Insider Guide to Winchester: Weekend Break
We’re hoping you’ve brought the car because we’re sending you out and about around the wilds of Hampshire.
Insider Guide to Winchester
WEEKEND BREAK
We’re hoping you’ve brought the car because we’re sending you out and about around the wilds of Hampshire.
Head over to Stockbridge for some Test Valley charm. Coffee at Thyme and Tides or Meadow and a stroll along the River Test (one of the country’s most famous chalk streams) or book a wood fired sauna at Fallen Willow in nearby Cottonworth. Carolyn recommends Fallen Willow for cold water lake swimming and the Woodland Sauna for cold plunge pools and woodland walks.
We’ve planned an afternoon for you in Kingsclere. It’s a pretty drive if you go the back way (or quicker on the A34). Visit Jenna Burlingham Gallery. She deals in Contemporary and Modern British art and it’s arranged over the rooms and outbuildings of an old village house. Just lovely. And everyone who works there is great. Grab some little sharing plates at the Bel and the Dragon for lunch.
We’ve planned an afternoon for you in Kingsclere. It’s a pretty drive if you go the back way (or quicker on the A34). Visit Jenna Burlingham Gallery. She deals in Contemporary and Modern British art and it’s arranged over the rooms and outbuildings of an old village house. Just lovely. And everyone who works there is great. Grab some little sharing plates at the Bel and the Dragon for lunch.
Stay at Lainston House just outside Winchester for a country house feel (dinner there so you don’t have to drive) or the Black Hole in town if you’re looking for something more casual, and more central. Have dinner at The Pizza Tavern which is just down the road. Delicious wood-fire pizza and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be serenaded by co-owner Freddie on the piano. There are occasional open mic nights if you want to get involved.
Proper brunch to start the day at Greens and then we’re encouraging you to walk off the full English with a Tower Tour of the Cathedral (make sure to book in advance) which will give you a spectacular view of the city and quite the workout (it’s 213 steps up).
Proper brunch to start the day at Greens and then we’re encouraging you to walk off the full English with a Tower Tour of the Cathedral (make sure to book in advance) which will give you a spectacular view of the city and quite the workout (it’s 213 steps up).
Spend a gorgeous afternoon at Mottisfont Abbey for the famous rose gardens (home to the national collection of shrub roses) and Rex Whistler’s mural room. They’re open late in June and host jazz nights in the Summer.
If you’re feeling inspired by the florals, whizz to Stem and Green flower farm on your way back to pick your own beautiful bouquet. Just a note, their hours can be a little erratic so best check before you turn up. Quick fish and chip supper, with unlimited chips, at Shoal before heading back.
Spend a gorgeous afternoon at Mottisfont Abbey for the famous rose gardens (home to the national collection of shrub roses) and Rex Whistler’s mural room. They’re open late in June and host jazz nights in the Summer.
If you’re feeling inspired by the florals, whizz to Stem and Green flower farm on your way back to pick your own beautiful bouquet. Just a note, their hours can be a little erratic so best check before you turn up. Quick fish and chip supper, with unlimited chips, at Shoal before heading back.
