Things to do in Winchester

11 activities, venues and outings in Winchester, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

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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.
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Art and Mind
Festivals and symposia began in 2004, bringing some of the world's most eminent thinkers and artists to Winchester for events examining the way we experience music, myth, dance, film and visual art.
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BikeAbout
Hire a bicycle in Winchester at BikeAbout at the Gladstone Car Park near the Railway Station. Members of the scheme can borrow a bike as many times as they like. Terms and conditions on the Winchester Miracles website or by telephone.
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Cathedral Grounds
The green space around the Cathedral, a popular meeting place, contains part of the original burial ground where, amongst others, St. Swithun is buried. The main grounds are around the western entrance of the cathedral, and there is also green space on the southern side.
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Cheesefoot Head
Enjoy the splendid views around Cheesefoot Head on the off-road cycle track, unsuitable for beginners.
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South Downs Way
A 100-mile (160-km) bridleway running from Winchester to Eastbourne. It offers spectacular views of the South's countryside.
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Three Castles Path
A 60-mile (100-km) walk from Windsor to Winchester. This walk is inspired by the journeys of King John between the two cities via the castle he built at Odiham at the time of Magna Carta, and passes through a variety of attractive scenery including parkland and forest, heath and downland, quiet streams and picturesque villages. For more information see the web site, or get a hold of a copy of the book The Three Castles Path by David Bounds and Dave Ramm .
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Winchester Chamber Music Festival
A festival of chamber music and song which takes place at the Discovery Centre every year at the end of April or beginning of May. It is presented and performed by the London Bridge Ensemble, one of Britain’s most exciting and brilliant chamber groups and is co-directed by the Ensemble's highly-acclaimed cellist, Kate Gould, who received her early music training in Winchester. There are concerts, a photographic exhibition, a masterclass, an informal sharing of work by local schools, and local restaurants hosting the festival club with discounts for ticket holders. There's also a special accommodation package at one of the local hotels. Ticket prices vary but include a Festival Pass and am allocation of free tickets for young people aged 8-22.
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Winchester Cycle Fair
CycleFest
Held in June every year - times vary - that celebrates all things cycling, including a short gentle bike ride around historic points of interest.
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Winchester Hat Fair
Britain's longest running festival of street theatre. In a typical year, over 30,000 people flock to the city streets to watch this festival of street theatre which combines a mix of circus, clowning, outlandish performances, craft stalls, workshops and world music. First weekend in July, Th-Su (main day Saturday). Free; but expect to see lots of hats being passed around for donations (hence the name).
Do
Theatre Royal
Jewry St, SO23 8SB

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