Are you feeling the Christmas rush?
This is the perfect time to get away from it all, take a breather and also do your Christmas shopping while you’re at it!
We have some great suggestions for you below, as well as some ideas for if you’re visiting with children…
If you’re travelling as a couple or with friends…
Day one...
The golden hues of autumn are still with us with rustling leaves underfoot and ochre lowlights framing the picturesque scene of our beautiful city. If you are hankering for a mini break before Christmas is in full force, then we would love to look after you at South Winchester Lodges. There is plenty to see and do during your stay.
You could begin with breakfast in your lodge followed by a journey into Winchester to visit Winchester Cathedral. It has a little something for everyone, from the stunning architecture, the famous artwork adorning the walls, the tomb of Jane Austen and even King Arthurs Arthurian Round Table in the Great Hall. Soak up the history before some gift shopping at the Winchester Christmas Market – recognised as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe! Absorb the last of the days sun as you meander arm in arm on your way to The Wykeham Arms – one of our cosiest pubs (voted town pub of the year 2018). Try the famous “Wyk” pie and partake in a beverage or two in front of the open fire. This is how we roll in Winchester! Then back to your toastie warm log cabin for a nightcap.
Day two...
Since you have visited the history and culture inside, it’s time to enjoy the milder weather outside before winter really kicks in – how about a visit to the New Forest National Park? Did you know this was once a hunting ground for William the Conqueror? It is a truly stunning location with a mix of evergreen and colour changing deciduous leaves everywhere you look – you will feel like you are in a painting. Once you have worked up a sufficient appetite perhaps visit one of the welcoming tea rooms. Indulge in afternoon tea, steaming pots of British tea fogging up the windows whilst you enjoy lashings of clotted cream and still-warm-from-the-oven scones. Time to head home, slip in the hot tub, and let the bubbles sooth you. Night night!
Day three...
A relaxing night was had, yes? Let’s go and put some colour in your cheeks – we cannot think of a finer way than to don your coats and tread the romantic footsteps of Keats himself. You will be surrounded by the most breath-taking views, the very scenery that inspired the poet to write ode To Autumn. Its roughly a 2-mile trip so be sure to wear comfy shoes or boots. There are plenty of things to discover along the way, but we will leave that to you! After exploring the hidden nooks and crannies hidden amongst the trees, enter a haven from the cold in the charming and historic Chesil Rectory restaurant – this 600-year-old grade II listed building is the second most photographed in Winchester! (phones at the ready folks!). It is famed for Its Great British Dining using sumptuous local ingredients and made all the more cosy with its beautiful fireplaces. For the final time on this trip, return to your log cabin and sink into your bed feeling more relaxed than you can imagine.
If you’re travelling with children…
Day one...
Are the kids excited for Christmas? You are going to have so much fun exploring all the festive season has to offer in Winchester! Our family lodges come ready for your little ones with travel cots, bed guards, highchairs and safety measures – so the room you save in your suitcase can be filled with treasures found in Winchester!
Begin your family day out with a trip to Winchester City Museum, Westgate Museum and the Great Hall – all highly interactive and within walking distance of each other - the perfect starting place while the clouds clear. As the sun makes an appearance it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside – how about some otter spotting at Winchester City Mill? These otters arrived in 1994 and have really made themselves at home – if they appear to be hiding, you can see their antics through the observation equipment. The Mill is also home to water voles, kingfishers and wagtails! While away the afternoon under the watery blue sky until little cheeks are rosy and little feet ache! After all that walking and fresh air its time to head back, get into your PJs, have a family snuggle on the sofa with an old family favourite on the DVD player and enjoy the supper you pre-ordered from the supermarket. (because your feet ache too!).
Day two...
Wake up in your comfy beds, have a light breakfast in your private kitchen and then pop on your jackets because We’re going to the zoo, zoo, zoo! Marwell Zoo to be precise! Visit 100s of animals in the 140-acre park and enjoy the live feeds and talks. If it starts to get a bit nippy, pop into the café for a hot chocolate and snack before your little ones tackle the monkey bars and slides at the adventure playground. If your hands need to be warmed up too then visit the new Tropical House when you can meet the resident two toed sloth, pygmy marmosets, birds, butterflies and other tropical species. If after all that running around (kids and adults alike) you feel you need a little sugary pick-me-up then why not visit The Sweet Lounge – because ice cream, crepes, waffles and steamy cups of coffee are a prerequisite of a every mini break in autumn!
Day three...
Day three – This is why you saved room in your suitcases! Until 22nd December, Winchester Cathedral presents its Christmas Market – recognised as one of the top 8 in the whole of Europe! Don’t worry about breakfast, as you wander around the gift stalls and browse the decorations it would be very hard to resist the festive foods on offer. Visit over 100 beautiful wooden chalets and find unique presents for the whole family. Once the kids have gotten through their spending money how about a gentle foray onto the open-air ice rink? Despite the mornings excursions you have all been sufficiently refuelled by the festive foods, and now want to use the last of your energy – so spend it in the glorious outdoors exploring the nature trails and woodlands in the picturesque scenes that surround your lodge; because you don’t want to have to travel far when your energy is spent!
See you soon!