After all the festive frolics you may be feeling a little blue, let us at once alleviate the worry about what to do and how to fill the month with some wonderful activities and great food! We have things for families, for couples and for group staycations, and these are just the tip of the iceberg!
1 – It’s a brand-new year, why not start it with blowing away the 2022 cobwebs and replacing it with natural beauty, gentle exercise, and a whole lot to explore! We have a plethora of nature’s finest locations a mere stone’s throw from your luxury lodge. For instance:
- Winchesters Tree Trail – Walk amongst the giants that have seen more changes of the seasons than any of us. Did you know Winchester is home to over 20 species of trees? From local seedlings to the great Judas trees with it deep pink flowers?
Address: Visitor Information Centre, Guildhall Winchester, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH
- Gilbert White’s House and Gardens – This lovingly restored house and its surrounding gardens echo White’s vision as he wrote The Natural History of Selbourne; why not absorb the beautiful scenery and take a picnic as you relax?
Address: High Street, Selborne GU34 3JH
- South Downs National Park – No trip to Winchester is complete without venturing out to visit this stunning countryside with its various flora and fauna. There are marked trails to follow, or you can simply follow your own footsteps and see which breath-taking view you end up looking at!
Address: Begin at Winchester City Mill, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9BH
2 – We have handpicked some exciting events in Winchester happening only in January, will you pick one or experience them all?
- High Jinx Magic & Illusion Family Show (21st Jan) – This fun-filled, fast-paced family performance is full of tricks, illusions, and circus stunts, sure to thrill even the most sceptical of audiences!
Address: Theatre Royal Winchester 21-23 Jewry Street Winchester SO23 8SB
- Premier View: Anne Sharp’s Emma at Chawton House (26th Jan) – To celebrate Chawton’s 20th anniversary, be part of a unique experience as you will be amongst the first to see Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ before it is released for public display. Enjoy drinks and canapés too!
Address: Chawton House Chawton GU34 1SJ
- Starchitects (27th & 28th Jan) – This exciting mix of modern digital projections and dance (circus style) tells a story perfect for escapism for all ages, with a classic ‘will they, won’t they’ to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Address: Theatre Royal Winchester 21-23 Jewry Street Winchester SO23 8SB
- Zero Degrees (28th Jan – 20th Feb) – If the kids (or adults!) are not quite ready to say goodbye to the magic of winter wonderlands, splashes of colour and the feelings of whimsy, then look no further than this immersive scientific experience. From indoor Northern Lights to hands on experiments!
Address: Winchester Science Centre Telegraph Way Winchester Hampshire SO21 1HZ SO21 1HZ
3 – Still in hyperdrive after Christmas? Then we humbly invite you to slow the pace with a visit to our luxury lodges.
- Take refuge and let us look after you. How about a private hot tub, fully equipped kitchen, private parking, private decked balcony, and the option to book dinner delivered to your door, afternoon tea and even spa treatments that come to you!
Address: The Green, South Winchester Golf Club, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5SW
4 – Feeling hungry for tempting treats to tantalise your taste buds…without having to cook? Here are our top 4 places to try in January!
- The Old Vine (8 Great Minster Street, Winchester, SO23 9HA) – Having won Hampshire Hospitality Awards this is a great choice for a lingering lunch, from light bites to the heartier of winter warmers, and the menu changes monthly so there is always something new to try.
- Theatre Royal Winchester Cafe Bar (Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB) – Serving light bites and take aways, this ambient holding inside a heritage theatre is dog friendly, so the whole family can indulge in tea and cake together.
- Bangkok Bistro (33 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY) – If you are in the mood for something a little more exotic, this foodie haven specialises in Thai cuisine using local ingredients! Expect dinner with a twist!
- Hotel du Vin Winchester (Southgate Street, Winchester, SO23 9EF) – Classic French home style cooking where taste and presentation meet perfection, a beautiful choice for the romantic weekenders!
5 – How about some free family fun? A great way to entertain (and wear out) the kids whilst staying in a private luxury home from home!
- Royal Armouries – Fort Nelson (Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Portchester, Fareham, PO17 6AN) – If you have a budding Sea Captain in your ranks, we highly recommend a visit. From the history of artillery to hundreds of historic items on display, great for a rainy day!
- Follow in the footsteps of King Alfred (Winchester Visitor Information Centre, Guildhall Winchester, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH) – Tour through Winchester and seek out some of the most historic landmarks we have to offer, simply begin and the statue of King Alfred and off you go!
- Winchester’s Military Quarter (Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO23 8TS) – Where else in the world will you find 6 museums all within a hop, skip and a jump of each other? Visit one or two to while away an afternoon or make a whole day out of it and visit all 6!
We hope you find these suggestions useful, there is so much more to see and do in Winchester, book now and start the new year with a bang!
For more information and exploration into our city’s activities, visit the Facebook Community Group Windependents. To check out our lodges and availability click here.