Give the gift of activities, adventures and experiences, from vineyard tours to theatre tickets
Looking for the perfect present for the person who already has everything? Give the gift of Winchester!
If you're after unusual, unique gifts rather than just more 'stuff' this Christmas, look no further. Winchester district is home to hundreds of charming independent venues, delightful dinner spots and enchanting experiences guaranteed to make the perfect present, whether you're shopping for couples, history-fans, coffee-lovers or frazzled families with little ones in tow. From fancy meals out and distillery tours to craft workshops and spa days, keep reading to find unique gift vouchers and special gift experiences in Winchester.
Main image: Winchester Cathedral Tower Tours
For experience seekers
The chance to climb Winchester Cathedral
Gift an exhilarating tower tour of Winchester Cathedral with magnificent views across Winchester and the county. After climbing spiralling steps up onto the cathedral roof, the recipient will see the ringing chamber, the great Cathedral bells and walk the full length of the nave roof with its huge wood beams. It's a truly unique Winchester experience.
Cinema experiences at the planetarium
Winchester Science Centre makes a great family-friendly excursion by day, but after dark you can also book onto cinema nights, stargazing experiences and planetarium adventures. You could also gift a day's entry or even an annual membership. (Pictured)
Escape room quests
That family member who is really good at solving puzzles? Book them onto an escape room experience at Clue Capers. They have three indoor escape rooms to choose from as well as three games which are played outside in Winchester city locations - plus there are extra hard settings for experienced puzzlers. Gift vouchers are available too.
For foodies
A Japanese tasting menu at Kyoto Kitchen
Kyoto Kitchen serves up incredible Japanese cuisine, from tempuras and tataki to sushi and sashimi. Treat culinary connoisseurs to a gift card or dining experience voucher. The experience menus are multi-course tasting menus, showcasing their stand-out dishes, with optional sake pairing.
Dinner out at The Chesil Rectory
A true Winchester icon, The Chesil Rectory is a 600-year-old, Grade-II listed Medieval building - and also a great place to enjoy fine dining and British classics. Purchase a gift card and give someone the ultimate foodie gift of a really special meal out. (Pictured)
Lunch at Hambledon Vineyard
Gift lunch for two at Hambledon Vineyard's amazing on-site restaurant which has stunning views over the vines. The menus are seasonal and champion locally-sourced ingredients. You can buy a gift voucher for lunch (mid-week or a Sunday lunchtime). Add a tour of the vineyard with a wine tasting experience for an extra-special present.
For families and kids
A day out with Thomas
Everyone's favourite tank engine makes an appearance on The Watercress Line every May, taking passengers along the railway for a day of Sodor-inspired fun. Book tickets in advance as a gift, for something magical to look forward to.
Penguin feeding at Marwell Zoo
Children (aged 8 and older) can get up close to some of Marwell Zoo's animals at feeding time, from penguins to giraffes. The feeding experience also includes entry to the zoo so it's a full day out for animal-lovers. Tickets for general entry would also make a great present. (Pictured)
Cupcake decorating masterclasses
BellaCrafts is a local, independent shop which offers craft activities and workshops for children and adults. Make a crafter’s day by signing up to one of their classes, from cupcake decorating and jewellery-making to glass painting and pottery.
For drink connoisseurs
Gin cocktail masterclasses
Book a loved one onto one of Bombay Sapphire's gin cocktail masterclasses in their pretty distillery, just outside Winchester. They could also take a tour of the distillery and follow it up with a visit to their on-site bar (for a G&T, naturally) and cinema. (Pictured)
Vineyard tours (and tastings!)
Buy a voucher for a vineyard and winery tour and tasting at The Grange, just outside Winchester, for the wine-lover in our life. You can also buy gift vouchers to be put towards tours, tastings and even cream teas, at Raimes, for wine tasting and dinner experiences at Wickham Estate or for tours at Exton Park vineyard and Hambledon Vineyard.
Latte art courses
You know that friend who is really, really into coffee? Send them to Winchester Coffee School, where they can perfect their home barista skills. Also check out tours, tastings and courses at Moonroast and Kavi for the coffee-lovers in your life.
For history buffs
Winchester College tours
Tours of Winchester College’s original 14th-century campus run twice daily with more special interest tours, such as garden tours, war cloister tours and tours of the College's works of art and rare books that are not normally on public display. You can book tickets online months in advance, which would make a great gift for a history lover.
Entry to The Great Hall
The Great Hall, one of the finest surviving aisled halls of the 13th century, contains the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthurs Round Table, and is all that now remains of Winchester Castle. You can book tickets to visit in advance, and then the ticketholder is free to return as many times as they like for a year. (Pictured)
A ride aboard the Ale Train
The chance to sample local ales and beers while riding the rails on a vintage steam train, The Watercress Line's Ale Train services are always popular ones. Book a pal a spot on board, or buy a gift card and they can use it to book an array of events on the historic railway, from fine dining experiences to festive illuminations.
For relaxed vibes
Alfresco sauna experiences
Treat a loved one to a sauna sesh with rural views of St Catherine's Hill. Winchester Garden Spa is an alfresco wood-fired hot tub and sauna, with cold water dipping pool. Gift vouchers are available for shared or private sessions.
Soothing spa days
Gift the opportunity to fully relax, for hours, while wearing a fluffy spa robe and listening to the rise and fall of soothing spa music. The ideal gift for that frazzled person in your life who deserves some down time. You can book spa days, spa breaks or buy gift vouchers for The Winchester Hotel Spa or Ana Spa at Voco (pictured).
Dreamy sound baths
Buy a gift card for New Energy Yoga and the lucky recipient can book onto one of their workshops, which range from relaxing sound baths to invigorating breathwork workshops and restorative yin yoga sessions.
For culture lovers
Shows at Theatre Royal Winchester
Give the gift of live performance with a gift voucher for Play to the Crowd, allowing them to come and see a show at Theatre Royal Winchester that they'll really enjoy. They'll be able to pick from touring productions, music nights, stand-up comedy, panto and more.
Indie theatre at The Nutshell
Buy a friend a night out at Winchester's indie theatre. Jazz nights, comedy, alternative bingo evenings and independent productions are on the calendar at The Nutshell. There's also a sweet array of kids shows on offer year round. (Pictured)
Talks and workshops at The Arc
Comedy, talks, workshops and live music performances are put on at The Arc, perfect for any curious creative type. You can also give someone the gift of a new skill: The Arc also run printmaking workshops, paint and sip sessions and more.
For crafters and DIY-ers
Watercolour workshops
Looking for creative experiences in the heart of Winchester? The Colour Factory run one-off workshops and longer courses on subjects like watercolour skills, ring carving and wreath making. You can buy gift vouchers which can be spent on workshops run by resident artists.
Pottery throwing courses
Design Junction was dreamt up University of Southampton students Jake and Amy who wanted to build a welcoming community where creatives can learn together. The studio is a hub of creativity, offering pottery and rug tufting workshops to beginners and experts alike. (pictured)
Cookery lessons at Lainston House
Book a friend onto one of the courses at Season, Lainston House's start-of-the-art cookery school. Run by expert chefs, the courses teach attendees skills from baking and knife skills to cooking perfect souffles! You can buy vouchers for full-day cookery classes and more.
For couples
A romantic stay at Avington Lakes
Contribute to an extra-special night away with an Avington Lakes gift voucher. It can be spent on a night in a dreamy cabin or shepherd's hut for a weekend of wild swimming, cycling, kayaking and enjoying the lakeside sauna.
Cocktails and nibbles at Cabinet Rooms
Buy a voucher for Cabinet Rooms, which can be used for a romantic evening of cocktails and bar snacks, for a slow morning brunch or for tickets to the intimate cinema screening room downstairs.
A game of interactive darts
Give the gift of an action-packed date night, with a voucher for a game of interactive darts at Turkish restaurant Turkuaz.
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