'Supporting people and places to drive growth' this English Tourism Week (14 - 23 March)
From businesses owners and and bus operators, to volunteers and visitors, celebrate the people that shape and grow the local visitor economy this English Tourism Week.
What is English Tourism Week?
English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, showcasing its importance to local communities and economies. The theme this year’s is ‘Supporting people and places to drive growth.’
Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries. This annual campaign, spearheaded by VisitEngland, raises awareness of the huge economic contribution of the English tourism sector to policy-makers and the media.
So, what does that mean for Winchester? Over eight million people visit the Winchester district every year, spending over £370 million in the local area and supporting over 5,760 jobs, both for local residents and those living nearby, making it one of Winchester’s largest and most valuable industries.
By engaging with Winchester's vibrant tourism offer during English Tourism Week, you are helping to bring recognition to the people and places that make Winchester a must-visit domestic travel destination. You are also ensuring that Winchester's visitor economy continues to thrive for future generations to enjoy.
Want to get involved? Find out what you can do to celebrate English Tourism Week in Winchester.
#EnglishTourismWeek
Stay in the heart of Hampshire
Situated in the picturesque South Downs National Park, Avington is a working family estate that invites you to enjoy the enchanting Hampshire countryside. Experience a property for all types of getaway, including a waterside retreat at Avington Lakes, a historic apartment at Avington Park, the rustic charm of a village cottage, or the cosy comfort of a room at The Chestnut Horse.
Lainston House is a historic Hampshire manor dating to the 17th century, with the foundations showing an earlier building dating back to medieval times! There’s adventure waiting in the wings of this classic country house including walking trails, fly fishing in the Test Valley, or getting creative in the kitchen with Season cookery school.
Nestled on West Street in the historic town of Alresford, The Swan Hotel has been a cornerstone of the community for over two hundred years. This charming family-run hotel offers a delightful blend of tradition and modern comfort. Explore the town, enjoy a meal in one of their cosy dining rooms and stay the night in one of their gorgeous suites.
Explore Winchester's rich heritage
Immerse yourself in the history of the city with an annual pass to Winchester Cathedral, which boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art.
Explore one of England's oldest schools with a Winchester College Tour. Running daily, the tours offer a remarkable insight into the architecture and history of the 14th century campus. Finish the tour with a visit to the free Treasury Museum.
Discover Winchester's most iconic historic venues with a Super Explorer Ticket, granting 12 months of access to four attractions in the heart of the city: discover early medieval Wessex and the sights, sounds and smells of Anglo-Saxon Winchester at 878 AD; see the iconic 13th century Great Hall; explore the history of Tudor and Stuart Winchester at The Westgate Museum; and uncover the story of the city at City Museum.
In 2025, Winchester is also celebrating Jane Austen 250. Find out what Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire Cultural Trust and Winchester College have planned to mark the 250th anniversary of this Hampshire-born novelist.
Indulge in delightful local flavours
Hampshire is known around the world for its wonderful selection of local producers. From watercress to sparkling wine, you can enjoy a tasting journey around the Winchester district.
The chalky slopes and low, warm, south facing valleys of Hampshire create the ideal conditions for growing grapes used in sparkling wine production. Explore some of the region's finest producers, Black Chalk, Danebury, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattingley, Pommery and Raimes.
From their site at Laverstoke Mill on the River Test, discover the great taste Bombay Sapphire Gin. With plenty of tours and events open to the public, you can experience cutting-edge technology and exotic botanicals right in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.
A stay in the city is not complete without a bite to eat at one of Winchester's independent cafes and restaurants. For a casual café with award-winning food, visit The Hatch. Browse eclectic vintage homewares while brunching at Projects. Or, experience an atmospheric dinner with unique cocktails, give Greens a try! Explore all independents food and drink spots here.
Discover breath taking countryside
Explore some of the gorgeous market towns and villages in Winchester district this week. With our guide to walking in Winchester, you'll find something for every type of walker.
Dog walkers can experience panoramic views of Winchester from St Catherine’s Hill, an iron age hill fort on the edge of the South Downs. At the summit, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the city, a copse of beech trees (the former site of a Norman chapel), and the 17th century turf ‘mizmaze’.
Discover Alresford, a Georgian town famous for its watercress, specialist shops, old-fashioned inns, and the Watercress Line steam railway, with The Millennium Trail & The Alre Valley. After your walk, hop aboard The Watercress Line at Alresford Station and enjoy travel on the heritage steam railway across the Hampshire countryside.
For experienced walkers, the South Downs Way is the perfect route to explore some of the country’s most breath-taking scenery. The first stretch of the Way is from Winchester to Exton, a quaint village nestled in the South Downs National Park. Find our top tips of places to stop and stay in the walking guide.
Soak up the vibrant cultural scene
At Winchester Cathedral, don't miss The Storytellers, a captivating light and sound installation celebrating the rich tapestry of literature, poetry, and the oral traditions. This event ends on 15 March, so be quick!
On Tuesday 18 March, catch a free lunchtime concert in the cathedral's Lady Chapel, from 1:15pm to 1:50pm. This week's concert will feature Emma Pang performing works by Haydn, Chaminade, Liszt and Chopin.
Theatre Royal Winchester presents a programme for all tastes! For smaller theatre-goers, Three Little Vikings save the day in this bold and funny adventure story for little rebels on 15 March. From 21 to 23 March, meet The Baddies in a wickedly hilarious adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit story.
Get musical with The Rock of Ages Experience on 14 March. Be transported through time as the band recreates the full 80s rock experience. Meanwhile, the musical theatre fans must see Dreamcoat Stars, the UK's biggest and best night of musical smash-hits in this star-studded concert.
Over at The Arc, see the final week of Hans Coper: Resurface, a rare ceramic mural by this iconic artist on public display for the first time. This exhibition ends on 26 March.
