Celebrate Father’s Day in Winchester

Sunday 16 June 2024

Visit Winchester would like to wish all families a happy Father’s Day. We’ve picked some real treats for that special person, whatever their interest, so you can enjoy a day out in the Winchester district together…

For the gardeners:

Gilbert White’s House and Gardens are hosting their Unusual Plants Fair this Father’s Day weekend. Explore the extraordinary array of plants on display, talk to experts, and treat yourself to the onsite BBQ, café and beer tent.

For more glorious greenery, be sure to visit Hinton Ampner House and Gardens. This stunning National Trust property is just a stone’s throw from Winchester and offers one of the finest examples of 20th century garden design.

For the artists:

HEARTH is a site-specific installation at The Arc by local artist Suna Imre that acknowledges the precarious nature of our relationship with the Earth and the need to collectively bring about positive change, whilst simultaneously celebrating the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

As a free companion exhibition, City Space brings together the work of six local artists who primarily paint plein air (outside). Esther Cornell, Dorothy Dent, Karen Popham, David Thomas, Paul Treasure and Michael Weller brave the elements to immerse themselves in the landscape, to gather their inspirations and connect with their subject.

For the historians:

To dive into Winchester’s Anglo-Saxon and medieval history, enjoy four historic attractions for the price of one with a super explorer ticket. Experience a multi-media immersion into Anglo-Saxon life at 878 AD, take a journey from the Iron Age to modern day at the City Museum, view the iconic Round Table in The Great Hall and discover Tudor and Stuart Winchester at the Westgate Museum. It is the perfect day out for every history buff.

For a glimpse of modern history, visit Fort Nelson for their D-Day 80 exhibition which looks at the role the local area played in the preparations for operation Overlord.

For the thespians:

Theatre Royal Winchester has The Magic of Terry Pratchett on 15 June, which explores the author’s life and work and celebrates the 40th anniversary of Discworld.

Theatre-mad dads will love a gift voucher they can use to pick a show of their choice at Theatre Royal Winchester. With drama, music, dance, comedy and more on offer, there’s bound to be something to put a smile on his face!

For the nature-lovers:

For the gorgeous vistas of the South Downs, venture along one of the many cycle and walking trails in the Winchester district. And whether you need a mountain bike for the South Downs Way, or a gravel bike for the King Alfred’s Way, Bespoke Biking have a great bike line up for you to choose from. If your trail takes you along St. Catherine’s Hill, be sure to grab a coffee at the Handlebar Café, a popular destination for cyclists and walkers! Or why not pick up one of the walking and cycling books available for sale in Winchester Visitor Information Centre – the perfect gift to entice cycling enthusiasts to explore the Winchester district by bike.

Situated in a 140-acre park, Marwell Zoo is home to 100s of animals and natural wonders. Explore the grounds, meet some furry friends, and learn about the conservation efforts of Marwell Wildlife, whose projects help conserve species and habitats all around the world.

Something different:

The Watercress Line have a new event for 2024 – All change. Join in the celebration of changes of this transformative era, honour the iconic vehicles, the timeless tunes that continue to inspire generations, and the last generations of steam train travel, reminding us of the enduring legacy of the 1950s and 1960s.

For music lovers, Winchester Science Centre have the ultimate concert experience in their Planetarium; Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon 50 years and Led Zeppelin.

For the foodies:

Treat your foodie friends and family to a meal at one of our Winchester independents! Supporting local talent – and tastes – is the best way to experience the city. Stop for a quick bite of Nepalese food at Marse, or a gourmet meal at Winchester’s most historic restaurant, The Chesil Rectory. Wash it all down at Inn the Park wine bar in Abbey Gardens, or cosy local favourite, The Old Vine.

Or enjoy a special Father’s Day at Lainston House.

Did you know that Bombay Sapphire Gin is distilled in the heart of Hampshire? For your cocktail connoisseurs, join the Discovery Experience at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Learn about the history of the Distillery, while enjoying complimentary cocktails and a tour from your Distillery Host. It’s bound to be a gin-credible time!

For the shoppers:

Whether you are buying for an aficionado (Hayward Guitars, Elephant Records), a trendsetter (99 Vintage, Bluberri, Sass & Edge) or a bookworm (Kingsgate Books & Prints, P & G Wells) you’ll find something unique and wonderful in one of Winchester’s independent hidden gems. Take a look at the FREE #IndieWinch Pocket Map to help you find your next purchase!

Still need a gift?

Don’t forget to pick up a locally made gift or Winchester souvenir from Winchester Visitor Information Centre.

For the planners:

If you’d like a bit more time to organise your trip to Winchester, find out what’s on this summer here. Make sure you keep up to date with latest news by subscribing to our Visit Winchester newsletter and following us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.