From green spaces, to restaurants, and everything in between

There’s so much to explore around Erasmus Park! Whether you’re looking for cosy cafès to study, parks to relax, or local spots to hang out, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a quick guide to your new neighbourhood.

Green Spaces

📍Winnall Moors Nature Reserve: managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, here you'll find trails alongside the River Itchen and surrounding water meadows.

📍River Park Recreation Ground: located on the west-side of the River Itchen, this space provides a great location for sport and exercise, and is located next to Winchester Skatepark. 

📍St. Giles Hill: offers a park area and view point providing a fantastic panorama of Winchester city centre.

Winchester is surrounded by greenery so you're sure to have lots of scenic spots to explore. 

Further afield...

📍The Isle of Wight: close on the ferry, it is perfect for a sunny day trip. Do not miss historic sites like Osborne House and the Needles.

📍Durdle Door: you can get here easily using the train, although it does take around three hours, it's definitely worth it for the beach and breath-taking scenery. 

📍Brockenhurst: looking for a shorter train journey? Only half an hour away, you can visit the New Forest in the small village of Brockenhurst which is a great place for hiking — see if you can spot any ponies, donkeys or cows along the way.

📍Stonehenge: hop on a train to Salisbury then get the bus up to see the historic landmark. Make sure to stop at Salisbury Cathedral on the way home. 

Restaurants and Cafés

📍Dim T: head here for a diverse menu of Asian dishes, covering everything from handmade dim sum to classic curries and noodles. This is a great spot to eat before heading to the Theatre Royal Winchester just around the corner. 

📍The Chesil Rectory: get a taste of modern British cuisine using local produce and enjoy your meal in a stunning 600-year-old Tudor building!

📍Café Monde: a nice café in a quirky building. This is a great meeting place with friends for breakfast, lunch or some cake.

📍The Golden Lion: a cosy pub with lots of charm, head here for affordable pub grub, award-winning ales or a cheeky glass of wine. 

📍Josie’s: if you're in the mood for brunch, Josie's is a must-try — we'd recommend trying their iconic pancakes, but they have plenty of savoury options too.

Entertainment

📍Everyman Cinema: is a bit more expensive than your average cinema but shows the latest films with a bit of added luxury if you fancy a treat.

📍Theatre Royal Winchester: has many shows on throughout the year, from classic pantomimes to big comedy acts, so it's always worth checking out what's on. 

📍Marwell Zoo: simply hop on a train to Eastleigh and get the bus here to see some of the biggest (and cutest) animals in all their glory, including penguins, snow leopards and rhinos.

📍Winchester Cathedral: one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, this is a must-visit landmark in the city.

📍BellaCrafts: looking for something more arty? Check out the range of craft workshops here, there's all kinds of art to try, like pottery and painting.

Don't forget to look out for things happening throughout the year too, like the Winchester torchlight procession, fireworks and bonfire in November and the Winchester Christmas Market.

These are just a few of our favourite - there are so many places to explore.

If you've found your favourite place in Southampton - let us know in our Halls Life suggestion box!