We love March, it means we are officially in Spring! Cold and flu season is over, the flowers are blooming, the trees are in blossom and the sun is making an appearance through the clouds. Did you know that the 19th of this month is known as the start of the ‘vernal equinox’. Simply put, it's when the sun is directly above the equator and the day and night are exactly the same length, this only happens twice a year! There are so many wonderful things about March, and we love Easter so much, it's not even bunny! (sorry, we couldn’t resist!)
We invite you to celebrate with us! We have cherrypicked just a few of our fave' local happenings that we thought you could partake in during your stay. We should also mention that we are seriously egg-cited to offer you 20% off selected short breaks throughout March – just a little frosting on the proverbial Easter cake!
How to celebrate Easter in Winchester:
There’s a huge variety of family days out during the easter holidays and over the Easter Weekend itself. For instance, the ‘Record-breaking Birds Egg Hunt’ at Gilbert White’s House is an egg hunt like no other! Scour the grounds in search of the precious bird eggs, once all 10 have been found and matched to the right bird and the right fun-fact you can claim your very own egg of the chocolate variety!
Once you are egg-hausted from hunting from eggs with the little ones, why not switch it up and join The Great Easter Bonnet Hunt at Jane Austen’s house and gardens? This takes place over the Easter weekend and offers a lovely opportunity to explore the stunning grounds in the fresh air, find the hidden bonnets and then design your own to be added to the Bonnet Wall of Fame!
There will be fun for the whole family onboard the Easter Bunny Train at The Railway Station Alresford, full of arts and crafts, themed activities, songs, (singing encouraged) and special selfie-spots dotted around to remember the day. Hop, skip and jump your way around the station to enjoy a morning full of excitement.
Winchester’s Easter Bunny Hop Trail is another must do family activity! Winchester city centre will be split into 9 areas, each has its own Easter-themed word displayed in shop windows ready to be discovered. Use the map to guide you (free to download or pick up at the Visitor Centre), once all the words have been found, hand in your completed trail sheet to any of these locations: Visitor Information Centre, The Arc or Winchester City Museum and collect your treat!
Where to eat for Easter lunch?
You will be spoilt for choice with so many different cuisines and varied venues to decide between. From cosy pubs to Michelin starred restaurants and al fresco dining to the family friendly culinary experience. We recommend a trip to Brasserie Blanc Winchester for a sumptuous lunch. You can select from the children’s menu, a la carte, dessert and of course a Sunday menu full of seasonal favourites. Tempted by a traditional roast this Easter? This is the place to be!
Greens Bar and Kitchen are a family-run independent business in the heart of Winchester’s city, it’s warm and welcoming atmosphere provide the perfect setting for a family meal whether you are in the mood for light nibbles of something heartier. Finish with homemade cakes and a delicious choice of desserts! (Remember to save room for the easter eggs you no doubt have hidden in the cupboards of your luxury lodge!)
Our Cathedral is famous for its history, architecture and the stunning halls and grounds open to the public, but how about Easter Lunch at Winchester Cathedral?! The Cathedral Refectory team will provide a delicious carvery this Easter Sunday and the Cathedral will provide an impressive backdrop for the occasion. Remember to pre-book to avoid disappointment!
Why not let Rick Stein cook for you and your loved ones this Easter? This family-friendly restaurant, catering to both adults and children, is famous for its ‘taste of Cornwall’ with fresh fish and steaks and the addition of mac and cheese for the younger pallet. A delicious way to spend Easter!
Did you know that it is National Puppy Day on March 23rd? Yes! It’s an actual day observed each year to recognise the unconditional love and affection puppies in all shapes and sizes bring to our lives. We love puppies, but we also know that pups of all ages bring that same love and completeness to a family, which is why we offer dog friendly accommodation! We think a holiday should be enjoyed in every possible way, with the whole pack. We have woodlands right on our doorstep with trails to follow, falling leaves to bark at and scurrying squirrels for our trusted canines to protect us from!
Whatever you choose to do this Easter we would love to be your home from home. Our accommodation is warm and welcoming, with all the mod-cons and Wi-Fi, all housed in natural surroundings right near a champion golf course. We are 3 miles from the city centre which means you can enjoy as much of the activities and entertainment as you like and still be far enough away to feel totally transported. We humbly suggest that you will feel refreshed and happy, and we would love to welcome you and your family again and again!
Check out our availability and special offers here!