Things to do in Winchester

2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World

Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World is a family-friendly theme park based on the animated series "Peppa Pig," with its Peppa Pig-themed area opening in 2011, bringing the classic scenes and characters from the show to life. Figures of Peppa, George, and their family and friends are found throughout the buildings and rides, and the entire area is bright and playful. The Peppa Pig-themed area features rides designed specifically for young children, including Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, George's Dinosaur Adventure, and Grandpa Pig's Little Train. In addition to the rides, the water play area, which simulates the classic muddy puddle scene from the show, is very popular with children. George's Spaceship Play Zone offers climbing and slides, and Mr. Potato's Playground is perfect for running around. The park has rides suitable for different age groups, ensuring that older children can also find something to enjoy. For families traveling with toddlers, the ride heights and experience intensity in the Peppa Pig-themed area have been specially designed, so young children can safely enjoy most of the attractions.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Winchester

Winchester Cathedral

In 1079, Walkelin, the Norman bishop of Winchester, rebuilt a new church on the original site of the old church. After the work was completed in 1093, the Anglo-Saxon church that originally lived in Altminster Abbey. The monks were all moved into the new church. In 1100, the Norman ruler William II was buried in this new church. Later, the tower on the cathedral collapsed and was rebuilt in 1202. It is still preserved today, and this church undoubtedly has a Norman style. In the 14th century, the master craftsman William Wynford continued the interior design of the church and established the church's back parish to provide accommodation for pilgrims who came to visit St. Swithin. However, many parts of the church, such as the cloister and the chapel have collapsed over the years, and only the church is still standing. In 1905, restoration work led by T.G. Jackson began to restore the collapsed part of the year. He brought in William Walker to deliver concrete, concrete stones and bricks, which were repaired around the clock. In 1912, the restoration work was completed and William Walker was awarded the Royal Victorian Order for his six years of hard work.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Winchester

Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo covers approximately 140 acres, offering ample outdoor space and hundreds of animal species, such as giraffes, leopards, meerkats, tigers, and penguins. There is also an adventure play area, making it a great place for family outings.

2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Stonehenge

On the Salisbury Plain southeast of Bath, England, numerous stone circles stand amidst the vast wilderness—this is the mysterious prehistoric site of Stonehenge in the British Isles. In 1130 AD, a British priest accidentally discovered Stonehenge during a journey. These majestic stones, with an average weight of nearly 30 tons, still puzzle researchers today regarding their arrangement and exact purpose. On the way to the prehistoric Stonehenge, signs are posted along the route, and railings surround the site, allowing visitors to view it from a distance of 30 m. Research suggests its construction spanned over a thousand years: approx. 3000 BC, ancient people built embankments here, creating a circular earthwork with 56 pits arranged inside; by approx. 2500 BC, the massive stones were gradually transported and erected. The main sandstone blocks were sourced from the Marlborough Downs, approx. 30 km away, with each averaging approx. 25 tons, and the heel stone weighing approx. 30 tons. The smaller bluestones came from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 200 km away. The fact that such transportation was accomplished without metal tools or wheels still astonishes researchers today.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in South Hampshire-Brighton

SeaCity Museum

Located in the city center of Southampton, United Kingdom, the SeaCity Museum is a modern, interactive museum dedicated to showcasing the deep connection between this port city and the sea. The SeaCity Museum officially opened on April 10, 2012, to commemorate the centenary of the Titanic's departure from Southampton. One of the core exhibitions at the SeaCity Museum is about the story of the Titanic. Southampton was the departure port for the Titaníque - London, and the SeaCity Museum vividly recounts the history of this legendary cruise ship and its close connection to the residents of Southampton through detailed exhibits and multimedia displays. The SeaCity Museum also features the "Gateway to the World" exhibition, showcasing the history and development of Southampton as an international port. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can learn how this city became an important hub for global trade and migration. In addition, the SeaCity Museum is well-equipped with facilities, including a café, a souvenir shop, and accessible pathways, ensuring a comfortable visiting experience for visitors.

The Great Hall

Brambridge Park Garden Centre

National Trust - Hinton Ampner

The Watercress Line

The Watercress Line is a uniquely retro scenic railway in the UK, named after the historical transport of watercress, a local specialty. The core section connects the towns of Alresford and Alton, stretching approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers). The line's defining feature is its steam train operation, featuring several vintage steam locomotives and wooden carriages, some dating back to the early 20th century. Passengers can immerse themselves in the railway traditions of the Industrial Revolution. The route passes through Hampshire countryside and woodlands, adorned with wildflowers in spring and vibrant colors in autumn, creating a scene reminiscent of a moving English countryside painting. Alresford Station, a key stop on the line, retains its Victorian red brick architecture. Inside, guests can find a vintage ticket window and a small railway museum displaying historical photos and old railway equipment. Nearby, small shops selling local watercress products offer a unique experience while enjoying the railway journey.

2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Windsor Castle

• Stroll through the family castle of the Windsor dynasty • View the exquisite treasures in the state suite • Enjoy the audio guide and savor the beauty of the castle Windsor Castle sits on a hill on the south bank of the Thames and is one of the official residences still in use by the British royal family today. The castle was first built by William I in the 11th century, and after subsequent expansions and renovations by many monarchs, it blends a variety of architectural styles, including a Norman fortress, a medieval palace, and Georgian state apartments, and is also one of the few medieval castles in Europe that are still inhabited today. The castle is divided into the upper, middle, and lower wards. The upper ward centers on the state rooms, which display famous paintings, armor, and fine furniture collected by monarchs over the centuries, including works by masters such as Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens; the Waterloo Chamber was built by George IV to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon, and its walls hang portraits of allied monarchs and commanders. The upper area also houses Queen Mary's Dolls' House, created by architect Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, with exquisitely detailed interiors that even include electricity and running water. The central area is marked by a round tower, which was originally built of wood and later rebuilt in stone. Today, it houses royal documents and a photography collection, and the moat garden below the tower is planted with roses and other flowers. St. George's Chapel in the Lower Ward is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, founded in the 15th century and renowned for its magnificent stone fan vaulting and stained glass windows—looking up at the vaulting is an unmissable experience when visiting. The chapel is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, has hosted numerous royal weddings, and is the burial place of several British monarchs.