The school holidays are officially in full swing.
It can be hard to keep the kids entertained constantly throughout the summer holidays, but luckily, there's plenty going on in Winchester and the wider Hampshire area as we enter August.
Whether you're seeking music, local food and crafts, a brush with history, or simply a day out soaking up the sunshine, there is something for everyone this weekend.
1 - Wickham Festival
The Wickham Festival is quickly approaching, as this year marks its 19th year. Located near Fareham, this festival brings "a fun-filled weekend for the whole family" as this 4-day festivity (July 31 to August 3) celebrates both the arts and music, headlined by artists such as Richard Thompson, Leo Sayer, Kate Rusby, and many more!
Tickets are selling fast, so try not to miss out.
2 - Trout 'n About
This Sunday brings Stockbridge's annual Trout 'n About as this free event becomes lively with local traders showcasing their best, from food to produce to crafts.
It is also home to the Houghton Club, who claim to be the oldest fishing society in Winchester.
So, for those of you who are fish fanatics, supporters of local business, or just want a nice fun day out with the family, head on over to Stockbridge on Sunday to enjoy Hampshire history.
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3. Organ Festival
For those with a love for classical music, the Organ Festival is currently in town at Winchester Cathedral to celebrate the "Father Willis" organ.
Installed in 1854, the "Father Willis" organ is one of the cathedral's most treasured instruments, praised for its unique tone and historical significance.
The next performance is this Sunday, and don't worry if you cannot make this one—recitals will be held every Sunday from 2.55pm to 3.25pm up until November 16.
4. Clue Capers
Get ready for a brain test and experience the indoor and outdoor escape rooms at Clue Capers at the bottom of Winchester High Street, as they provide many rooms ranging in difficulty to test your thinking skills—find the clues and escape in record time. Here, the employees love to put everyone to the test (but don't worry, they do provide clues if needed). It is a lot of fun for both friends and family.
5. Winchester Ghost Walk
"Every street has a story to tell," including this one here in Winchester. For those who love a good scare, come experience the Winchester Ghost Walk as this immersive tour will show you a world of ghosts, murder, and mystery as they take you deep into England's dark heritage, further than any other tour could. Come and explore the dark secrets of this country's former capital this Friday and Saturday at the Square.
6. Marwell Zoo
Come and enjoy a relaxing stroll while experiencing a home to hundreds of exotic and endangered species, all within a beautiful 140-acre park.
7. Beaulieu Supercar Weekend
For the supercar fanatics out there, the Beaulieu Supercar Weekend returns this weekend in the New Forest as this "must-see" spectacle brings some of the world's most exclusive and desirable motors, such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Bond vehicles like the Jaguar C-X75, and more.
Along with these showcases, there is an F1 simulator, a sound-off, and demonstration runs.
8. Harry Potter Outdoor Cinema Experience
Come see the first instalment of the boy wizard's time at Hogwarts with a picnic and blanket, as tickets are close to selling out soon.
9. August Adventures
Thanks to Love Basingstoke, this Friday presents August Adventures at War Memorial Park from 11am - 3pm.
This free-to-enter event provides a myriad of fun opportunities for all, such as getting creative with experienced artist and educator Louise Height and designing your own mythical creature.
Watch mind-blowing, action-packed tricks by the UK's leading BMX stunt team and even try out tricks of your own in their workshop. For the little ones who love to play pretend, have fun with a pop-up play village where they can be anything from a pirate to a mermaid, to the business owner of a smoothie and ice cream café.
10. Fort Nelson
For those little adventurers looking for some summer fun, here is the ever-popular assault course near Portsmouth.
Opened last week, this action-filled course will be open till September 2, so there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the summer sun. Suitable for ages 4-10, with tickets costing £3.50 on the door, the outing also comes with a free museum trail where children can search for and learn about heroic animals that were awarded special medals for their service in conflicts and war.
And when the fun is finished, there are lots of picnic benches around the site, along with a café offering light meals and drinks to cool off and enjoy the rest of your outing. A fun day awaits at the Victorian fort, so if you're looking to learn, explore, and get active, this is the place for you.
- This article was written by Brandon Tomlinson
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