Things to do with kids in Winchester

Things to do with kids in Winchester

1. Do

   Abbey Gardens

   Located off the Broadway between King Alfred's statue and the rear of Winchester Cathedral. These are formal gardens through which the Itchen flows, and include a children's play area.

2. Eat

   Ask Pizza and Pasta

   This restaurant serves pizzas and pasta dishes in a relaxing, family friendly atmosphere. It is part of a nationwide chain; quality and price are set accordingly. It is in one of the oldest and most historic domestic buildings in the city.

   Daily noon-11PM·£20

3. See

   Twyford Waterworks

   A preserved Edwardian water pumping station open on selected dates throughout the year where visitors can see how water was pumped by steam, diesel and electrically powered engines. There is also a set of lime kilns, water softening works, industrial railway and an extensive nature trail.

   Adults £4.00, children free

4. See

   Westgate Museum

   The other of the two surviving medieval gateways. Interesting graffiti carved into the walls and floor from its use as a debtor's prison from the 16th–18th centuries. Contains unique collection of the city's weights and measures, including the Winchester bushel and the standard yard of Henry VII's reign. Displays also include a fine ceiling from Winchester College painted to celebrate Queen Mary I and Phillip of Spain's marriage in 1554. Also armour, gibbet, leg-irons. A rooftop viewing platform gives great views down the High Street. Brass rubbing. Children's quiz.

   Late Feb–Mar: Sat 10AM–4PM, Sun noon–4PM; Apr–Oct: Sat–Sun 10AM–5PM; Nov–Late Feb closed·Adult: £7.75, concessions: £7.75, child (5-16 years): £6.00, under 5s: free, family (up to 5 people, maximum 2 adults): £28.00. This ticket also includes admission to the Great Hall

5. See

   Winchester City Mill

   Owned by the National Trust, this old water mill has been fully restored. You can visit the working areas and a rather exciting walkway under the mill almost at river level.

   Opening hours are typical of the National Trust - that is to say, very complicated - but in brief, the mill is open Mar–Oct: Sat Sun 11AM–4PM and much more often in summer·Adults £2; Children £1; National Trust members free

6. See

   Winchester City Museum

   A family-friendly council-run museum which tells the story of Winchester from the Iron Age to the present day. Multilingual audioguides and hands-on children's activities are available.

   Apr–Oct: Mon–Sat 10AM–5PM, Sun noon–5PM; Nov–Mar: Tue–Sat 10AM–4PM, Sun noon–4PM·Adult: £7.75, concessions: £7.00, child (5-16 years): £5.50, under 5s: free, family (up to 5 people, maximum 2 adults): £25.50. Multi-attraction tickets are also available

7. See

   Winchester Great Hall and King Arthur's Round Table

   The Castle

   The only remaining part of Winchester Castle is the Great Hall, built in the 13th century by Henry III. This is the home of King Arthur's Round Table, now thought to be a fake commissioned by Henry VIII.

   Daily 10AM–5PM, closed Dec 25–26·Adult: £7.75, concessions: £7.75, child (5-16 years): £6.00, under 5s: free, family (up to 5 people, maximum 2 adults): £28.00. This ticket also includes admission to the Westgate Museum

8. See

   Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

   formerly INTECH Science and Technology Centre

   An interactive family museum with regular activities and events. Planetarium shows are an extra charge.

   Daily 10AM-4PM·Adult: £10.91, concessions: £8.73, child (3-15 years): £7.64

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Winchester (CC BY-SA 4.0).