Free things to do in and around Winchester this Autumn and Winter
Winchester has a lot to offer, and not all of it costs a fortune to do.
Winchester Christmas lights switch on
Celebrate the start of the festive period and join Heart Radio’s Rich Clarke, who will be hosting an evening of live entertainment and fun, with the city’s wonderful Christmas lights being switched on by local Winchester heroes nominated by members of the public. You can nominate your local hero by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WTBDSHW The closing date for nominations is Friday 2nd November 2018. The event starts at 4pm on 15th November 2018.
Winchester Cathedral Chrismtas Market
This years Cathedral Chrsitmas Market runs from 17th November until 20th December 2018. Now in its 13th year and recognised as one of the best in Europe and renowned for its spectacular location, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market brings high quality exhibitors, wonderful Christmas gifts and an abundance of festive foods. All the exhibitors have been hand-picked for their interesting, high quality and unique products many of which can’t be bought on the high street and there is an open air ice rink in the centre. Located in the beautiful Cathedral's Close, you’ll find chalets selling festive favourites such as, mulled wine, bratwurst, mince pies and stollen.
Winchester Museums
Winchester is home to several free-to-enter museums, among which are the City Museum and Westgate Museum. Ideal for cultural and educational days out with the family, both venues invite you to immerse yourself in history and admire the vast array of fascinating artefacts on display. You can also wander around the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, the former castle that once stood here in resplendent glory was previously home to wealthy and powerful Bishops. Perhaps its most distinguished moment came in 1554 when Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary of England had their wedding breakfast here before proceeding to Winchester Cathedral, located next door, for their official wedding ceremony Today its remnants attract large numbers of visitors each year thanks to its intriguing history and beautiful setting.
Deer viewing at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Spotting deer in the New Forest isn't always easy, but at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary there is a purpose built viewing platform overlooking a large meadow area where a herd of fallow deer regularly gather. While the deer sanctuary is the main attraction at Bolderwood, there are also graded walks and a large picnic area amongst the tall trees, alongside which is a New Forest information cabin (not always open) manned by a Forest Ranger. The picnic area also has decent toilet facilities.
Southampton City Art Gallery
The gallery, based in Southampton’s Civic Centre opened in 1939. The art gallery attracts art-lovers, curious amateurs as well as those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a gallery. Southampton City Art Gallery offers the opportunity to enjoy high quality exhibitions ranging from painting, sculpture and drawing, to photography and film, as well as permanent collection and displays that change regularly to ensuring new experiences with each visit. Free to enter and conveniently located right next to SeaCity Museum, the venue caters for families. You can enjoy gallery trails through the exhibitions, monthly art clubs and a fantastic range of activities for all ages.
Connect with nature at St Catherine’s Hill
One of the great things about Winchester is how you can take a short able from the hustle and bustle of the high street and before long be immersed in a tranquil and picturesque rural scene. Even better, to do so is completely free of charge. One of the city’s most scenic spots is St Catherine’s Hill, a 58 hectare flower-rich chalk grassland with an abundance of wild flowers and butterflies offering spectacular views over Winchester, the Itchen Valley and the surrounding countryside.
Outdoor Activities in the South Downs
Skirting alongside the lovely Meon Valley, the Hampshire South Downs also include the pretty village of Selborne and Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Walk, cycle or ride on horseback along the 101 mile South Downs Way and enjoy the wonderful, rolling countryside, described by Bill Bryson as 'some of England's finest'.