The best of city life on a budget
There are loads of fun things to do and delicious places to eat and drink in Winchester, even on a budget. Check out our handy guide showing what you can enjoy in the local area for just £10 or less. From cinema trips to craft workshops and mocktails to open mic nights – what will you try first?
If you’re looking for a great night out with mates or a date, why not head to the Vue cinema in Eastleigh where you can watch the latest blockbuster for just £4.99. With a return train from Winchester to Eastleigh costing around £4.20, that’s movie night covered for under a tenner.
Perhaps you’re looking for something spooky? If you’re brave enough, give the Ghost Tour of Winchester a try. For £10 you can hear all about the dark history of Winchester and tales of tormented souls on a blood-curdling adventure lasting around 60-75 minutes.
Josie’s has a variety of delicious breakfast and brunch options for under £9. Start your day right with eggs benedict, granola, eggs on toast, a vegan burrito, spiced butterbeans or breakfast tacos. Josie’s also offers some lovely lunch options for under £9 including loaded tots, buttermilk fried chicken burger and a variety of toasties.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit for a night at Bop, something more formal or comfy sweats to study in, charity shops are great places to look. You can nab a bargain for under £9 while supporting a great cause. Head into town and have fun searching – there’s lots to choose from including Naomi House & Jacksplace, Dogs Trust and Oxfam.
Independent business Bella Crafts offers a range of walk-in workshops. Starting at £8 you can embrace decopatch, glass painting, pottery painting, silk and fabric painting, or jewellery making sessions. You can craft for as long as you wish until the venue closes. If you need some sustenance to keep your creativity flowing, they offer delicious coffee, cake and lunch options too.
If you’re craving satisying Mexican food, Overdraft is one of our favourite restaurants in the heart of Winchester. You’ll often find us there on Taco Tuesdays, munching through three tacos for just £8. The vibe steps up at night with regular DJ sets and a range of craft beers to sample.
Projects Store and Kitchen offers products from over 30 independent local traders whether you’re after vintage clothing, handmade gifts or quirky antiques. Top up your food cupboard regulars from the zero waste refill station or visit the café for fresh, ethically sourced food. In the winter, we can’t get enough of their large soup and sourdough toast for £6.50.
Fancy a bit of culture? Explore the city’s past and present across three floors in the Winchester City Museum. Handle real artefacts, view a model of the city in Victorian times and find out more about the influential Hampshire icons Jane Austen and Alfred the Great. Pay £7 once (or further 10% discount online) and visit all year.
Enjoy a dip in the eight-lane 50m swimming pool at our local Winchester Sport and Leisure Park, next to our University of Winchester Sports Stadium in Bar End. Note: the children’s splash pad next to the learner pool looks sooo much fun, but sadly that’s just for the little ones! Each session in the main pool costs £5.60 – how many lanes will you swim?
The Works is a great place for artists on a budget. A mere £6 can buy you a Crawford & Black A5 Sketch Pad and pack of 15 watercolour pencils. Which beauty spot will you head to for inspiration – perhaps Winchester Cathedral grounds, St Catherine’s Hill or the water meadows?
Turtle Bay offers some of the best mocktails in Winchester. Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with a Virgin Kolada, Raspberry Reggae or Guava Punch for just £5. Let the drinks and conversations flow as you socialise with housemates or coursemates.
From Camden to Winchester – embrace the latest trend and try a bubble (boba) tea. Head to Mooboo to discover your favourite flavour combination with their milk teas, fruit teas and fruit fusion drinks coming in at under £5.
Winchester is surrounded by loads of beautiful towns so take the chance to explore beyond the city. For just £4 you can get a return bus journey to Romsey – a super cute market town with an amazing Norman Abbey, independent stores and picturesque walks by the River Test.
If you’re feeling more active, set out on the beautiful four-mile walk along the Itchen Way from Winchester to Shawford. Pause for a refreshing drink in the local pub, The Bridge, before getting the train back for just £3.80.
Craving a big city vibe? Thanks to the Government capping single fare bus journeys at £2 and Bluestar offering £1 journeys after 6pm, you can travel to the cosmopolitan city of Southampton and back again for a mere £3. You’ll be spoilt for choice with hundreds of shops for a bit of retail therapy, an epic range of restaurants, an incredible calendar of events and some excellent venues for a big night out.
Depending on how much space you have, you can choose from around 200 packets of vegetable or herb seeds, each costing less than £3, from Hilliers Garden Centre (next to our West Downs Centre). Even if you’ve just got a tray or pot on a windowsill, it’s super easy to grow your own lettuce, basil or mint.
Wetherspoons offers free refills on tea, coffee or hot chocolate for just £1.56. This deal is perfect for a good long catch up with friends or to keep your thirst quenched during a daytime study session (if you prefer a little background noise).
Release your inner child in the Old-Fashioned Sweetie Shop. There’s a huge range of yummy sweet treats under £2, including pick 'n' mix for £1.29 per 100g.
Whether you snack on it, blend it or share it, it’s easy to enjoy lots of delicious fruit on a budget. For under £1 at Tesco you can get six kiwis or one pineapple (99p), three oranges (90p), six small bananas (75p) or a pack of watermelon fingers (60p) – what will choose as part of your five a day?
Have you tried the Poundland challenge? Challenge yourself and your friends to find something for a themed bop party, the craziest item or the tastiest product for £1.
If you’re looking for a fun night out in the city, then head to the Roots open mic night at The Railway Inn. It’s on every Monday evening from 8.30pm and tickets are free.
Take a break from your studies and unwind by walking through the beautiful 64-hectare Winnall Moors Nature Reserve. Wander along the boardwalks by the River Itchen – keep an eye out for kingfishers, water voles and roe deer.
Prices correct at time of publishing.
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