Castle Ruins, an Eco Shop and More

Hello Tuesday.

It’s full-on chaos here as I try to cram in as much as possible before the kids finish school on Friday. There seems to be something happening at school every day this week (not that I’m complaining—it’s all very festive!). I’ve got a few last-minute gifts to grab, but thankfully, I’m nearly there.

This Friday, I’m heading to The Royal Marines School of Music - The Christmas Concert in Portsmouth, and it looks like there are still a few tickets left.

Next week, I’m looking forward to slowing down a bit and catching up with family. Aside from visiting some favourite spots around Hampshire, we’ve got some cinema time planned—Moana 2 and Wicked are both on the list. I’ll take popcorn over wrapping paper any day!

Visit a 12th-Century Castle for Free - It’s Just a Short Walk From Winchester City Centre

If you haven’t explored Wolvesey Castle, it’s time to add it to your list—and the best part? It’s free! Located just a short stroll from Winchester’s city centre, this historical site offers a fascinating glimpse into the medieval past while being a tranquil spot to enjoy the fresh Hampshire air.

Wolvesey Castle was the principal residence of the powerful Bishops of Winchester during the Middle Ages. Constructed in the 12th century by Henry of Blois, this fortified palace played a pivotal role in the drama of The Anarchy, a civil war that rocked England in the 12th century.

Though much of the castle lies in ruin today, its fifteenth-century chapel survives as part of the adjacent Wolvesey Palace, the current home of the Bishop of Winchester. You might even spot the Bishop—don’t forget to wave!

But the story doesn’t stop there. The site itself, an eyot on the River Itchen known as Wulveseye or "Wulf’s Island," has a much older history. Archaeological finds suggest there were Roman-era buildings here, and long before the castle, Æthelwold of Winchester—a 10th-century Bishop—built a residence on the site.

Plan Your Visit This Holiday Season

Over the festive season, Wolvesey Castle makes a perfect addition to a Winchester walking tour. Why not combine your visit with a scenic stroll along the River Itchen? Start at the City Bridge opposite the historic Winchester City Mill, and follow the path along the river, looping back toward Winchester Cathedral. Whether you begin or end your journey at Wolvesey Castle, it’s a peaceful and picturesque route to soak in Winchester’s charm.

👉 Plan Your Visit and Find Out More

Savings on Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Annual Passes

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is an incredible place to visit, but I often hear that it’s too expensive for families or regular trips. Thankfully, there’s a way to make it more affordable!

A standard annual pass for two adults usually costs £102 (£92 if booked in advance), but Virgin Experiences is currently offering some great deals, bringing the price down to just £75.20 for two passes—that’s only £37.60 per person, which is almost the same price for a ticket for seeing one the attractions just for one day. Use the code XMAS20 to grab the discount while it’s available (I’m not sure how long it will last).

With an annual pass, you’ll get:

• Unlimited visits for 12 months to attractions like:

  • The Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and many more.

  • Harbour Tours, the Submarine Museum, and fun family activities.

  • And a waterbus between sites.

There’s so much to see and do, and this deal makes it far more affordable to explore everything. If you’d like to read about my visit, you can check it out here.

👉 You can get your pass here and add code XMAS20 at the checkout.

P.S. Love a good deal? There are even more discounts and offers for days out in Hampshire in the Hot Picks section below.

Photo of the Week: Milford on Sea

This week, we have a beautiful drone photo over Milford on Sea. It’s such a lovely place to visit, even on a winter day.

Reply with your own Hampshire photos, and it might be featured in an upcoming issue.

This Week’s Events in Hampshire

Wednesday 18th December

Carols on the Camber 2024 - The Camber, Outside The A Bar, Old Portsmouth - 6:00 PM

Friday 20th December

Kissing Bough Workshop - The Mary Rose, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth - 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Frozen - Sing-along (PG) - Portsmouth Cathedral - 5:30 PM - 7:20 PM
The Muppets A Christmas Carol - Sing-along (U) - Portsmouth Cathedral - 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Saturday 21st December

BattleZone: The Great Grinchmas Heist - New Forest Activities - 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Christmas Candle Making Workshop - Winchester Cathedral - 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Father Christmas: Back in Flight! - Hawk Conservancy Trust - 1:00 PM - 3:20 PM & 5:00 PM - 7:20 PM
Festive Fun at Beaulieu - New Forest - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Toddler Takeover XII: Santa's Crazy Christmas - Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Winter Deer Feeding Encounter - New Forest Wildlife Park - All day
Court House Carols - East Meon Village Hall - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Christmas Carol Service - Livestreamed - Online - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Winter Deer Feeding Encounter - New Forest Wildlife Park - All day (until 23rd December)

Sunday 22nd December

Father Christmas: Back in Flight! - Hawk Conservancy Trust - 1:00 PM - 3:20 PM & 5:00 PM - 7:20 PM
Santa Run - Clarence Esplanade, Southsea - 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Bombay Sapphire Cinema Nights: Elf - Laverstoke Mill - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

A Place to Visit: A Sustainable Gem in Romsey

Based in Unit 11 at Belbins Business Park, Romsey, Lemon & Jinja is a charming café and sustainable shop that’s making waves locally and nationally. Open seven days a week, it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee, enjoy delicious homemade cakes, and pick up eco-friendly essentials.

With accolades like Best Sustainable Business in England 2023 and a reputation for being warm and approachable, Lemon & Jinja combines great taste (in both music and treats) with a meaningful mission. From their efforts to educate others about sustainability to their Ugandan-inspired name, this is more than just a café—it’s a story and a community.

During our visit, we indulged in their hot drinks, sampled some of their famous cakes, and stocked up on sustainable products, all while soaking in their friendly and inviting atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place to relax, shop consciously, or chat with passionate people, Lemon & Jinja should be on your list.

👉 Learn more or plan your visit: Lemon & Jinja Website.

Hampshire Hot Picks: 20% Off Virgin Experiences

This week, I’ve put the usual Hampshire Hot Picks on hold to share something a bit different. Virgin Experiences is offering 20% off everything (use code XMAS20 at the checkout), and I’ve taken the time to dig through their site to find the best experiences in Hampshire. It’s not always easy to spot what’s available, so I’ve done the hard work for you!

If you’re looking for meaningful gifts for people who love experiences over things (like me—no more socks, please!), these are some great ideas. Or why not treat yourself to something special? Here are my top picks:

🌟 Indulge in a Three-Course Meal with Prosecco for Two at Brasserie Blanc in Winchester or Portsmouth – book your gourmet experience here.

🍸 Shake things up with a Bombay Sapphire Gin Cocktail Masterclass and guided discovery tour for two – reserve your spot today.

🚂 Ride a heritage steam train and enjoy fish and chips for two through the South Downs – jump aboard here.

⚓ Dive into history with the Ultimate VIP Mary Rose Ship Hall Experience – book your exclusive tour.

🚁 Soar above Portsmouth on a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour, taking in towers and tall ships – take flight here.

🍷 Sip and explore on the Portsmouth Distillery Tour for Two, with tastings included – book your distillery experience.

🛁 Unwind with a Morning Spa Experience at Macdonald Hotels, including a treatment and lunch – relax here.

🚣‍♂️ Canoe through the stunning New Forest, perfect for two – paddle away here.

🏹 Try your hand at Archery in the New Forest, a fun adventure for two – book your bullseye moment.

🌲 Take on the Go Ape Treetop Challenge, a thrilling adventure for two – secure your harness here.

🍇 Explore Hattingley Valley Winery with a Tour and Tasting for Two – sip and savour here.

🌉 Visit the iconic Spinnaker Tower for Two and soak in breathtaking views – reserve your tickets.

🏎️ Feel the adrenaline on a Triple Supercar Blast, including a high-speed passenger ride – rev up your engines here.

You can find even more experiences here. (Just a heads up: booking through my links helps support this newsletter at no extra cost to you—thank you!)

That’s all for this week’s Hampshire Hot Picks! With the festive season upon us, next week’s newsletter will arrive a little earlier than usual, on Monday 23rd December. It will be a slightly shorter edition, but we’ll include some great articles to enjoy if you have a quiet moment amidst the festive buzz.

Wishing you a wonderful week, and we’ll see you on the 23rd!

Hannah

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