City Breaks in Hampshire

Are you looking to get away for the weekend on a city break? Hampshire is one of the best places to take a city break as we have three great cities to choose from in Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester. What’s more each of the cities is less than 2 hours away from London.

Whether you are looking for history and culture, to visit amazing attractions, drink and dine at fantastic bars and restaurants or visit great events, Hampshire’s cities have it all!
 

City Breaks in Winchester

This medieval cathedral city used to be the former capital of England and still retains its charm from yesteryear and is a great destination for a short city break. Winchester is the official gateway to the beautiful South Downs National Park. 

The city is also the gastronomic capital of Hampshire with an abundance of delicious cafés and restaurants, including the Michelin starred Black Rat, Rick Stein and The Ivy Brasserie to name but few. It also has some of the county’s best known visitor attractions, including King Arthur’s Round Table at the Great Hall and Winchester Cathedral.

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Top Three Events in Winchester

Winchester has events galore throughout the whole of the year.  

Winchester Cocktail Week – February: To celebrate that dry January is finished the bars of Winchester hold a cocktail parties to show off their best cocktails. There are plenty of masterclasses held throughout the festival teaching you how to make the best cocktail.

Winchester Hat Fair – July: The UK’s longest running outdoor performing arts festival. The weekend festival includes music, comedy, acrobatics and theatre throughout the city’s streets.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market & Ice Rink– December: One of the best Christmas markets in Europe, situated in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral. This is an ideal place to buy a Christmas gift from one of the high quality independent artisans. The Christmas Market also includes an outdoor ice rink with spectacular views of the Cathedral.

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Getting to Winchester

By Rail: Winchester train station: 1hr from London Waterloo
By Road: 1hr 30 from London

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City Breaks in Portsmouth

This historic city is home to the Royal Navy and is an action packed city break combining an irresistible mix of heritage, culture, shopping, and entertainment. With top attractions such as the iconic Spinnaker Tower, you can also shop 'til you drop at Gunwharf Quays the premium outlet village. A must see is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where you can walk aboard historic ships like Horatio Nelson’s HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the breath taking Mary Rose. You can take a rib ride or sailing boat out into the Solent, with stunning views of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight coastline.

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Top Three Events in Portsmouth

Portsmouth has vibrant nightlife with some of the latest music artists and comedians performing in the city throughout the year.

Southsea Food Festival - July: A foodie festival in the heart of quirky Southsea, renowned for its independent restaurants and shops.

Victorious - August: A two day music festival located on the on the iconic Southsea Common, with huge headliners and artists across the whole weekend.

Great South Run - October: A fast and flat 10 mile course which takes you past the major sites of the city such as Spinnakar Tower, through Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

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Getting to Portsmouth

By Rail: Portsmouth Harbour train station 1hr 39 from London Waterloo
By Road: 1hr 35 from London

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City Breaks in Southampton

The city of Southampton is the cruise capital of Europe and home to Premier League Football Team the Saints.  This city break destination is a shopper’s paradise with the huge West Quay Shopping Centre and a bustling nightlife with the bars and restaurants on Oxford Street and in Ocean Village marina. Southampton is now a cultural hub with many West End shows at the Mayflower Theatre. The Nuffield Southampton Theatre is a leading producing theatre and is relocating to the city’s cultural quarter.

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Top Events in Southampton

Mela Festival - July: Southampton’s biggest free festival celebrating South Asian Culture, with authentic Asian food, music and performances across the day.

Southampton Boat Show - September: One of the largest boat shows in Europe including boat experiences, fine dining, music, kids sailing courses and plenty of opportunity to shop for the latest clothing and equipment.

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Getting to Southampton

By Rail: Southampton Central 1hr 15 from London Waterloo
By Road: 1hr 45 from London

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