Your essential guide to what's on in Winchester this August
From sunset movie screenings and a new Jane Austen exhibition to sunflower picking and a celebration of sausages, there's loads on in Winchester this month
Summer in Winchester is in full swing. We don't reckon it's possible to get bored of beer gardens or slow summer picnics, but if you're after more ways to while away the warm weather in the district, we're on hand to help. Here's your essential guide to all the best events, workshops, activities and things to do in and around Winchester in August 2025.
We've got outdoor film screenings, orchestral dance parties, beer festivals and crafting in the Cathedral. Basically, everything you need to have an amazing bank holiday weekend and fill the final days of the school holidays. Let's make the most of those summer days before September arrives - and brings with it a whole host of new things to do!
Stand inside a giant bubble
Winchester Science Centre is big into bubbles this month. Visitors can play with bubble wands, explore bubbles in nature, take part in bubble parties and bubble storytelling sessions, as well as watch a free live science show featuring - you guessed it - more bubbles. Our favourite part: the opportunity to put yourself inside a giant bubble.
Summer Bubble Fun at Winchester Science Centre. Until 3 September.
Catch a sunset movie screening
Kick back with a blanket in the pretty grounds of Lainston House for a screening of a classic movie as the sun goes down. You can bring your own picnic to enjoy or upgrade your movie ticket to include wood-fired pizza and ice cream too. Catch A Star is Born on Friday 22 August, Dirty Dancing on Saturday 23 August or Moulin Rouge on Friday 29 August.
Outdoor Cinema Nights at Lainston House. Various dates until 29 August.
Hang out with Bluey and Bingo
Bluey + Bingo + steam trains = very happy little ones. Catch one of The Watercress Line's lovely steam trains for the opportunity to spot the preschool (and parent) favourites. Board at Alresford or Alton before hopping off at Ropley for a photo op, as well as to take advantage of the station's miniature railway, locomotive playground, colouring, garden games and obstacle course.
Bluey & Bingo Meet and Greet at The Watercress Line, Alresford. 22-24 August.
Make mythical crafts at the Cathedral
Children aged 3 to 11 can take part in an hour of storytelling and crafting based on mythical creatures found within Winchester's ancient Cathedral. Learn how to make a pegasus with a 3D wing and a glorious green man from a paper plate in the cathedral’s North Transept.
Summer Family Craft Workshops at Winchester Cathedral. 28 August.
Catch the South Downs Rambler
Keen to head out of Winchester to explore the South Downs National Park? The South Downs Rambler, a summer special bus which runs on Sundays during the warmer months, is just the ticket. Running between Winchester and Petersfield, the bus takes in some of the loveliest spots in this stretch of the South Downs, from Cheesefoot Head and Old Winchester Hill to Butser Ancient Farm and Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Jump off wherever you fancy for an explore, or to walk back to the city via the South Downs Way, which ends in Winchester.
South Downs Rambler Bus. Sundays until 14 September, as well as bank holiday Monday 25 August.
Sample local ales in the sun
Okay, so August bank holiday sunshine isn't exactly guaranteed, but you're bound to have a good time whatever the weather at the annual Flower Pots Beer Festival. The pretty Cheriton pub, which brews its own outstanding pints, will be the setting for more than 20 live music acts, as well as 20 traditional cask ales and over 100 guest ales and lagers from independent UK breweries. Children and dogs are welcome, and the event is free to enter.
The Flower Pots Beer Festival, Cheriton nr Alresford. 22 - 24 August.
Rave after dark in the park
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience is descending on North Walls in Winchester for a night of classic dance tunes performed by a 26-peice band.
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience at North Walls. 29 August.
Pick your own giant sunflowers
Spend your August bank holiday weekend soaking in the sunny sight of 10-acres full of bobbing yellow sunflowers. At Silkstead Sunflowers just outside Winchester, there will be bubbles, burgers, cream teas, ice cream and more, plus the chance to pick your own sunflowers to take home with you. There's also a sunflower maze and trail to try. Silkstead Sunflowers is also open on selected days during August for the maze, trail and flower picking.
Sunflower Festival 2025 at Silkstead Farm nr Winchester. 24-25 August.
Celebrate sausages and cider
Join Sausage and Cider Festival for a spectacular day of festival fun including 30+ cider flavours and more than 20 sausage flavours. There will also be live music from the likes of Scouting For Girls, activities like axe throwing, and plenty of other options at the bar if cider isn't your thing.
Sausage and Cider Festival at North Walls, Winchester. 30 August.
Watch a movie at the planetarium
Head into Winchester Science Centre after hours to watch kids' fave Madagascar on the curved screen of the planetarium.
Starlight Cinema: Madagascar at Winchester Science Centre. 27 August.
Walk Winchester's old disused railway line
Take a guided tour along the route of Winchester’s disused railway, an old line which used to run between Didcot, Newbury and Southampton. This walk, which celebrates 200 years of train travel, takes you inside the disused Chesil Railway tunnel.
Chesil Railway, Winchester guided walking tour. 30 August.
Delve deeper into Jane Austen's world
This new exhibition at Winchester's Arc gives a voice to those who were overlooked by many but not neglected in Austen’s novels: working women. It's far from the only thing you can do this August, if you're an Austen fan. In the year that marks the 250th anniversary of Janes' birth, you can visit No. 8 College Street, the building where she died, or head into Winchester Cathedral to spot her grave. Alternatively, swap the city for the countryside, to visit Jane Austen's House in Chawton.
Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen's Novels at The Arc, Winchester. Until 2 November.
Eat wood-fired pizza at a mini music festival
Spend your bank holiday Sunday afternoon enjoying live music, face painting and garden games at The White Horse pub in Otterbourne. There will also be wood-fired pizzas and gelato.
'Mini Music Fest' at The White Horse, Otterbourne. 24 August, 1-7pm.
More awesome August events
Moth Night
Gilbert White's House
DATE: 20 Sept 2025 - 20 Sept 2025