and someone to look after you?

Well now it’s time to treat yourself. Come to Winchester and here are five things you can do to relax while you are here…

Take a walk

Take a walk out of the city centre and explore the stunning countryside throughout the district. Stroll along the water meadows to St Cross and travel in the footsteps of Keats, or visit Chawton and take a walk through the countryside once explored by Jane Austen. Start at Winchester City Mill and wander along the South Downs Way, with its rolling hills and panoramic views it’s bound to relax you.  You’ll find some more of our favourite walks here.

Find the perfect spot for a picnic

The perfect way to unwind is to stop and enjoy some well earned local snacks in one of Winchester’s picturesque picnic spots. Grab your picnic baskets, some delicious treats and your favourite people and enjoy one of the stunning green spaces in the city or the countryside beyond. Take a look at some of our favourite picnic spots here.

Treat yourself to an afternoon tea

When was the last time you indulged in sandwiches and something bubbly in the afternoon? Hotels and cafés may be offering afternoon tea but please check the business website and book in advance if you need to. Or why not make you own using our local specialities? Pick up a bag of Alresford’s local leaf and make trout and watercress finger sandwiches. Choose some fresh strawberries from the market and there’s bound to be a National Trust recipe so you can bake your own scones using fresh flour from Winchester City Mill – don’t forget the cream!  Make it a sparkling cream tea and open a bottle of English wine from Hattingley Valley Wines, Black Chalk Wine or Hambledon Vineyard

Enjoy a spa day

The Winchester Hotel and Spa is now open to help you relax and unwind. Take a look at their website and choose your favourite treatment. Measures have been put in place to ensure staff and visitor safety, full details can be found on their website. If you’d be more comfortable at home then an order from Long Barn in Alresford could be just for you. Choose you favourite smelling diffuser to set the mood, get some bath salts, body butter and candles and feel your tension melt away.

Leave the washing up to someone else

Have you missed dressing your best for an evening of culinary delights? Has your dishwasher been overworked (be it man or machine)? Then take advantage of the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme and enjoy 50% off of your bill at participating restaurants throughout August – where will you visit first?