Best family days out in Winchester

Look no further than Winchester district for a fantastic family adventure

Marwell Autumn 09
A whirlwind family adventure hits our screens on 8 November. Paddington in Peru sees our favourite behatted bear return to his Aunt Lucy with the Brown family in tow. However, a mystery plunges them all into an unexpected journey. If you are feeling inspired to take the whole family on their bear-y own adventure, look no further than Winchester!
Marwell Zoo

Get up-close to the animals of Darkest Peru at Marwell Zoo! Humboldt penguins, bush dogs and coppery titi monkeys are just some of the animals who call this 140-acre park their home. After a day of meeting Paddington’s Peruvian friends, be sure to explore one of the 5 adventure play areas or grab a bite to eat from the café. Until 26 November, day ticket prices are only £10! 

878 AD

An immersive experience for all the family, discover early medieval Wessex and the sights, sounds and smells of Anglo-Saxon Winchester at 878 AD. Discover the stories of Winchester's Anglo-Saxon people with interactive, live performances. Have a go at interactive activities and games for all ages. Explore the lost buildings of Anglo-Saxon Winchester with 878 AD: Winchester Revealed, the augmented reality app. Even better, you can unlock the treasures of Winchester with the Super Explorer ticket. The whole family can enjoy 12 months of unlimited visits to four of the city’s top historic attractions for only £69.50!

Zoo Photographer Credit Paul Collins Mother and daughter in ponchos 1
Winchester Science Centre

Get hands on with science and nature on an interactive family adventure at Winchester Science Centre. Watch as science comes to life through explosive shows and huge ‘don’t try this at home’ demos. Meet the minibeasts of the South Downs National Park in Bio:Space. And blast off on an unforgettable journey through space in the Planetarium - one of the largest in the UK. If you book your tickets seven or more days in advance you can save 20%!

The Watercress Line

All aboard The Watercress Line! Let off steam and travel by lovingly restored steam trains through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside. It’s the perfect way to unwind and witness the sights, sounds, smells and magic of steam travel from a bygone age. Families can travel together from £36.35, so go full steam ahead and book now.

Watercress line ROPLEY23 RS
St Catherine’s Hill

Enjoy a scenic and child-friendly circular walk around the city and St Catherine’s Hill. From the city centre, ramble along the River Itchen and up the wooden steps of the hill. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Winchester as well as the turf ‘mizmaze’ – one of only eight in England!

Everyman Cinema

As the grand finale of your Winchester adventure, sit back on plush sofas and watch one unfold on the big screen. Everyman Cinema, a converted church in the heart of the city, screens latest releases and classics. You and the whole family can enjoy Paddington in Peru from 8 to 14 November.

St Catherines Hill South Downs credit to South Downs National Park Authority
Looking for somewhere to eat with the family? While you might not find any marmalade sandwiches on the menu, Winchester has a whole host of family-friendly cafes and restaurants serving up delicious meals.
Three Joes Pizza

Three Joes is a charming restaurant overlooking Winchester Cathedral. They offer seriously tasty sourdough pizza, local craft beer, cocktails, milkshakes and a fantastic Mini Three Joes menu for kids.

St James Tavern

Nestled in the heart of Winchester, the St James Tavern is the quintessential local pub and the perfect spot for a family meal (furry friends included)! It offers a delightful mix of entertainment and good food, including a kids menu, lunchtime bites and a mouth-watering Sunday roast. For a livelier night, be sure to join the locals for the Tuesday Night Quiz, have a boogie to contemporary jazz performances, or try your luck at one of the monthly bingo nights! Check out their Instagram for the next date for the diary.

Piecaramba

Serving award-winning gluten free pies, Piecaramba is an all-round crowd pleaser. With over 20 flavours of pie and mash on offer, including kid’s pies for ‘the mini heroes’, this quirky and fun restaurant is sure to serve up the perfect fuel for a Winchester adventure.

Three Joes pizza

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