If you are in the Winchester district and enjoying our outdoor spaces, please make sure you avoid busy areas and Respect, Protect and Enjoy our beautiful countryside.
Look out for the We’re Good to Go mark – it shows businesses that are operating in line with government and public health COVID guidance.
Please also continue to follow government advice – there are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other:
From the 12 April families and animal lovers can visit the outdoor spaces at Marwell Zoo. This 140 acre park is home to 100s of animals including family favourites like giraffes, tigers and penguins and new creatures to discover like the Bokiboky, the Capybara and the Village Weaver. The beautiful parkland is yours to explore – keep a watchful eye out for all the animals.
Marwell Zoo is strictly limiting numbers each day to ensure guests can keep a safe distance, so you’ll need to book a timed entry slot for all guests online before you arrive – read Marwell Zoo’s guest guidance information here. All their indoor areas including animal houses and picnic huts are temporarily closed until the restrictions are lifted. Their catering outlets will be serving takeaway food only.
ClueCapers is Winchester’s escape room experience that is taking to the city centre. On a walk around this beautiful historic city use your keen observation skills and puzzle solving abilities to solve the puzzles inside the 3D-printed ‘time capsule’. This is a big outdoor adventure that combines the puzzles with the world around you – wear comfy shoes and don’t forget the snacks. Find out more here.
With all this exploring in the district it might be time to enjoy some local Winchester flavours. Order a takeaway from some of Winchester’s brilliant eateries and treat your tummies to some brilliant food. There is something for everyone – which is your favourite? From 12 April book your table at a Winchester eatery with outside space to enjoy your meal without the washing up. Check out some of Winchester’s alfresco dining places here.
Take your little ones around Winchester and become street detectives. Have you ever walked around your local area and noticed just how old the buildings around you really are? When you go out for a walk today think about the buildings and space around you – you can even start by thinking about your own home. Culture on Call have some great questions to get you thinking – find them here.
If you are wondering where is best to explore for your family, which eateries have outside dinning or which attractions are open, the team at the Winchester Visitor Information Centre team are here to help – you can also pick up some local produce to enjoy as you explore.
Winchester has a multitude of trails to take you to every corner of the district. Take your family into the South Down National Park to marvel at the picturesque landscapes and sweeping views, walk in the footsteps of great history figures like Jane Austen and John Keats or delight in nature in our market towns along trails like the Alresford Millenium trail. Find more trails to explore here.
Let your little ones explore the Beaulieu National Motor Museum’s fantasy play area where they can let their imaginations run wild. Storm up the bridge of Little Beaulieu‘s magical wooden palace and discover the secret passageways, peek out from behind portraits and crawl through a trick bookcase. Follow the treetop boardwalk for a brilliant birds-eye view or crawl through the top secret tunnel, then feel the wind in your hair as you ride the zip wire.
Pack up your picnic and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Bishop’s Waltham Palace. Once the grand residence of the Bishops of Winchester, much remains of the original 12th and 14th century buildings, which were begun by Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen. Set within attractive grounds, this is the perfect place to lay down your picnic blanket before exploring the ruins and may be playing a game of hide and seek.
Right in the centre of Winchester Winnall Moors Nature Reserve is host to a stunning variety of wildlife waiting for you to explore. Reed warblers, sedge warblers and chiffchaffs sing at full volume in the spring, and marsh marigolds, yellow flag irises and cuckoo flowers adorn the meadow. Get lost in nature in England’s ancient capital.
