The grey skies are etched in blue, the suns warmth is filtering down and a few of the braver little crocuses and daffodils are peeking out of the ground. We smell spring in the air! One of our favourite seasons with its gentle breeze, promises of playing in the garden, shedding of the winter coats, and the joy of witnessing new life and colour as they dapple the memories of winter.
We think that Spring with its connotations of news beginnings, embracing the great outdoors and its sweet fruits adds up to a perfect time to get away and enjoy this much sought after transition towards the warmer months. We offer mid-week breaks, short and long stay accommodation and all in luxury surrounds hidden away in ancient woods with spectacular scenery yet only 3 miles from the centre of town.
There is something for everyone in and around Winchester, below we have selected our top 3 choices for activities this Spring!
Here in Winchester, we have a special connection to Jane Austen; she spent the last 8 years of her life right here and, due to special family connections rather than her writing ability, she was afforded a place of honour inside Winchester Cathedral where she was buried. When you meander the countryside, you can almost see Elizabeth Bennett muddying her boots and layers of her petticoat as she obtained a controversial rosy-cheeked glow, most unladylike at the time!
Austen’s Winchester home was turned in to a museum which you can visit today, rich with her great works that we know and love. Running until April this year is a wonderful exhibit of the Making of Pride and Prejudice, (although no Mr Darcy’s emerging from the local River Itchen or near by pond we are sorry to say!). Instead, this exhibit showcases a cornucopia of Pride and Prejudice material, from first editions, to the very first publication and a look at the various later editions and incarnations, in our humble opinion, “Nothing could be more delightful!”
Something we love in Winchester is fresh produce! There are so many local suppliers and business that contribute to the overall ambience and experience of Winchester, not least is our monthly Farmers Market! Beginning at the end of Feb and visiting twice in March (and throughout the year) is our award-winning market where farmers and growers showcase their wares in full colour and rich, earthy smells.
Peruse the 30 plus stalls selling an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, beer, and a huge choice of meat. Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you will also be able to taste some of freshest produce the UK has to offer, right here in our fair city. What will adorn your table after visiting?
We have lots of local wildlife to see, from King Fishers to otters and water voles to rabbits. You can take in the scenery on one of our many walking trails as we are happily situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Our website has a few more suggestions of idyllic places where you can enjoy the great outdoors as Spring comes into bloom.
A visit to Marwell Zoo is a great opportunity to be outside, take a picnic or grab a snack from the café and simply enjoy the chance to be outside without the threat of frost bite! With hundreds of animals (feline, reptilian, of the bird variety and much much more!) There is so much ground to cover that you can even download an app to make sure you don’t miss any of the must-sees!
We cannot tell you just how wonderful Winchester is in the Spring. Whether you want to be outside, dining in, enjoying luxury pamper treatments in your lodge, exploring the paths less trod or walking in the well-known footsteps of the greats, we invite you to stay with us during your adventure. Click here for our special offers, including mid-week breaks and longer let packages to suit your every whim! We can’t wait to see you!