Campsites in Winchester, Hampshire
173 bookable campsites within 40 miles of Winchester
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1/41
- Peaceful lakeside setting in Hampshire countryside near Winchester
- A 10-minute drive to Winchester Cathedral; the New Forest 20 minutes
- Trout fishing on site; pub and farm shop with café five minutes’ walk
Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch 5 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night -
1/51
- Dog-friendly site surrounded by countryside five miles from Winchester
- A 15-minute drive to Mottisfont and 35 minutes from Stonehenge
- Playground, games field and dog exercise area; firepit hire, logs sold
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch 5 x From £24/€27.61/A$45.46/US$29.63/CA$40.34/CHF26.86/SEK320.39/DKK205.74/NOK328.55/ISK4,125/ARS6,981.34/CLP23,713/PEN108.67/NZ$49.01/ZAR582.53/PLN125.14/R$147.98/CZK654.20/RSD3,237/HUF10,258.04/RUB2,373.72/CN¥209.33 per night Electric grass campervan pitch 5 x From £29/€33.36/A$54.93/US$35.80/CA$48.74/CHF32.45/SEK387.14/DKK248.61/NOK397/ISK4,985/ARS8,435.79/CLP28,653/PEN131.31/NZ$59.22/ZAR703.89/PLN151.21/R$178.81/CZK790.49/RSD3,912/HUF12,395.14/RUB2,868.25/CN¥252.94 per night Electric grass motorhome pitch 5 x From £29/€33.36/A$54.93/US$35.80/CA$48.74/CHF32.45/SEK387.14/DKK248.61/NOK397/ISK4,985/ARS8,435.79/CLP28,653/PEN131.31/NZ$59.22/ZAR703.89/PLN151.21/R$178.81/CZK790.49/RSD3,912/HUF12,395.14/RUB2,868.25/CN¥252.94 per night Electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch 5 x From £29/€33.36/A$54.93/US$35.80/CA$48.74/CHF32.45/SEK387.14/DKK248.61/NOK397/ISK4,985/ARS8,435.79/CLP28,653/PEN131.31/NZ$59.22/ZAR703.89/PLN151.21/R$178.81/CZK790.49/RSD3,912/HUF12,395.14/RUB2,868.25/CN¥252.94 per night Electric grass touring caravan pitch 5 x From £29/€33.36/A$54.93/US$35.80/CA$48.74/CHF32.45/SEK387.14/DKK248.61/NOK397/ISK4,985/ARS8,435.79/CLP28,653/PEN131.31/NZ$59.22/ZAR703.89/PLN151.21/R$178.81/CZK790.49/RSD3,912/HUF12,395.14/RUB2,868.25/CN¥252.94 per night -
1/107
- Peaceful off-grid Hampshire site with South Downs views
- Marwell Zoo 15 minutes' walk away; 15 minutes' drive to Winchester
- Volunteer-run site with a charitable mission and well-preserved nature
Non-electric grass tent pitch (four person, woodland) 4 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night Non-electric grass tent pitch (ten person) 10 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night Non-electric grass tent pitch (two person) 2 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night Non-electric grass tent pitch (secluded, two person) 2 x From £40/€46.02/A$75.76/US$49.38/CA$67.23/CHF44.76/SEK533.98/DKK342.91/NOK547.59/ISK6,875/ARS11,635.57/CLP39,522/PEN181.12/NZ$81.68/ZAR970.88/PLN208.57/R$246.63/CZK1,090.33/RSD5,396/HUF17,096.74/RUB3,956.20/CN¥348.88 per night George's shepherd's hut (woodland) 2 x From £75/€86.28/A$142.06/US$92.60/CA$126.05/CHF83.92/SEK1,001.22/DKK642.95/NOK1,026.72/ISK12,891/ARS21,816.70/CLP74,104/PEN339.59/NZ$153.15/ZAR1,820.41/PLN391.07/R$462.44/CZK2,044.36/RSD10,117/HUF32,056.39/RUB7,417.88/CN¥654.16 per night Kez’s shepherd's hut 2 x From £75/€86.28/A$142.06/US$92.60/CA$126.05/CHF83.92/SEK1,001.22/DKK642.95/NOK1,026.72/ISK12,891/ARS21,816.70/CLP74,104/PEN339.59/NZ$153.15/ZAR1,820.41/PLN391.07/R$462.44/CZK2,044.36/RSD10,117/HUF32,056.39/RUB7,417.88/CN¥654.16 per night The Pig camping pod 2 x From £75/€86.28/A$142.06/US$92.60/CA$126.05/CHF83.92/SEK1,001.22/DKK642.95/NOK1,026.72/ISK12,891/ARS21,816.70/CLP74,104/PEN339.59/NZ$153.15/ZAR1,820.41/PLN391.07/R$462.44/CZK2,044.36/RSD10,117/HUF32,056.39/RUB7,417.88/CN¥654.16 per night -
1/64
- Peaceful wildlife haven on a farm in the Hampshire countryside
- A 10-minute drive to Winchester and 20 minutes to the New Forest
- On-site van serving food, with pubs and outdoor activities nearby
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch 5 x From £21/€24.16/A$39.78/US$25.93/CA$35.29/CHF23.50/SEK280.34/DKK180.03/NOK287.48/ISK3,610/ARS6,108.68/CLP20,749/PEN95.09/NZ$42.88/ZAR509.71/PLN109.50/R$129.48/CZK572.42/RSD2,833/HUF8,975.79/RUB2,077.01/CN¥183.16 per night -
1/593
- Lakeside site on the edge of the South Downs National Park
- A 15-minute drive from central Winchester; 1.5 miles from Marwell Zoo
- Fishing, archery, quad biking and other adventure sports
Non-electric grass pitch 8 x From £43/€49.47/A$81.45/US$53.09/CA$72.27/CHF48.12/SEK574.03/DKK368.63/NOK588.66/ISK7,391/ARS12,508.24/CLP42,486/PEN194.70/NZ$87.81/ZAR1,043.70/PLN224.21/R$265.13/CZK1,172.10/RSD5,800/HUF18,379/RUB4,252.92/CN¥375.05 per night Electric grass pitch 8 x From £48/€55.22/A$90.92/US$59.26/CA$80.67/CHF53.71/SEK640.78/DKK411.49/NOK657.10/ISK8,250/ARS13,962.69/CLP47,426/PEN217.34/NZ$98.02/ZAR1,165.06/PLN250.29/R$295.96/CZK1,308.39/RSD6,475/HUF20,516.09/RUB4,747.44/CN¥418.66 per night Electric gravel touring pitch 8 x From £52.50/€60.40/A$99.44/US$64.82/CA$88.24/CHF58.75/SEK700.85/DKK450.07/NOK718.71/ISK9,024/ARS15,271.69/CLP51,873/PEN237.71/NZ$107.21/ZAR1,274.29/PLN273.75/R$323.71/CZK1,431.05/RSD7,082/HUF22,439.47/RUB5,192.51/CN¥457.91 per night Camping pod (lake view) 2 x From £125/€143.81/A$236.77/US$154.32/CA$210.09/CHF139.88/SEK1,668.70/DKK1,071.59/NOK1,711.21/ISK21,485/ARS36,361.17/CLP123,506/PEN565.99/NZ$255.25/ZAR3,034.01/PLN651.78/R$770.73/CZK3,407.27/RSD16,861/HUF53,427.31/RUB12,363.13/CN¥1,090.26 per night -
1/20
- Glamping site with family activities at Marwell Resort in Hampshire
- A 20-minute drive to Peppa Pig World and 15 to Winchester
- Bar and restaurant; quad biking, soft play, archery and clay shooting
#1 bell tent 4 x From £50/€57.52/A$94.71/US$61.73/CA$84.03/CHF55.95/SEK667.48/DKK428.63/NOK684.48/ISK8,594/ARS14,544.47/CLP49,403/PEN226.39/NZ$102.10/ZAR1,213.60/PLN260.71/R$308.29/CZK1,362.91/RSD6,745/HUF21,370.93/RUB4,945.25/CN¥436.10 per night #2 bell tent 4 x From £50/€57.52/A$94.71/US$61.73/CA$84.03/CHF55.95/SEK667.48/DKK428.63/NOK684.48/ISK8,594/ARS14,544.47/CLP49,403/PEN226.39/NZ$102.10/ZAR1,213.60/PLN260.71/R$308.29/CZK1,362.91/RSD6,745/HUF21,370.93/RUB4,945.25/CN¥436.10 per night #3 bell tent 4 x From £50/€57.52/A$94.71/US$61.73/CA$84.03/CHF55.95/SEK667.48/DKK428.63/NOK684.48/ISK8,594/ARS14,544.47/CLP49,403/PEN226.39/NZ$102.10/ZAR1,213.60/PLN260.71/R$308.29/CZK1,362.91/RSD6,745/HUF21,370.93/RUB4,945.25/CN¥436.10 per night -
1/12
- Pop-up camping with spectacular views over Hampshire countryside
- Stockbridge restaurants and pubs, golf and riding five minutes’ drive
- Back-to-basics woodland pitches with abundant wildlife; dark skies sit
Non-electric grass tent pitch 4 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night -
1/14
- Shepherd’s hut on a family-run farm 10 minutes’ drive from Romsey
- New Forest National Park 15 minutes’ drive; Winchester half an hour
- Lambing and calf feeding; woodland walks; fishing in the River Test
Shepherd's hut 4 x From £160/€184.07/A$303.06/US$197.54/CA$268.91/CHF179.04/SEK2,135.94/DKK1,371.63/NOK2,190.34/ISK27,501/ARS46,542.29/CLP158,088/PEN724.46/NZ$326.72/ZAR3,883.54/PLN834.28/R$986.53/CZK4,361.31/RSD21,583/HUF68,386.96/RUB15,824.80/CN¥1,395.53 per night -
1/107
- Quiet Hampshire site with large grass pitches and easy road access
- In the Test Valley, less than a mile from Stockbridge town centre
- Wild-style camping on a low-key farm; firewood for sale on site
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch 8 x From £20/€23.01/A$37.88/US$24.69/CA$33.61/CHF22.38/SEK266.99/DKK171.45/NOK273.79/ISK3,438/ARS5,817.79/CLP19,761/PEN90.56/NZ$40.84/ZAR485.44/PLN104.29/R$123.32/CZK545.16/RSD2,698/HUF8,548.37/RUB1,978.10/CN¥174.44 per night Non-electric hardstanding and grass touring pitch 8 x From £20/€23.01/A$37.88/US$24.69/CA$33.61/CHF22.38/SEK266.99/DKK171.45/NOK273.79/ISK3,438/ARS5,817.79/CLP19,761/PEN90.56/NZ$40.84/ZAR485.44/PLN104.29/R$123.32/CZK545.16/RSD2,698/HUF8,548.37/RUB1,978.10/CN¥174.44 per night -
1/208
- Small pop-up site on the edge of the South Downs National Park
- A 20-minute drive from Winchester; half an hour from Marwell Zoo
- Spacious pitches on a working farm; campfire wood for sale
Littlewood non-electric forest floor tent pitch (wild) 4 x From £15/€17.26/A$28.41/US$18.52/CA$25.21/CHF16.78/SEK200.24/DKK128.59/NOK205.34/ISK2,578/ARS4,363.34/CLP14,821/PEN67.92/NZ$30.63/ZAR364.08/PLN78.21/R$92.49/CZK408.87/RSD2,023/HUF6,411.28/RUB1,483.58/CN¥130.83 per night The Clearing non-electric grass tent, trailer tent or campervan pitch 6 x From £15/€17.26/A$28.41/US$18.52/CA$25.21/CHF16.78/SEK200.24/DKK128.59/NOK205.34/ISK2,578/ARS4,363.34/CLP14,821/PEN67.92/NZ$30.63/ZAR364.08/PLN78.21/R$92.49/CZK408.87/RSD2,023/HUF6,411.28/RUB1,483.58/CN¥130.83 per night The Meadow non-electric grass tent, trailer tent or campervan pitch 8 x From £15/€17.26/A$28.41/US$18.52/CA$25.21/CHF16.78/SEK200.24/DKK128.59/NOK205.34/ISK2,578/ARS4,363.34/CLP14,821/PEN67.92/NZ$30.63/ZAR364.08/PLN78.21/R$92.49/CZK408.87/RSD2,023/HUF6,411.28/RUB1,483.58/CN¥130.83 per night Bell tent 2 x From £55/€63.28/A$104.18/US$67.90/CA$92.44/CHF61.54/SEK734.23/DKK471.50/NOK752.93/ISK9,453/ARS15,998.91/CLP54,343/PEN249.03/NZ$112.31/ZAR1,334.97/PLN286.78/R$339.12/CZK1,499.20/RSD7,419/HUF23,508.02/RUB5,439.78/CN¥479.71 per night -
1/109
- Family-run site by the Watercress Line: see the trains from your pitch
- A minute's walk from steam engine events of Ropley station
- Spotless amenities and friendly vibe 20 minutes from Winchester
Non-electric grass tent pitch 8 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night Bell tent 6 x From £60/€69.03/A$113.65/US$74.08/CA$100.84/CHF67.14/SEK800.98/DKK514.36/NOK821.38/ISK10,313/ARS17,453.36/CLP59,283/PEN271.67/NZ$122.52/ZAR1,456.33/PLN312.86/R$369.95/CZK1,635.49/RSD8,094/HUF25,645.11/RUB5,934.30/CN¥523.32 per night Safari tent 4 x From £70/€80.53/A$132.59/US$86.42/CA$117.65/CHF78.33/SEK934.47/DKK600.09/NOK958.28/ISK12,032/ARS20,362.25/CLP69,164/PEN316.95/NZ$142.94/ZAR1,699.05/PLN365/R$431.61/CZK1,908.07/RSD9,442/HUF29,919.30/RUB6,923.35/CN¥610.55 per night -
1/268
- Quiet and family-friendly farm site in Hampshire's Test Valley
- Stonehenge, New Forest and Highclere Castle within 40 minutes' drive
- Farm shop, café and two pubs within a five-minute drive
Non-electric grass tent or campervan pitch 5 x From £24/€27.61/A$45.46/US$29.63/CA$40.34/CHF26.86/SEK320.39/DKK205.74/NOK328.55/ISK4,125/ARS6,981.34/CLP23,713/PEN108.67/NZ$49.01/ZAR582.53/PLN125.14/R$147.98/CZK654.20/RSD3,237/HUF10,258.04/RUB2,373.72/CN¥209.33 per night -
1/20
- Simple, spacious pitches in rural Hampshire; kids and dogs welcome
- Winchester, Watercress Line and riding centre within 20 minutes' drive
- Barbecues permitted; several family-run pubs nearby for eating out
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch 6 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night Non-electric grass touring pitch 6 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night -
1/155
- Spacious pitches in a secluded valley in the South Downs National Park
- Hidden away and far from traffic noise
- Many local walks and village with good pub a short walk away
Non-electric grass touring pitch 6 x From £15/€17.26/A$28.41/US$18.52/CA$25.21/CHF16.78/SEK200.24/DKK128.59/NOK205.34/ISK2,578/ARS4,363.34/CLP14,821/PEN67.92/NZ$30.63/ZAR364.08/PLN78.21/R$92.49/CZK408.87/RSD2,023/HUF6,411.28/RUB1,483.58/CN¥130.83 per night -
1/41
- Spacious pop-up site five minutes' drive from Romsey
- New Forest and Peppa Pig World within 10 minutes' drive
- Dog-friendly pitches with no artificial light for great stargazing
The Field non-electric grass campervan pitch 6 x From £24/€27.61/A$45.46/US$29.63/CA$40.34/CHF26.86/SEK320.39/DKK205.74/NOK328.55/ISK4,125/ARS6,981.34/CLP23,713/PEN108.67/NZ$49.01/ZAR582.53/PLN125.14/R$147.98/CZK654.20/RSD3,237/HUF10,258.04/RUB2,373.72/CN¥209.33 per night The Field non-electric grass tent pitch 6 x From £24/€27.61/A$45.46/US$29.63/CA$40.34/CHF26.86/SEK320.39/DKK205.74/NOK328.55/ISK4,125/ARS6,981.34/CLP23,713/PEN108.67/NZ$49.01/ZAR582.53/PLN125.14/R$147.98/CZK654.20/RSD3,237/HUF10,258.04/RUB2,373.72/CN¥209.33 per night -
1/12
- Lively Hampshire family farm site with easy access from M3 and A303
- A 20-minute drive to Winchester and Watercress Line railway
- Café, farm shop and brewery taproom with weekend food trucks
Non-electric grass motorhome pitch 6 x From £20/€23.01/A$37.88/US$24.69/CA$33.61/CHF22.38/SEK266.99/DKK171.45/NOK273.79/ISK3,438/ARS5,817.79/CLP19,761/PEN90.56/NZ$40.84/ZAR485.44/PLN104.29/R$123.32/CZK545.16/RSD2,698/HUF8,548.37/RUB1,978.10/CN¥174.44 per night Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch 6 x From £20/€23.01/A$37.88/US$24.69/CA$33.61/CHF22.38/SEK266.99/DKK171.45/NOK273.79/ISK3,438/ARS5,817.79/CLP19,761/PEN90.56/NZ$40.84/ZAR485.44/PLN104.29/R$123.32/CZK545.16/RSD2,698/HUF8,548.37/RUB1,978.10/CN¥174.44 per night -
1/58
- Family-run and dog-friendly park in a calm countryside setting
- Peppa Pig World and Romsey town centre within 15 minutes’ drive
- Playground, recreational fields, dog-walking area, café and tennis
Willows non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch 5 x From £24/€27.61/A$45.46/US$29.63/CA$40.34/CHF26.86/SEK320.39/DKK205.74/NOK328.55/ISK4,125/ARS6,981.34/CLP23,713/PEN108.67/NZ$49.01/ZAR582.53/PLN125.14/R$147.98/CZK654.20/RSD3,237/HUF10,258.04/RUB2,373.72/CN¥209.33 per night Electric grass and gravel pitch 5 x From £28/€32.21/A$53.04/US$34.57/CA$47.06/CHF31.33/SEK373.79/DKK240.04/NOK383.31/ISK4,813/ARS8,144.90/CLP27,665/PEN126.78/NZ$57.18/ZAR679.62/PLN146/R$172.64/CZK763.23/RSD3,777/HUF11,967.72/RUB2,769.34/CN¥244.22 per night Fully-serviced hardstanding and grass touring pitch (premium) 5 x From £34/€39.12/A$64.40/US$41.98/CA$57.14/CHF38.05/SEK453.89/DKK291.47/NOK465.45/ISK5,844/ARS9,890.24/CLP33,594/PEN153.95/NZ$69.43/ZAR825.25/PLN177.29/R$209.64/CZK926.78/RSD4,586/HUF14,532.23/RUB3,362.77/CN¥296.55 per night -
1/89
- Family-run working farm just to the north of the South Downs
- A 10-minute drive from Alton or a quarter of an hour from Alresford
- Meet the animals, hire a firepit and take advantage of the dark skies
Non-electric grass tent, trailer tent or campervan pitch 8 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night Non-electric grass tent, trailer tent or campervan pitch (adults only) 6 x From £25/€28.76/A$47.35/US$30.86/CA$42.02/CHF27.98/SEK333.74/DKK214.32/NOK342.24/ISK4,297/ARS7,272.23/CLP24,701/PEN113.20/NZ$51.05/ZAR606.80/PLN130.36/R$154.15/CZK681.45/RSD3,372/HUF10,685.46/RUB2,472.63/CN¥218.05 per night -
1/12
- Adults-only campsite just a few minutes' drive from the M27
- Romsey 10 minutes' drive; Winchester city centre 25 minutes
- Pet-friendly camping in the grounds of an equestrian centre
Non-electric grass tent pitch 4 x From £20/€23.01/A$37.88/US$24.69/CA$33.61/CHF22.38/SEK266.99/DKK171.45/NOK273.79/ISK3,438/ARS5,817.79/CLP19,761/PEN90.56/NZ$40.84/ZAR485.44/PLN104.29/R$123.32/CZK545.16/RSD2,698/HUF8,548.37/RUB1,978.10/CN¥174.44 per night Non-electric hardstanding and grass tent or motorhome pitch 4 x From £20/€23.01/A$37.88/US$24.69/CA$33.61/CHF22.38/SEK266.99/DKK171.45/NOK273.79/ISK3,438/ARS5,817.79/CLP19,761/PEN90.56/NZ$40.84/ZAR485.44/PLN104.29/R$123.32/CZK545.16/RSD2,698/HUF8,548.37/RUB1,978.10/CN¥174.44 per night -
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- Spacious safari-style tents on a Hampshire family farm
- Winchester, Stonehenge and Paultons Park within 40 minutes' drive
- Easy access from the A27; kitchen and bathroom in each tent
2 bedroom safari tent 6 x From £180/€207.08/A$340.94/US$222.23/CA$302.52/CHF201.42/SEK2,402.93/DKK1,543.08/NOK2,464.14/ISK30,939/ARS52,360.08/CLP177,849/PEN815.02/NZ$367.56/ZAR4,368.98/PLN938.57/R$1,109.85/CZK4,906.47/RSD24,280/HUF76,935.33/RUB17,802.91/CN¥1,569.97 per night
Why visit Winchester?
Introducing England’s ancient capital
First it was the capital of Wessex, then it was the capital of England. Now, Winchester is merely the capital of Hampshire – but maybe that’s a blessing, as few major cities are able to maintain the old-world grace and natural beauty that you’ll find around this compact county town. (And, if you ever do miss the bright lights of the big city, London is only about an hour away by car or rail.)
Winchester’s ancient and medieval history means that timeworn monuments and landmarks are scattered all around its streets, from gorgeous Winchester Cathedral – the longest Gothic church in Europe – to the tumbledown stones of Wolvesey Castle, the once-grand abode of Norman bishops.
This quiet and cultured town is also closely associated with Alfred the Great, whose statue towers above the high street to this day, but you’ll also find traces of King Arthur here – head to the Great Hall to catch a glimpse of the legendary Round Table. (OK, it’s not quite old enough to have been taken from Camelot, but it does date back to the 1200s, which is still impressive.)
Riverside rambles and country trails
A walk through Winchester’s water meadows is an excellent antidote to the stresses and strains of everyday life – keep an eye out for ducks, swans and kingfishers as you wander by the water’s edge, stopping to gaze into crystal-clear chalk streams where trout swim unhurriedly against the flow.
Moving away from the river, take a hike up St Catherine’s Hill for panoramas over the cathedral and the old city centre, or head along the old railway line and across the Hockley Viaduct to spot birds of prey circling overhead.
Gateway to the South Downs National Park
Winchester is also an excellent location for exploring the South Downs National Park. The 100-mile-long South Downs Way walking trail starts here and runs along a ridge down to Eastbourne, East Sussex.
After leaving Winchester, the path twists and turns through the spectacular Meon Valley past thatched cottages and country pubs. Many of the villages here have bus services that link up with Winchester if you fancy exploring a short one-way stretch.
Winchester is also within easy reach of the New Forest National Park, the edge of which is roughly half an hour’s drive away on the other side of Southampton.
The best things to do in and around Winchester
In town
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Peer at illuminated manuscripts and admire Antony Gormley sculptures at Winchester Cathedral.
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Take a stroll around the grand old barracks at Peninsula Square and explore Winchester’s well-preserved military museums.
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Visit one of England’s oldest working water mills at City Mill, just off the high street.
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Take the kids to the hands-on exhibits at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium.
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Sample Hampshire’s finest fare at Winchester farmers’ market (held by the cathedral on the last Sunday of every month).
The best things to do within an hour’s drive of Winchester
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Make friends with the animals at Marwell Zoo and then head for a pub lunch a mile down the road in Owslebury (15 minutes’ drive.)
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Happen upon rare plants and glorious wildlife at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey (20 minutes).
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Launch yourself over to the Isle of Wight from Lymington, or stick around to browse high-end chandleries and swim in the saltwater baths (45 minutes).
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Stroll around the grand gardens and elegant interiors of Highclere Castle, Newbury (30 minutes).
Delve Deeper
Winchester’s best nature reserves
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Avoid the crowds with a trip to Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, a secluded patch of wildflower meadows and reedbeds just outside Winchester city centre.
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Keep an eye out for kestrels, egrets and red kites on Chilbolton Cow Common, a site of special scientific interest on the way to Andover.
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Hike up Beacon Hill, a national nature reserve 20 minutes’ drive from Winchester that’s surrounded by undulating South Downs countryside.
Winchester College
Winchester College, one of England’s most prestigious public schools, has been teaching young men here since 1382.
Guided tours are available if you’re interested in exploring the chapel, college hall, cloisters and 17th-century school buildings, but you can also see much of the college just from the street – including the house next door where novelist Jane Austen lived out her last days in 1817.
St Cross Hospital and Hockley Railway Viaduct
The Hospital of St Cross is around a mile from Winchester city centre and can be accessed via a footpath that runs along a peaceful chalk stream. This ancient monastic building is still home to monks today – and, if you ask nicely, they might provide you with the traditional wayfarers’ dole of a free drink of ale and a slice of bread.
Here’s how
Whether you’ve set your heart on Winchester for your next break or are just looking for somewhere where you can visit for the day, Pitchup has a great selection of campsites in the South Downs and holiday parks in Hampshire to match your style and budget.
Use the tick-box filters on this page to browse by themes, features and facilities, or have a look at some of our most popular options below:
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Have a waggy-tailed Hampshire holiday at a Winchester site that allows dogs
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Find electric pitches within reach of the South Downs and New Forest national parks
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Roll up to a luxury break with a fully-serviced pitch in the Winchester area.
Thinking of embarking on a tour of the South East? For heritage-focused camping breaks, check out other historic spots like Portsmouth or Salisbury, or stick to the South Downs with a trip to Chichester, Eastbourne or Arundel.