Things to do when the skies turn grey and the rain starts to fall.
When the skies turn grey and the rain starts to fall, Winchester transforms into a cosy haven filled with delightful indoor activities. Here are the top ten things to do on a rainy day in Winchester to ensure you make the most of your visit.
Discover the Great Hall and King Arthur's Round Table
Step back in time at the Great Hall, home to the legendary King Arthur’s Round Table. This historic venue not only showcases medieval architecture but also offers an insight into Winchester’s rich heritage. The impressive Round Table and the beautiful Queen Eleanor's Garden are must-see attractions.
Plus, tickets include entry into the Westgate Museum which tells the story of the remarkable building and the history of Tudor and Stuart Winchester. It also offers unrivalled views over the city from its roof.
Step back in time at the City Museum
Located in the heart of Winchester, the City Museum provides a captivating journey through the city's history, from its Roman roots to the present day. Interactive exhibits, ancient artefacts and intriguing stories make this museum a wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon.
Have an action-packed day out at Winchester Science Centre
Perfect for families, the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium offers a hands-on learning experience. With over 100 interactive exhibits, live science shows and an incredible planetarium, it’s an engaging way to keep both kids and adults entertained indoors.
Find out more about Winchester Science Centre
Settle down with a book at The Arc
Curl up with a good book in the library section of The Arc, it not only offers a vast collection of books, but The Arc also hosts regular events, children’s holiday activities, exhibitions and workshops. It is an ideal spot to relax and let the rain pass. Why not take your book into the café and enjoy some lunch while you are reading?
Explore Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a treasure trove of history. Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating past, admire the stunning stained-glass windows step into the crypt and reflect on one of the world’s most loved female writers as you look over the Jane Austen memorial. The cathedral's tranquillity offers a perfect escape from the rain.
Immerse yourself in Anglo-Saxon Winchester at 878 AD
Be transported back to 878 AD, the time of Anglo-Saxon Winchester, where live performances bring the everyday stories of the residents to life. Try your hand at Anglo-Saxon games and take on the quest to reveal the hiding places of precious objects with the children’s trail and Side Quests. Afterwards step into the streets of Winchester to continue your journey of discovery with 878 AD: Winchester Revealed, the augmented reality app, available for download during your visit to the attraction.
Explore Winchester’s Military Museums
Winchester’s Military Quarter is a grouping of six regimental museums situated within yards of each other on a historic site, close to the city centre of Winchester. The site is the old Peninsular Barracks, a Victorian complex that is the historic home of the Rifle regiments and is adjacent to the Great Hall. Each museum offers a unique experience and has its own story to tell. There are fantastic collections of medals, paintings and military objects on display across the entire site.
Find out more about Winchester's Military Museums
Extend your day and visit the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, located just outside of the city centre which brings to life the fascinating story of how the Corps and its predecessors have supplied, fed, transported and supported the army for over three hundred years .
Visit the Royal Logistic Corps Museum
Fort Nelson is home to the national collection of artillery. Located on the edge of the district it is the place to visit big guns to learn about the intriguing history of artillery and how it has changed the nature of battles and affected the lives of many people between the 15th and 20th century.
8. Throw on your wet weather gear and enjoy a day out at Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is set within a stunning 140 acres and is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species. It is an enjoyable day out whatever the weather; so, throw on your wet weather gear and enjoy a day out.
9. Discover the ‘Great House’ referred to in Jane Austen’s letters
Chawton House once owned by Jane Austen's brother, offers a deep dive into the literary world of the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring Austen's works and those of her contemporaries, providing a fascinating indoor experience that celebrates one of England's greatest authors.
Couple your visit with a trip to Jane Austen’s House where you will step back in time to 1816 and follow in Jane’s footsteps; discovering the rooms where she lived and wrote and see her writing table, jewellery, letters and first editions of her novels up close.
10. Head to the Winchester Sport and Leisure Park
Perfect for rainy days (or cooling down in the summer) the Winchester Sport and Leisure Park at Bar End has a fifty metre eight lane swimming pool, a Top Rock Fun climbing facility plus an onsite café.
Winchester Sport and Leisure Park
Winchester offers a wealth of indoor activities that make even the rainiest day enjoyable. Whether you are interested in history, science, art, or simply relaxing, there's something for everyone. So, don your raincoat, grab an umbrella, and discover the cosy charm of Winchester on a rainy day.