March is a wonderful time for a mini break, with many notable calendar events as well as the natural beauty of a wintery sky giving way to warmer climes. Picture wistful forget-me-not breezes mixed with the dappled light caught between tree branches. Each tree has a smattering of Spring flowers at its base, and the birds begin to gather twigs to create their nest, soon to be chirping with new life.
But what makes March so special amongst the other 11 months? We’re so glad you asked!...
St. Patrick's Day features a host of live music in the local pubs; O’Neills offers pints of Guinness and shots of Baby Guinness at special prices, and places like The Royal Oak and The Jolly Farmer always take part in local merriment and days of celebration. Whether a mini-March pub crawl or a delicious meal washed down with 568ml of something refreshing, Winchester has many pubs to choose from! We like to think even the green buds on the trees and the green shoots of the daffodils join in with the festivities!
The Spring Equinox embraces nature and renewal, from the nests being built, to the bulbs blooming and even the early waking of the sun each day, so naturally we look to our fair city to encompass it all! We welcome Spring by enjoying fresh-air walks at The South Downs Way, Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, the River Itchen Navigation Trail and through the centre of town along the Winchester Tree Trail. It’s impossible to step out of the front door of your lodge without being greeted by Spring everywhere you look. We even have our own ancient woodland areas on-site. Think of the trees as direct access to nature walks and the Championship Golf Course!
Winchester is a lovely place to celebrate Mother’s Day, whatever your age or circumstance. Think, handmade cards covered with excess glue and love hearts, fresh bunches of wild flowers, a made-all-by-myself breakfast of toast and eggs and of course, endless smiles on everyone’s faces. From special lunches at sumptuous restaurants like The Old Forge, The Cart & Horse and The Wykeham Arms, to a relaxing afternoon spent at The Ana Spa, a spot of history and meandering tour at The Cathedral and of course, a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal right here in your luxury home from home.
March also welcomes the return of the Thursday to Sunday street markets after winters shut down. Winchester City Street Market has everything from fashion to locally grown produce and it’s a lovely way to find things you had forgotten you needed! The Antiques, Vintage, Retro & Collectables Market runs on the first Sunday of each month and offers collectibles and those hard-to-find unique gifts. Winchester Farmers' Market, one of the largest in the UK offers a rainbow of locally grown produce, fresh, vibrant and bursting with flavour. The only question is, how much can you carry?
However you choose to celebrate March, we would love to be your staycation destination of choice. You can find out our currently available and book right here – we can’t wait to welcome you!