Paris? Non, merci. Venice? No grazie. Winchester? Yes please! We have done Christmas, survived New Years and are currently in the looong month of January (you are smashing it by the way), we think there is no time like the present for a mid-week break to Winchester. Whatever the season, whatever the occasion, we humbly suggest that our fair city simply has it all. Food, festivals, comedians, history, modern art and the great outdoors! What’s more, we think Winchester is one of the most romantic places you can visit. Why? We are so glad you asked! (This is the part we like best).
Romantic history in Winchester…
Shall we begin somewhere around 1813 when everyone knew that "It [was] a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife”! Today you can visit Jane Austen’s house, which has since been converted into a museum where the walls witnessed the birth of her 6 beloved novels. Unfortunately, there is not a moat with Mr Darcy walking out, sorry!
How about Winchester Cathedral? Romance is positively woven throughout the cathedral in tapestries, stones carving and architecture. Did you know that Queen Mary Tudor wed King Philip II of Spain within the walls? The Cathedral also boasts the longest medieval nave in Europe, you can spend hours arm in arm strolling the corridors, taking in the rich history and whiling away the afternoon before stopping for tea and cake whilst enjoying the scenery. The Cathedral is wonderful at any time of the year and always worth a visit, luckily we are a mere hop, skip and jump away from our luxury cabins.
If you love poetry than walk in the footsteps of Keats who was so inspired by the stunning views and landscape here that he felt inspired to create his stunning ode 'To Autumn'. From the parks, countryside, woodland walks, and the vista from the top of St Catherines Hill, Clarendon Way and the South Downs, Winchester is the perfect setting for a romantic walk, meandering the hills and dales before stopping at some of the most welcoming pubs, bars and restaurants.
Cosy, perfect-for-sharing places to eat in Winchester…
Speaking of which, the Wykeham arms is an award-winning country pub, nestled perfectly between the Cathedral and the 14th century college and has some of the most romantic reviews. It presents, fresh, locally sourced delicious food all from one of the cosiest settings. Delicious!
Kyoto Kitchen is a fantastic dining experience, offering authentic Japanese cuisine, it’s a small establishment, very friendly and perfect to sit at a little table for two. Incidentally, this restaurant is located a mere 12 minute drive from the front door of your lodge, meaning you can be back ‘home’ to enjoy a nightcap and dessert in your luxury home from home without the commute.
We may be bias, but we think that perhaps the most romantic place of all to enjoy a meal for two is in a luxury lodge, fully furnished, surrounded by beautiful woodland, naturally all the mod-cons included and with the option of fresh food delivered to your door. You can choose from dine in menus, you can arrange flowers and champagne or even cream tea which you can enjoy at your leisure.
Why not try…
Taking in the scenery with a romantic sunset walk around Winchester. This is a self-guided tour so you can take it all in in your own time, you can download the tour map or pick one up from the visitor centre. You will discover truly tranquil spots with stunning views which we guarantee will leave you feeling happy and refreshed from the sheer simplicity of enjoyable time spent.
You can also embark on the Keats walk, again this is a self-guided tour which will take you through inspiring landscapes, breath-taking views before your feet find their way back to your home from home where you can warm your tootsies and enjoy relaxing.
Whether you decided to book a romantic trip for two or simply want to stay in luxury, surrounded by culture, art, entertainment and open countryside, we hope you choose us to make your stay unforgettable! Click here to check our availability, why not book now and begin planning your stay!