August at The Winchester Hotel and Spa

With the summer well and truly underway, there’s lots to to see and do in our home city this August. We do of course recommend that you enjoy our terrace for some food and drinks. It makes a wonderful way to while away a summer evening. Here’s a look at some other things that could be of interest during your stay with us at The Winchester Hotel & Spa.

For those with an artistic interest, we recommend a visit to The Arc on Jewry Street to see Constable: The Dark Side, which is on until 16th August.

This exhibition seeks to look at one of our greatest national painters from a different angle, to explore a little beyond the popular facade:

 “As an artist, Constable has a reputation for being a painter of traditional ‘chocolate box’ English scenery; safe, unchallenging and sentimental. But, there was a darker side to the Suffolk master. This unique exhibition explores Constable’s on-going obsession with the ‘chiaroscuro’ of nature – the contrast between light and dark and the way he placed that at the heart of his exploration of landscape.”

With works drawn from the collections of the Royal Academy, the Tate, the V&A, and Gainsborough’s House, the exhibition is of an impressive scale, and a rewarding experience for visitors. More details can be found HERE

A must-visit landmark, the Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and an exquisite example of Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 11th century, it houses stunning stained glass windows, a magnificent nave, and the tomb of the famous novelist Jane Austen.

This August the Cathedral are offering Summer family tours, which run daily. Tailored for children and families, the team will answer your questions. These run alongside the usual tours aimed at adults.

A special summer treat, and available for a limited time only, are the Evening Tower Tours. For just five evenings this summer you have the opportunity to explore the stunning tower from 6pm. It’s an ideal event to set you up for dinner or drinks afterwards. With limited spaces available, please book ahead to secure your place. Upcoming dates: Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th, Thursday 31st August and Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd September, 6.00pm-7.30pm. Not to be missed!

More information on the Cathedral, visiting hours and more can be found HERE

Wolvesey Castle is another of Winchester’s impressive historical sights. Known as the Old Bishop's Palace, Wolvesey Castle's romantic ruins provide a glimpse into Winchester's medieval history. Once the residence of powerful bishops, the site still exudes a captivating atmosphere. The medieval Bishops of Winchester were rich, powerful men, the relations and advisers of kings.  Close to Winchester Cathedral, Wolvesey was their main residence throughout the Middle Ages. The extensive remains date largely from the 12th century, though the last great occasion here was on 25th July 1554, when the East Hall was transformed with silk and gold hangings for Queen Mary and Philip of Spain's wedding banquet. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, the site is maintained by English Heritage, and you can discover more HERE

Lastly, and a little further afield, we recommend a trip to Alresford Watercress Line Farmers’ Market which takes place on August 5th. For foodies, it is the perfect chance to experience local Hampshire delights. Offerings span from artisan breads and handcrafted English liqueurs to honey wines crafted by a coastal family-owned cider and meadery. Sample smoked trout products from a local smokery, and browse an assortment of plants from the edge of the New Forest. You will also find ready-made meals prepared with top Hampshire produce, ales from a family-run Basingstoke brewery, plus New Forest game delicacies, honey, and so much more. With a huge variety of local, seasonal produce on offer, it’s the ideal place to taste the best of Hampshire.