Make sure you ‘Know Before You Go’ and visit the individual attraction websites for opening hours and COVID-19 safety measures. Please continue to follow government guidance.
There is always something new to discover at the Gallery in the Winchester Discovery Centre. From Monday 17 May visit the Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective exhibition showing never before seen material from Brigg’s personal archive revealing the origins of titles that have become household favourites, literary classics and international phenomena. This is the first ever exhibition dedicated to the author-illustrator who is the artistic genius behind some of the most popular and influential children’s books and graphic novels ever published.
The exhibition includes over 100 original artworks from iconic books, celebrating Briggs as an exceptional draughtsman, typographer and storyteller. Find your favourites including Ug: Boy Genius of the Stone Age (2001), Ethel & Ernest: A True Story (1998), Fungus the Bogeyman (1977) and The Snowman (1978).
Image of child climbing a beanstalk
Do you have what it takes to uncover the truth about sound? From Saturday 22 May dig into the facts about how sound is created in nature in a brand new free live science show at the Winchester Science Centre – Sound Detectives. This fun and daring mission is part of the centre’s Year of Sound and is packed with awe-inspiring experiences and demos, including the ‘super cool’ dry ice cannon. Find out more here.
Be one of the first to explore Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation, a stunning exhibition open at Winchester Cathedral. The cathedral is one of the most historically significant buildings in Britain, once the royal chapel in England’s ancient capital, and this exhibition is the result of a seven-year project to unlock the cathedral’s stories and treasures. Find out more here.
Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation at Winchester Cathedral
Are you eagerly awaiting a night out at the Theatre? Theatre Royal Winchester has a great programme of shows starting from Saturday 29 May ready to welcome you back. Delight in the talent of the Musical Theatre students from the University of Winchester at Music and Lyrics – a performance of songs drawn from across the musical theatre repertoire, take in the Circus of Horror including an amazing amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock n roll soundscape, or enjoy an excellent evening of stand-up comedy at the Winchester Comedy Festival Summer show. Find out more here.
Theatre Royal Winchester
When Chawton House closed its doors for lockdown in March 2020 visitors turned to traditional ways of occupying their time using the house and gardens as inspiration – the result is the Made in Lockdown exhibition. Running throughout Chawton House this exhibition showcases poetry, arts, crafts and other imaginative projects. Find out more here.
Chawton House
Have you been looking for new inspiration in the kitchen during lockdown? Join SEASON Cookery School at Lainston House for some great ideas of ways to step up your fish dishes, plant based cooking or lamb roast dinner. Why not sign up for their barbecuing class to master how to cook the perfect steak on the BBQ or create an authentic Indian ‘fake-away’. Find out more here.
With military history on display, from Agincourt to the present day, book your visit to the Royal Logistic Corps Museum. See Monty’s D-Day Rolls Royce, a range of military horse-drawn and motorised logistic vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and much more; this fascinating and unique museum gives visitors an insight into how the British Army was moved, supplied and sustained over the centuries. Find out more here.
Peep, peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at Mid Hants Railway – Watercress Line from the 29 May until the 6 June. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet some of your favourite characters and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. Find out more here.
Thomas the Tank Engine
Explore the history of England’s ancient capital at the Winchester City Museum. From Winchester’s origins as an Iron Age trading centre to the resting place of Jane Austen – explore the sights and sounds of city’s past and present. Little visitors can become amateur archaeologists and handle real artefacts, turn into detectives to solve the museum’s spotter trail and, of course, don’t forget to browse the museum shop for that perfect souvenir.
Winchester City Museum
Winchester is a district steeped in history and brimming with secrets waiting to be uncovered. Rediscover England’s ancient capital on a guided tour of the city with the Winchester Tourist Guides and discover many of Winchester’s historic sites and when you can visit. Winchester’s official tourist guides have been guiding in Winchester for more than 30 years and share an enthusiasm for their city and a desire to bring it alive for both visitors and residents alike.
