There’s no two ways about it, August is the month of choice for that fun-filled family getaway! The summer holidays have begun and it’s time to choose your own schedule and decide which activities you can all enjoy together. Your staycation comes in the form of your very own luxury lodges, comfortable and inviting with lots of hidden gems both inside your lodge and in the surrounding area. We are ideally situated to enjoy the very best of relaxation and adventure with child and dog friendly accommodation and all under the watchful gaze of the British sun!
Harmony is all about balance, and we happen to think that a mixture of relaxation and adventure are just the ticket for a perfect summer get away. We know that the kids will have energy to burn so we have come up with a few activities we think they will love, and for adults, just the right amount of recuperation and exploration! Let us tell you more…
Our top 3 picks to enjoy the tranquillity of South Winchester Lodges:
- Winnall Moors Nature Reserve – only a 12min drive from your front door. This stunning wildlife reserve is free to get in and has over 60 hectares to explore! The walking trails are suitable for little legs (and even have story posts to follow to engage little minds) and there’s a host of wildlife to see on your journey from kingfishers to deer. We highly recommend taking a picnic to enjoy at your leisure.
- Itchen Way is a truly tranquil place to visit, with over 30 miles of trail to choose from as you meander with the river through the countryside. Be sure to select your route carefully (there are lots of maps) as some of the trails are for the more seasoned hiker! There are plenty of places to stop for fortification and refreshments along the way so all you need is yourselves, a stylish yet seasonal hat and some sun cream!
- South Downs Way is vast expanse of countryside, you can preselect the area you want to explore and ramble and wander till you hearts content, you can even take your bike and follow the cycling trails to see the best views. There are a selection of pubs and cafes just slightly off route where you can have lunch, or if you prefer you can pack snacks in your fully equipped kitchen and pop them in the backpack. Some truly gorgeous photos opportunities await you.
Our top 3 picks for the little adventurers! (time to burn some energy!)
- Marwell Zoo and Adventure Playgrounds! Who doesn’t love a trip to the zoo; conservation at its finest. There are 100’s of animals to see, some up close interactions and educations talks. What’s more, there are adventure playgrounds suited to different age levels for the children to run around, with ice cream and snacks around every corner. Don’t worry adults, the coffee there is delicious!
- Peppa Pig World is a firm favourite amongst our guests, and here’s why: There are rides for every age (including the parents!), meet and greets with the characters, indoor play zones, outdoor playgrounds, a café for refreshments and of course, a toy shop for souvenirs! Even better, it’s only 24 mins drive away so after a very fun day, you don’t have far to go before you can sink down into a very comfy sofa and pop your feet up!
- If your little ones are ages 10 and up, Go Ape is a thrilling obstacle course suspended in the sky, with rope climbs, swinging ladders and leaps of faith (whilst being attached to safety ropes, of course), it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours. If your little ones are younger than 10, Abbey Gardens is a lovely choice. With gentle flat grassy areas to explore as well as a playground designed for little ones.
Where is there to eat around here, anyway?
Don’t worry, Winchester is a cornucopia of cuisine from light bite cafes to child friendly pubs with menus to match. Here’s a few which cater to kids and their families: (though most places here do have child’s menus and something that appeals to every pallet)
- The Ivy Winchester Brasserie – From fresh juice, to pasta to burgers and a create your own sundae to finish
- Shoal – Traditional fish and chips, no reservation needed and takeaways allowed!
- Josie's Café – From fluffy American style pancakes to Chicken Benedict
- Piecaramba! – From pie and mash to on-table computer games
- Chococo – For when you just want dessert!
If you and your littles ones are too tired from your excursions, then why not order in? Check out our dine in menus or have food delivered to your door, sans queues at the grocery store, naturally! Either way, we hope we have whetted your appetite with all the tempting things on offer. To check out our availability click here, we hope to see you soon!