Gardens and grounds
The scene of many weddings, celebrations and events, the grounds here have seen many a marquee. Walking the 50-acre gardens here is serenity itself. Gents should employ the both-hands-behind-the-back, one-hand-clasping-the-opposite-wrist method. Ladies might want a parasol. But only if you’re not carrying a gin and tonic.
Eat out on the terrace with seating for 30 while the kids do cartwheels on the lawn and the dogs sniff the greenery. Try not to burn your burgers on the gas barbecue. Or take a picnic out to the walled garden and boating lake, best observed from the terrace. Stay out for croquet and late-night laughs around the firepit.
Living spaces
Downton Abbey (Highclere) is just around the corner and Winchester Manor House basks in more than a whiff of its reflected glory. Pick from two cosy lounge areas to gather for movie nights or enjoy the verdant views from the Ogee-domed orangery with long-range glass extension.
Bag a book from the library. Ask Alexa about the weather or whatever you like. Let the kids live it large on the table tennis, the PlayStation or on a games night in the living room. Load up your Lord and Lady of the Manor shots to Insta over the superfast Wi-Fi.
Take a short stroll to the hotel for the 15-metre pool, treadmill, step machines, weights, running machines, and eight-seat sauna. Recover in the bar and restaurant. Pop back home for a cheeky one from the honesty bar.
Cooking and dining
This is no mean kitchen. It’s a Shaker-style, country-kitchen beauty complete with Smeg oven and five-burner induction, American-style fridge plus a nifty island with bar stools for your breakfast shifts. Banquet loud and proud around the 22-seat dining table or out on the sun terrace with seating for 30 and meat on the barbecue from Barlow’s.
Of course, if you can’t extract yourself from the hotel pool and spa facilities, might we recommend in-house catering from the professional chefs at the hotel? If it’s a special celebration, we might even be able to rustle up a butler. Takeaways? Tanoshii Fusion’s inspired by China, Thailand and Japan, and Pizza Pan does what it says on the tin.
Make a night of it, out and about at the Coach and Horses, over whitebait, southern-fried chicken strips, the pie of the week, or vegan and veggie options. Open the batting with deep-fried Brie and move onto gammon steak or slow-roasted lamb at The Swann. Or just pop over to the hotel restaurant for afternoon tea or slap-up supper.
Head into Winchester for relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining over modern British cuisine to café-style classics at The Ivy Winchester Brasserie. Or fill up at Turtle Bay for the bottomless brunch that includes two hours of unlimited cocktails and Prosecco, draft beers or mocktails plus any brunch dish, burger or wrap.
Pool, Spa and Sauna
Indulge in some much-needed self-care and rejuvenation by taking some quality “me time” at the onsite hotel spa. This shared spa facilities are the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and pampering. The spa is run by an expert team who truly know their stuff.
Amidst the soothing ambiance of our spa, you’ll discover an array of amenities designed to enhance your well-being. While waiting for your therapeutic treatments, you can relax in the sauna and steam room, workout in the gym or retreat to the dedicated relaxation room to let your cares melt away, lay back on our heated loungers or swim a few laps in the pool.
Bedrooms
Wrapped in 50 acres of prime Hampshire pastureland, Winchester Manor House will never get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Settle back on Moonraker mattresses and toppers, luxuriate in 250 thread-count sheets and pick from 13 bedrooms and bathrooms. All rooms include a flat-screen TV.
Carnation is a double room with a sofa bed and zedbed, while Bluebell is a double and Daffodil another double with two zedbeds. Rose offers a double with sofa bed and two zedbeds and Peony is another double. Tulip comes with a double bed and sofa bed, while Jasmine offers a double and zedbed. Daisy provides another double.
Up in the attic, Wallflower, Geranium, Chrysanthemum and Lavender are all double bedrooms. For extra guests, further rooms are available in the hotel.
What people say
Fun – on site or off
Stay home for clay-pigeon shooting, garden games, the Crystal Maze and more. Book a masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Beat the clock at ClueCapers Escape Rooms. Meet meerkats and mountain bongos at Marwell Zoo, or two of Britain's finest: see King Alfred repel the Vikings at 878 AD or get selfies with Peppa at Paulton's Park.
