Mark your special occasion with a celebratory meal, drink or day out in Winchester
Graduation is coming to Winchester this month - here's how to celebrate in the city
The University of Winchester's 2025 graduation ceremonies are running from 21 to 24 October. That means Winchester Cathedral is closed to visitors on 21, 22 and 23 October, and also that the city is set to be full of people in need of a well-earned celebration!
If you're graduating or here to mark a loved one's graduation, congratulations! Read on for ideas on how to mark the event with a celebratory drink or special occasion meal in Winchester, plus our pick of city centre back drops for special graduation photographs and more.
Winchester restaurants for celebrations
Look no further for blow-out menus and special occasion meals in Winchester. Kyoto Kitchen is known for serving faultless Japanese food, including special tasting menus, while Chesil Rectory is a good option for traditional English fare in a historic setting. Lainston House, which is just outside of the city, serves a tasting menu courtesy of their house chef Masterchef: The Professionals winner Tom Hamblet and an elegant afternoon tea.
The Ivy Brasserie are offering a Class of 2025 Set Menu, while you can book a three-course graduation menu which comes with a complimentary glass of champagne at Hotel du Vin.
For laid back brilliance, try Lucky Lychee at The Green Man, which was recently named Good Food Guide's best local restaurant for 2025.
Read more about Winchester's award-winning dining experiences or our guide to afternoon tea in Winchester for more ideas.
Winchester bars for special occasions
When you're ready to relax and take in your achievements, these Winchester bars and pubs are a great place to head. Say 'cheers' with a cocktail at Cabinet Rooms, Incognito, The Ivy Brasserie or Toast.
Try Margaux Lounge, Hotel du Vin or one of the city's many pubs for a well-deserved glass of wine or a local beer. Wykeham Arms, in Kingsgate Village near the Cathedral, is a popular option.
Pretty places in Winchester for graduation photographs
You might want to take some photos on graduation day and luckily Winchester city centre is full of photogenic backdrops. Winchester Cathedral itself and the Cathedral's Inner Close, which is lined by listed buildings, is a great place to start. Cheyne Court and Close Gate are pretty spots, while Dean Garnier's Garden is a peaceful green space in the shadow of the Cathedral. The flint walls which run along St Swithin Street and Symonds Street also make nice backgrounds.
We'd also recommend exploring Kingsgate Street and College Street as well as the picturesque ruins of Wolvesey Palace. The Weirs, which combine ancient walls and the city's clear chalk streams, is also a good spot for photographs.
Read our guide to Instagrammable Winchester for more ideas.
Quintessential things to do in Winchester
Looking for things to do in Winchester while you're here celebrating graduation? Why not give your graduation guests a tour of Winchester's best bits by following one of our walking routes, from the classic city walk to our sunset trail. You can download the trail routes for free here.
Stop off at one of Winchester's traditional pubs, like Wykeham Arms, The Black Boy or St James' Tavern.
Walk up St Giles' Hill for pretty autumnal views of Winchester, or wander out of the city to scale St Catherine's Hill and visit The Hospital of St Cross if you have a little more time.
You'll visit Winchester's historic Cathedral during the graduation ceremonies, but you might like to explore some of the city's other historic spots, like Winchester College or The Great Hall. This year marks 250 years of Jane Austen and to honour the occasion, a new statue of the writer is arriving in Winchester this month. You will be able to view it in the Cathedral's Inner Close from 16 October onwards. 8 College Street and P&G Wells bookshop are also must-visits for Austen fans.
If you want to stock up on locally-grown or made edible treats, visit Winchester's Visitor Information Centre Shop, Westlands Farm Shop, Open House Deli or Hampshire Pantry.
Read our guide to spending a day in Winchester for more ideas.
