INSIDER GUIDE TO WINCHESTER
Relaxed Daytrip
Slow down and discover Winchester’s quieter pleasures, from historic streets and riverside walks to charming bookshops, leisurely pub dining and expertly mixed evening cocktails.
Make the day’s plans over brunch at Forte Kitchen. Tucked away on a little side street, this is a hidden gem, and perfect for a full English.
Head to the Deanery Bookstall for a browse of second hand books and a wander round the Cathedral Close (spot the Harry Potter, Les Mis and The Crown locations).
Enjoy some peace and quiet with a stroll in the Water Meadows (take Wharf Bridge across the Itchen for the prettiest views).
Head to The Chesil Rectory for a special lunch in one of Winchester’s most beautiful historic buildings. For a casual option, we also love Bento for sushi, bibimbap and bao (and Jo’s particularly delicious cookies. Ask Finn for details).
Check out P&G Wells award winning bookshop (it has a particularly good kids’ section), Kingsgate Wine for some proper independent shopping and swing by the house where Jane Austen died (we like to bring the cheer).
Pre-dinner cocktails at Cabinet Rooms. Owners Marcus and Gary are long-time friends of the shop and have run the bar at our occasional parties, so we can vouch for their mixing skills. Round off the day at the Wykeham Arms for a quintessential pub dinner in this iconic Winchester venue. If you’re interested, the chef was this year’s runner-up on MasterChef: The Professionals, so he knows his way round a pan-fried trout and a confit of rabbit.
