
Seven reasons to visit Winchester with kids
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King Alfred City Walk
Follow in the footsteps of King Alfred the Great who ruled England from 871 to 899. He is such an important figure in our history because he is credited with making strategic military moves that led to the creation of England. He was also a scholar who formed important laws of the land and helped to spread literacy. No wonder he has ‘The Great’ added to the end of his name. The City Walk is a free downloadable guide that takes you on a tour of some of the important King Alfred landmarks, from his statue on Broadway to his last known resting place at Hyde Abbey Gardens. The tour is in three loops, so perfect for families to decide on how far they want to go.
Winchester City Mill
This is the oldest working watermill in the country with more than a thousand years of history. There are hands-on activities for kids to have a go at as well as milling demonstrations. The mill was in regular use up until the early 20th Century and after a recent refurbishment now operates every weekend.
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
If your kids followed Tim Peake’s Prinicipia Mission onboard the International Space Station then a visit to Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium will leave them buzzing. It’s home to the UK’s largest stand alone planetarium cinema and has loads of hands on activities to get them thinking like scientists. Here’s a review of our visit to Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium.
The Great Hall and Round Table
The Great Hall is all that remains of a castle first constructed by William the Conquerer in 1067. It was built in the 13th Century as a replacement to the original hall and has hosted more than it’s fair share of historic figures in good times and bad. The Great Hall is most famous today for housing the Round Table, which according to legend is the table used by King Arthur and his knights. Spoiler alert: carbon dating and tree ring evidence date the table to the 13th or 14th Century. Admission to the Great Hall is free.
Winchester Hat Fair
City Museum
Winchester Cathedral
More Winchester family attractions
Have you visited Winchester with kids? What attractions would you add to this list?
Photo credit: Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium – Visit Winchester
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Winchester really is a lovely place, isn’t it!
Yes, we love it! There’s so much history to enjoy and the Christmas market happening now is wonderful
We've never been to winchester before but looks like a great place to take the kids! we will have to try it out if we are in the area! Thanks for Linking up to #KCACOLS hope to see you back next sunday 🙂 x
Ooh I've never been to Winchester before. Looks like somewhere to put on our to-do list! #KCACOLS
I haven't ever been to Wincgester, but it seems like there is something for everybody there. Lovely photos.
Amanda. #kcacols
I don't think we have been to Winchester before, certainly not as an adult anyway. Looks like there is lots to do there. #CityTripping
We love Winchester too – so much to do there. In the winter there is a nice ice skating rink at the back of the cathedral, and it has real ice!
Well done, you have made me desperate to get to Winchester with my kids! Haven't been since the Christmas Market a couple of years ago. It's a really pretty city but not one that I know well. I'd love to see the round table and do the Alfred tour.
Winchester sounds right up my alley with its historical past..so many interesting stories and sites to see. My kids would love it!
Great list – I love Winchester (especially the cathedral) and have been with my daughter as well as on my own. I'm not sure what she made of the Great Hall, although I liked it, and having visited the City Mill, I think that would be fun to visit with her too. I never knew about the King Alfred walk though, that gives me another good excuse to go back!
My Mum lives very close to Winchester so we visit a lot when we are home. Have never been to the Science Centre though, really must next time! 🙂