August feels a little like the school holidays rather than simply ‘summer’ even if you've long since swapped classrooms for boardrooms! So, in the spirit of the season, we thought we'd dust off the alphabet and revisit our ABCs...Winchester style.
Perhaps it's the longer hours of daylight or the freedom of keeping the back doors open during the day, but August has a wonderful way of encouraging us to slow down and enjoy the little things that can so often be missed during back-to-back meetings or school runs.
So, rather than bringing you list of places to visit or an itinerary and checklist, we thought we'd celebrate August a little differently. Welcome to our ABCs of August in Winchester, not every letter of the alphabet, just a few to start us off.
A is for Alfred, Adventure and Artisan
King Alfred has been watching over Winchester for well over a century, making him the perfect place to begin your August alphabet. Once you've paid your respects and taken a snap or two, it's time for a little adventure, from the highest heights in the planetarium to the bottom of the valley in the National park. Along the way, why not pop into a few of Winchester's independent artisan shops and galleries, you might just find that perfect summer souvenir.
B is for Blackberries, Butterflies and Board Games
August is when Hampshire's hedgerows become laden with juicy blackberries, ready to be transformed into homemade jam, a crumble or a delicious pie. Just watch out for the prickly brambles if little hands are helping! See who can spot the most butterflies and beetles enjoying the same hedgerows. After fingers have been sufficiently stained purple, why not continue the family fun at your lodge with a board game or two?
C is for Cathedral, Cricket and Cream Tea
Winchester Cathedral is always worth a visit, with outdoor theatre, Jazz Lates and fascinating tours taking place throughout the month. Afterwards, why not set up some stumps and enjoy a friendly game of cricket on the green before rounding off the day with an English Cream Tea back at your lodge, best enjoyed from your private decked balcony.
D is for Dining, Deckchairs and Dogs
August is made for dining al fresco, enjoy leisurely lunches overlooking the river or an evening barbecue on your lodge terrace. If you're craving the coast, Hill Head Beach is less than a 30-minute drive away and the perfect place to unfold a deckchair and enjoy the sea breeze. Better still, your four-legged friend doesn't have to miss out either, as our dog-friendly lodges mean every member of the family can join in.
E is for Exploring, Evening Strolls and Experiments
What we are trying to say is that some of the very best holiday memories are made without a timetable. You could while away many an hour simply exploring somewhere new, challenge curious minds with the interactive exhibits at Winchester Science Centre, or head out for a evening stroll through Winchester's historic streets alongside the River Itchen.
F is for Farm Shops, Farmers' Markets and Foraging
August is harvesting season, making it the perfect time to browse Hampshire's wonderful farm shops and farmers' markets, where baskets overflow with local produce and homemade treats. What will you cook up in your perfectly appointment lodge kitchen?
G is for Gelato, Gardens and Good Company
No staycation is complete without an ice cream, and Swoon Gelato is always a popular choice. Winchester's gardens are in full bloom and offer many a bench or stretch of grass to sit and enjoy a picnic. Above all, though, August is about good company, whether you're making memories with family or catching up with friends.
August may only last thirty-one days, but the memories linger far longer. We hope you'll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with Winchester this summer. You can book right here! As for the rest of the alphabet... we'll leave that for you to discover.