Half Term Family Fun in Winchester at Any Age

Families of all ages will enjoy a trip to Winchester this half term (18th – 27th February) with plenty to do come rain or shine. During your visit you could take a step back into Anglo Saxon Britain or step virtually into a 16th-century masterpiece. You can try your hand at print making or see why cooking and chemistry mix so well. Winchester is the city with a welcoming village feel where you'll find history at every turn.

There are fabulous indoor and outdoor attractions and delicious places to eat and drink to suit all budgets and tastes. Winchester is easy to access by train or car and has many family accommodation options. It's the perfect place for a half term sleepover.  

Here are some of the highlights in Winchester this February…

The Arc
The Arc is the former Winchester Discovery Centre. It has just undergone a major £715,000 refurbishment and reopens
as a cultural hub for the city on 18th February.

Opening on 18th February  is a specially curated exhibition dedicated to artist Eric Ravilious. Extraordinary Everyday: The Art & Design of Eric Ravilious. It features more than 100 artworks and ceramics from 16 UK lenders. Including pieces which are rarely seen on public display.

Younger children can sign up to make their own Ravilious inspired relief print. Let's Start Printmaking takes place on Saturday 19 February, 10:30am and Monday 21st February, 2:30pm, £18 per person. It's suitable for children aged 5 – 10 years who must be accompanied.

Older children aged 11 – 15 years can learn about lino cutting and create their own Ravilious style lino prints. Exploring Printmaking is on Saturday 19th February, 2:30pm and Sunday 21st February, 10:30am, £18 per person. 
Book via www.arcwinchester.org.uk.

Science Chefs at Winchester Science Centre
This year is Winchester Science Centre is celebrating 20 years of science wow. They'll be bringing back some of the most popular science shows and themes, all with a retro 2002 twist. During half term you can join their noughties cooking show - Science Chefs. Discover how much cooking and chemistry have in common through fun facts and explosive demos.

Adventure awaits in the Planetarium with the popular Solar System Adventure live show. You can also experience the universe like never before in the subtitled film show, We Are Stars.

Families can take part in activities, both inside and outside in the nature-based Bio:Space. There are also the huge explosive demos in Science Live that take place right on the exhibition floor throughout the day. Enjoy an exhilarating adventure throughout the Science Centre's immersive exhibits.
Book via www.winchestersciencecentre.org

Winchester Cathedral
A trip to Winchester Cathedral is always awe inspiring. This half term, there is a fantastic new art exhibition Sensing the Unseen: Step into Gossaert's 'Adoration', designed and produced by the National Gallery, London.

The exhibition space houses a perfect 3D facsimile of the painting which showcases the depth of the paint, the vivid colours and the hidden details. As visitors leave the pods and return to view the facsimile with “new eyes and perspectives”, a soundscape begins to play, including the squawking of birds, the chink of the bridles and the voice of King Balthasar, which completes this fully immersive experience.

Entry to the exhibition is included with a general admission ticket but pre-booking is essential. Timed ticket slots are available every 20 minutes and can be booked via the Winchester Cathedral website: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk

There are many other things to see inside and outside the Cathedral. For those visiting with children over 12 and with a head for heights, you can book an exhilarating Winchester Cathedral Tower Tour.  Experience magnificent views across Winchester and the surrounding county and walk the full length of the Nave roof with its huge wood beams.

Available on Wednesday at 2.15pm and Saturday at 11.30am and 2.15pm, tickets for the tower tour are £10.00 and can be booked via the Cathedral Box Office on 01962 857 275.

Marwell Zoo
The whole family can escape into paradise at Marwell Zoo's Energy for Life: Tropical House! Experience face-to-face encounters with a diversity of wildlife and exotic plants. All in a tropical climate whilst you learn about the flow of energy through life. 

There are hundreds of exotic and endangered animals to see across 140 acres of beautiful parkland. From Amur tigers to penguins and giraffes. Plus there are animal talks, feeds and five adventure playgrounds.
Admission - Winter prices to 1st April 2022 (including optional donation) from; £19 per adult, £15.50 per child (3-16 years), infants two and under go free.
Pre book via www.marwell.org.uk

Knights at the Westgate Museum
Learn about armour and defences in Winchester's last remaining gate whilst exploring the Westgate's vast history. There is also an activity trail where you can earn a knight badge.

All included with museum admission. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied. Full admission details and times at www.hampshireculture.org.uk/westgate-museum

King Alfred's Winchester at Winchester City Museum
Explore Winchester in King Alfred's time. Learn all about Wessex, become an Anglo-Saxon with the museum costumes and discover the tale of King Alfred. Mini King Alfreds are hiding around the museum! Find them all to reveal the hidden word and claim your prize. There are also craft sessions to make an Anglo-Saxon shield.
Full admission details and times at www.hampshireculture.org.uk/winchester-city-museum

The Treasures of Winchester College
With free entry for everyone, this half term families are invited to visit Winchester College's Treasury Museum and follow an exciting trail around the galleries. Children can choose from two themed trails, which will lead them to discover a wealth of ancient treasures, including artefacts from Egypt, Greece and Rome, casts of the Parthenon Frieze, and Chinese ceramics centuries old. The Treasury is open 2 – 4pm every day.

Discover the historic heart of one of England's oldest schools on an hour-long guided tour of its magnificent medieval buildings. Explore Winchester College's fascinating history with the help of a knowledgeable tour guide, including the 14th century Gothic Chapel, the medieval cloister with its historic chantry chapel, and the original scholars' dining hall that is still in use today. Tours will be running Monday to Saturday 1015, 1130, 1415 and 1530, and on Sunday 1415 and 1530. Adults £9, concessions £7, children under 11 free.

Entry to the College is through the Porters' Lodge, which is halfway down College Street, Winchester, SO21 3NA. For more information about the Treasury and to book a tour visit www.winchestercollege.org/visit-us.

Looking For the Perfect Family Sleepover?
The ideal sleepover spot for families visiting Winchester is The Holiday Inn. It has family rooms starting at £135, including breakfast. These have two double beds and can accommodate an extra child's bed (children 12 & under) or a travel cot too. They also have a Kids Stay and Eat Free option for children under the age of 13 years. Check the website for full details. www.hiwinchester.co.uk

We want everyone to enjoy a happy and healthy half term visit to Winchester. We urge visitors to keep up to date with the latest government advice and respect and protect others.

Further information
www.visitwinchester.co.uk
www.facebook.com/KingAlfWinchester/
www.twitter.com/King_Alf
www.instagram.com/kingalfwinchester

Media Enquiries
Miranda Rocksmith
miranda@rocketlaunch.co.uk