It’s that time of year again… the summer holidays. Yes, the roads are quieter, but you’ve got to find things to do, places to go and new ways to entertain the kids.
Well, we’re offering a helping hand with this handy guide of fun and kid-friendly things to do in and around Winchester, Hampshire.
MARWELL ZOO
The Zoo has to be top of everyone’s list of summer activities, right?
And if you’ve not been to Marwell Zoo then you’re seriously missing out. The 140-acre wildlife park is home to hundreds of different species and nearly 2,000 animals.
Definitely wait for that sunny day, take a picnic and it’ll keep the kids (and even the big kids!) happy.
WINCHESTER SCIENCE CENTRE & PLANETARIUM
For anyone who said learning can’t be fun, they need to visit the Winchester Science Museum.
A truly great day out and from the moment you turn up, you’ll be amazed – it’s housed in a big white pyramid for starters. Adding the planetarium and some truly stunning, cinema-quality films, you won’t be disappointed.
The other good thing about the Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium is that’s it’s indoors. Come on, we know this fine weather isn’t going to last all summer, don’t we?
MID-HANTS RAILWAY ‘WATERCRESS LINE’
It’s a little-known fact that kids love trains. In fact, who doesn’t love trains?
Let off some steam and take the children on a journey through the beautiful Hampshire countryside. The Watercress Line is only eight miles from Winchester but you’ll go on a journey to a bygone age and see some wonderful sights.
The one to really watch out for is Thomas the Tank Engine, who is available at certain times of the year, and you’ll even get to meet the Fat Controller. What could be better than that?
PAULTONS PARK
From Peppa Pig World and Muddy Puddles to Jurassic Land and the fantastic variety of rollercoasters, there’s something for all ages.
So many things to see and do including; big rides, small rides, play areas, entertainments and an astonishing collection of animals and birds, all set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
From Winchester, it’s under 20 miles and will probably take about 30-40 minutes by car.
TEN-PIN BOWLING
This is another one of those must-do summer activities with the family.
The Hollywood Bowl, just down the road in Eastleigh, has 20 lanes, food outlets and an amusements zone – if bowling wasn’t enough, anyone fancy a game of Air Hockey?
Remember, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay to combine all these great attractions, there’s nowhere quite like the Winchester Royal Hotel.
With breakfast included and an on-site car park on-site, completely free to residents when you book direct, you can fuel up and use us as your base to enjoy a fun-filled family trip to Winchester.