If the new year has inspired you to get creative and try something new then Winchester district has so much to offer.
Whether you are looking to get stuck into a short course, tackle a one-off project, or take on a year of experiences, there is so much choice across the Winchester district. From pottery to painting, singing to stone carving, museums to musicals, there is something to suit every taste.
Get hands-on
Looking to kick start the year with a short course or weekend workshop? – check out our top picks for early 2025:
The Colour Factory offer a variety of six-week courses in drawing, painting, and mixed media. They also do one-off workshops in Jewellery making, watercolours, copper crafting and much more. Based at The Lodge, Gordon Road, they are just a short walk from the High Street.
The Granary Creative Arts Centre in Brockwood is offering stone-carving and copper sculpting workshops. These all-day workshops offer you the chance to sculpt a piece of stone or copper under expert tuition, bringing your ideas to life in a material that is designed to last. Beginners and experienced artists alike are welcome!
This February, join novelist Judith Heneghan and director Tim Fywell for an all-day workshop at the Arc, and explore what writers can learn by approaching a fictional scene as a film director might. Consider colour, costume and lighting, wide angles and close-up, and how viewers 'read' and remember a character or become immersed in a scene.
Join a club
For time with like-minded individuals, making and creating in relaxed atmospheres , why not join one of these clubs?
Southern Bookcrafts is a friendly, accessible club that specialises in providing comprehensive equipment, materials and training for members to develop their bookcraft skills. Anything from leather bound books, notebooks, journals, boxes and slipcases, photo albums right through to design-led books.
Join the (Amazing) Fusion Choir on Friday afternoons at St Barnabas Church, Weeke, for singing simply for joy! If you are looking for a technically perfect choir, this is not for you. If you are looking for a choir that spreads joy and sounds amazing, look no further. No auditions, no need to read music, simply sing to uplift and heal.
In 2025, Winchester Life Drawing Club is taking over the Arc twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays) to bring Life Drawing into the library. At each two-hour session, Winchester Life Drawing Club will guide you through an untutored life drawing class - they will set the poses and timings whilst you are encouraged to get creative independently. Materials are provided.
Swan Samba is a drumming and movement group open to all abilities and ages 11+, based in Swanmore. The band plays a fusion of samba styles, influenced by samba reggae, funk, maracatu, ragga and more. The group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings and aims to provide accessible, enjoyable drumming experiences while supporting community wellbeing.
Go and see
More of a “hands-off” person who’d just like to see, rather than participate? We’ve got you covered.
If theatre and dance are your thing then head to Theatre Royal Winchester or The Nutshell. Theatre shows, comedy nights, music performances and more all available at prices to suit any budget. Mainstream to quirky, contemporary to classic, child-friendly or adult only, there is a huge variety on offer all year round.
Did you know we have over 35 museums across the Winchester district? Experience a living historic railway at The Watercress Line in Alresford, discover military history at Fort Nelson in Porchester or visit one of the five military museums in the city centre. Be immersed in Saxon England at 878AD, or witness electrifying experiments at the Winchester Science Centre. The choices are endless… don’t forget to book in advance to secure the best ticket prices!
Winchester district hosts a wide variety of festivals covering a range of themes from street performance, opera, film, poetry, music, comedy, and food and drink. This year we welcome two new festivals to the city – RAW festival, a celebration of contemporary performance at the end of March, and The Garden Festival, exploring all things green and horticultural in June. Visit our Festivals in Winchester pages to find out more about the exciting range of festivals on offer in 2025.
Drop-in creativity
Haven’t got the time to commit to a regular hobby but love to get creative ad-hoc? Take a look at these creative hang-outs.
BellaCrafts at Kings Walk in the city centre is open daily for you to get your crafting fix. You can take part in a number of daily craft activities, browse their charming shop full of crafty treasures and under 5s can have fun in their soft play area. The tea rooms provide tea and cakes, lunch and afternoon tea too. They have a function room and can even come to you on a special occasion!
If you are in Wickham and looking to pick up some supplies, explore art and home décor, get a pet portrait, or even take part in a workshop, then look no further than Wild Art Gallery. Browse the gallery and see work from local artists on display, pick up a craft kit to try at home, or stock up on your favourite paints. Art enthusiasts are sure to spend more time than they realise in this local independent store.
Open to seeing where the day takes you? Why not head to the Arc where you can choose between literature, live performance and visual art. Select a book from the library shelves, see what is on offer in the performance space or take in one of the beautiful exhibitions. Extend your stay with a look around the shop or a bite to eat in the café, there may even be a special interest group meeting that could be just what you are looking for!
