Escape the everyday
As we turn the page to a new year, many of us are longing for those bright spring days on the horizon and looking to get some dates in the diary for a weekend away or staycation.
In our first blog post of 2022, we share a few of our highlights from the spring events calendar*, and as ever, there’s plenty to experience across the local area while enjoying a getaway at Woodlands Retreat B&B - from an action-packed day at the races to sampling award-winning sparkling wines…
A day at the races
What better way to experience the beauty and spirit of the South Downs than a visit to the iconic Goodwood Racecourse? There really is something special about a day at the races at Goodwood, and each race meeting offers something a little different.
The Season Opener (Friday 29 - Saturday 30 April) is an event the whole family can enjoy and a perfect introduction to racing, while there’s the chance to experience some of the most valuable racing of the season in the May Festival (Friday 20 - Saturday 21 May).
History and heritage
Another popular local attraction that truly delivers something for all the family is the Watercress Line, offering a chance to experience the golden age of steam travel with events throughout the year.
Gain a glimpse behind the scenes and view locomotives under restoration at the Spring Steam Gala (29 April - 2 May) or jump aboard for a Day out with Thomas (28 May - 5 June)
And to discover more about what lends the heritage railway line its name, pay a visit to Alresford’s annual Watercress Festival on Sunday 15 May, with this popular community event set to return following a Covid-enforced break.
Wining and dining
Just a stone’s throw from Woodlands Retreat B&B is England’s oldest commercial vineyard, which continues to serve up not only fantastic English sparkling wines, but also events and experiences not to be missed.
This spring, there’s the chance to try Hambledon Vineyard’s award-winning sparkling wines paired with the finest local artisan cheeses in a Cheese and Wine Tasting (25 February, 11 March, 15 and 30 April), learn to Be a Winemaker with well-known wine expert Joe Wadsack (Friday 25 March) and even take part in “the ultimate shellfish experience” in ‘Crab Cracking’ with Sally’s Fish Camp (Saturday 23 April).
Arts and culture
There are plenty of opportunities to sample Hampshire’s arts and cultural offerings this spring, too, including Winchester Comedy Festival’s Spring Gala (10 March) - an evening of stand-up comedy from Rhys James, Jen Brister, Josh Pugh and James Gill (MC). Or take a step back in time with Groundlings Theatre Tours (dates throughout the year) - an expedition around Portsmouth's oldest theatre. Led by costumed actors, the tour takes you to all corners of the Grade II-listed building, showcasing its rich history.
Searching for more to explore this spring? Check out these useful links:
South Downs National Park (what’s on)
*Event details correct at time of writing (16 January 2022) - please check with relevant venues/attractions before travelling.