Why do we go abroad and face the rigmarole and upheaval of airport queues, popping ears in the air and the ‘travel days’ factored in? Well, one of the most popular answers to that is simply The View. The delight of looking out into the vista minus the grey buildings, busy roads and oh so many people! We say, look no further than our fair city of Winchester!
July offers some of the longest days of the year, making it the perfect time to slow down, order another drink, and savour the beauty of our surroundings a little longer and we happen to think we have some the most breath-taking sights, especially with the golden backdrop of the late evening sun. Whether with a chilled glass of local sparkling wine overlooking the vines or a refreshing cocktail on a sun-drenched terrace we have no shortage of spectacular spots for an evening tipple.
We would love to share some of favourites with you;
The Grange - Few experiences capture the essence of a Winchester summer quite like enjoying a glass of sparkling wine overlooking rows of sunlit vines. As the evening light settles across the countryside, vineyard terraces provide a stunning setting to unwind and soak up the scenery. (see last weeks blog for more details: Sparkling or Still
The Bishop on the Bridge is one of the best places to enjoy a sunny evening tipple. The multi-level riverside garden catches the late sun and bathes you in warm light. The sun reflects off the River Itchen and paints everything in gold (thought we do recommend sunglasses!). The Willow Tree located near the Winnall Moors Nature Reserve also offers the perfect location to sup and sip in the evening sun overlooking the water. There are plenty of tables on the decking to choose from.
Turtle Bay Winchester (celebrating cuisine from the Caribbean) is an ideal spot for the cocktail lovers, there is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, and even a glass front that offers the views without the direct sunlight if you prefer. From bottomless brunches to dog friendly spaces and of course the ‘Bay after Dark’ on the outdoor terraced, Turtle Bay is a fantastic option to make a real night of it.
We would be remiss in our suggestions if we did not include the spectacular St Catherine’s Hill – with such breath taking vistas why not pack a picnic and a tasty mocktail (safety first as the terrain can need some navigating). You can enjoy the evening sun, sans crowds and noise and simply allow your eyes to wander over this Iron Age hill and views of the city below.
If a refreshing gelato is more your style than an evening tipple, then a leisurely stroll to Swoon Gelato is a must. Open until 9pm or 10pm depending on the day, it's the perfect excuse to wander through Winchester and soak up the historic streets and charming atmosphere alongside the summer sun.
Or how about the best seat in the house (in our humble opinion!) on a sun drenched private decked balcony, your favourite drink in hand, ice cubes clinking as you sip, the BBQ sizzling gently with the smell of all things good at your luxurious home from home, right here at South Winchester Lodges.
This July, why not raise a glass to some of the most beautiful landscapes, unforgettable sunsets and the simple joy of making the most of every last (happy) hour of daylight.