Quote from Penny McCarthy on June 13, 2025, 4:20 pm

This summer, Winchester is the place to be for families seeking adventures and hands-on discovery. The city and surrounding attractions across the district have a packed programme of family events from prehistoric giants and bubble-filled fun to a cosmic cinema, promising to spark imaginations of all ages.

Marwell Zoo launches Extinction, an exhibition of over 20 life-sized extinct creatures crafted from more than two million toy bricks. Visitors journey across the zoo’s 140 acres of parkland to come face-to-face with lost legends and prehistoric creatures. Extinction shines a spotlight on lost species, including dinosaurs, a six-metre-long woolly mammoth, a hissing Titanoboa, and a giant ground sloth. At Extinction Basecamp, explorers have the chance to build a sabre-toothed tiger or craft a mini mammoth and dodo to take home. Extinction is included with general admission to the zoo and will be on display from Saturday 19th July to Sunday 7th September 2025.

Winchester Science Centre invites visitors to discover the science of bubbles this summer. Running from Saturday 19th July to Wednesday 3rd September 2025, guests take part in giant outdoor play, bubble-themed workshops, and experiment with different shaped bubble wands. At regular intervals throughout the day, the centre fills with bubbles for a ‘pop-tastic’ bubble party, complete with dancing and pop tunes.

In the theatre, visitors join the Science Inspirers for The Bubble Show, a live show of thrilling experiments and daring demos bringing chemistry to life. Audiences discover if bubbles can bounce and see bubbles set on fire. All bubble activities are included in general admission.

Experience movie magic under the stars of The Planetarium at Winchester Science Centre. Starting from the 23rd July 2025, a family-friendly film is shown every Wednesday throughout the school holidays. Families can grab some popcorn and enjoy movie classics including Shrek, Madagascar and Ratatouille in the galactic cinema. See a complete list of cinema screenings online. Adult tickets are £8.50 per person and children cost £6.50. Children under three are free.

Families looking for fresh air and a free activity to burn off some of the kids’ energy can download a walking trail, inspired by John Keats. The walk invites explorers to follow in the poet’s footsteps from the city centre to The Hospital of St. Cross. The riverside walk is approximately two miles, with the opportunity to see some of the city’s major landmarks, including Wolvesey Castle, St. Catherine’s Hill, and Kingsgate. Pick up local produce for a picnic in one of Winchester’s parks or have a bite to eat in one of the many family-friendly cafes and restaurants.

 

Just outside of the city, explore one of Winchester’s market towns with a riverside walk in Alresford, or take rolling countryside trails and nature walks in Bishop’s Waltham.

 

Visit www.visitwinchester.co.uk for a full list of Winchester’s businesses and attractions. For more information during your visit, stop by the Winchester Visitor Information Centre, located in the city centre.