Otters in Winchester, A Walled Garden and Pancakes

Good Morning!

It's half term, and Halloween is just around the corner, bringing a wave of spooky fun to Hampshire! Fireworks are already painting the skies with colour (it seems like we just can't wait for the 5th!), and with the clocks turned back, those cosy, dark evenings are here sooner than ever.

This week, we’re featuring a must-visit spot in Winchester, a stunning photo from Romsey, upcoming events, and more.

Otters, History, and a Mill Wheel Revival

Nestled in the heart of Winchester, the City Mill is a remarkable piece of history, dating back to the 11th century and boasting one of England’s few remaining watermills. For nearly 1,000 years, this mill has played a vital role in Winchester’s story, and although the iconic wheel is currently still, there’s an exciting journey ahead to bring it back to life.

After working tirelessly since 2003, the wheel is due for repair—a necessary pause after years of braving fast-flowing waters, fluctuating river levels, and even record rainfall.

Highlights of Your Visit

- The Mill Itself: Imagine an ancient watermill powered by the River Itchen, now carefully preserved as the team works to restore the wheel for future generations. You’ll still find captivating displays and insights into the traditional milling process, all designed to celebrate the ‘Farm to Fork’ story. Once the wheel is turning again, visitors will be able to see this process in action, watching grain mill to flour in real time - an experience that’s both rare and memorable.

- The Café: Nestled within the Mill, the café offers a delightful menu of locally sourced treats in a beautiful riverside setting. Outdoor seating overlooks the River Itchen, making it the perfect spot for a tea break, with views as calming as the pastries are delicious.

- Second-Hand Bookshop: Winchester City Mill’s second-hand bookshop is a hidden gem for book lovers, with every purchase supporting the Mill’s upkeep. Whether you’re after a classic, a cookbook, or something totally unexpected, browsing here feels like a mini-treasure hunt with a purpose.

- Island Garden Getaway: Escape into the Mill’s Island Garden, a small yet serene space with views on either side of the river. It’s an oasis within the city and a great place to pause, relax, and perhaps spot some local wildlife.

- Otter Cam and Wildlife: Now, here’s something you don’t see every day! Winchester City Mill is famous for its resident otters, and thanks to the Mill’s special ‘Otter-cam,’ you might just catch them on their river adventures, marking their territory or sneaking out for a late-night snack. These slippery characters are stars of the Mill, frequently appearing on Countryfile and Springwatch. Alongside the otters, there are trout, water voles, and even the occasional salmon to spot in the river.

- A Starting Point for Adventure – South Downs Way: Since the 1930s, Winchester City Mill has marked the starting point of the South Downs Way, a legendary 160km route through picturesque landscapes. From here, you can visit St. Catherine’s Hill or the gardens of Hinton Ampner, taking in breathtaking views along the way. Once you’re done exploring, there’s a convenient bus stop nearby to whisk you back.

Looking Ahead

The City Mill team is deeply committed to preserving the legacy of milling, an endangered craft, and repairing the wheel is a vital step toward this goal. This project is about more than just a restoration—it’s about giving Winchester its working watermill back, providing opportunities for new volunteers, and encouraging everyone to reconnect with the story of food production. In a world moving at breakneck speed, the Mill stands as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the journey from grain to flour, all in this historic setting.

The Best Part? It’s Free!

Entry to Winchester City Mill is free, making it an ideal stop for families, history buffs, and nature lovers. Whether you’re here for the heritage, the café, or a bit of otter-spotting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Soon enough, when the wheel is back in action, you’ll be able to witness the full story come to life once more.

Winchester City Mill is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, giving you a good window for a leisurely morning or afternoon visit. Note that the Mill is closed on Tuesdays, so it’s best to plan around that. However, as with all historic sites, hours can sometimes vary, so it’s always a good idea to check directly with the Mill before heading out.

Photo of the Week

This week’s photo captures the quiet elegance of Mottisfont’s walled garden in Romsey. This National Trust property is known for its beautiful mix of history and nature, and this scene—a meticulously arranged pathway cutting through geometric hedges—gives a glimpse of its timeless charm.

Mottisfont Abbey was established in the 13th century as an Augustinian priory. Over the centuries, it transformed from a monastic home into a stately residence, eventually evolving into the public treasure it is today.

Mottisfont’s gardens are famous, particularly for their collection of old-fashioned roses, which bloom in breathtaking colours each summer, filling the air with a heady fragrance. The gardens also change with the seasons, featuring swathes of wildflowers in spring and frost-tipped foliage in winter.

The walled garden in this photo was designed by garden designer Graham Stuart Thomas, who curated a collection of over 500 rose varieties, some of which are incredibly rare.

Whether you’re drawn by the gardens, the history, or the peaceful riverside walks, Mottisfont offers a quiet escape from the hustle of modern life. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, take in the details, and maybe even wonder who might have walked these paths centuries before.

Events This Week in Hampshire

Wednesday 30th October 2024

Steve Backshall - Ocean - Portsmouth Guildhall - 13:30
Gothic House Tour - Chawton House - 18:30 - 20:30

Thursday 31st October 2024

HMS Sultan Bonfire & Fireworks Night - Gosport - 17:30 - 22:45
Bonfire lighting at 19:45 and fireworks at 20:30

Friday 1st November 2024

Trainmaster at Sky Park Farm - Petersfield
Bonfire and Fireworks at The Dell - East Meon - 16:00 - 21:00 - £5

Saturday 2nd November 2024

Petersfield Fireworks Display - Petersfield
Southampton Fireworks - Mayflower Park, Southampton - 16:00 - 19:00

Sunday 3rd November 2024

Fawley Firework Spectacular - Fawley - 17:30 - 20:00
Ringwood Grand Fireworks - Ringwood

Tuesday 5th November 2024

Southsea Common Fireworks Display - Portsmouth - 16:00 - 20:00

Also, check out all the Halloween events in Hampshire here.

A Place to Eat: A Pancake Lover’s Dream?

If your family loves pancakes as much as I do, Stakks is the perfect spot to treat the kids this half term! I’ve been there a few times, and it never disappoints. While I usually go for the sweet options (who can resist?), I decided to branch out and tried a savoury pancake on my last visit—absolutely delicious! Highly recommend giving it a go if you’re up for something different.

They have two locations to satisfy your pancake cravings:

• 109 Winchester Rd, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2GH

• Marlands Shopping Centre, Upper Level, Southampton, SO14 7SJ

Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savoury, Stakks has you covered!

Hampshire Hot Picks

🎫 Don’t Miss Southampton’s Epic Drone Light Show! – Book tickets here!

🛌 Special offers at this New Forest Hotel.

🚂 Hampshire Steam Train Trip with Fish and Chip Tea for Two.

🏡 Treat yourself to a staycation with Shorefield Holidays - up to 60% off remaining getaways.

🛳 Win a cruise out of Portsmouth - competition closes on 31st Oct.

That’s all for this week!

We hope you’ve found some inspiration for things to do, places to visit, and treats to enjoy.

As always, thank you for reading, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any suggestions or stories of your own! We’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, happy exploring!

Hannah