What’s On This Winter in Hampshire
Winter Things To Do
What to do in Hampshire during Winter
There’s something truly magical about spending Christmas in the countryside. Away from any noise and crowds, you can immerse yourself in a setting of peace and quiet all whilst being surrounded by tranquil countryside. Oakley Hall Hotel offers the perfect setting for a festive getaway, combining cosy comfort with traditional charm. Picture waking up on a December morning to nothing else but the beautiful vision of frost-covered gardens and the sound of tweeting birds.
Our exciting range of Christmas stays and breaks offers you the choice of when and how to stay with us, whether it be with our three-night Christmas Break during the Christmas Bank Holidays or a one-night stay during the Twixmas period. And with plenty of things to do and see nearby, from Festive Afternoon Teas at Oakley Hall to the Winchester Christmas Market, we can guarantee that this Christmas won’t be one to forget!
Things to do in Hampshire in Winter
Hampshire is a county blessed with oodles of stunning countryside, fascinating historical sites, local distilleries & breweries and plenty of family-friendly local attractions. So whether you’re visiting Hampshire for a romantic break, for a retreat with the little ones or for a getaway with friends – there’s something for all to enjoy this Winter!
Let’s face it, England isn’t known for its weather, especially in Winter! So we’ve handpicked our favourite activities for days when the weather is a little chillier and perhaps a little wetter. For those who enjoy a glass of tipple or two, Hampshire is home to a multitude of distilleries and breweries which offer tastings & cocktail masterclasses. From the world-renowned Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery (which is just a 10-minute drive from Oakley Hall) to the luxurious Hattingley Wine Distillery (less than a 30-minute drive away), you can take your pick for a boozy afternoon out! The Bombay Sapphire Distillery also offer seasonal movie nights, with December’s calendar currently scheduled to show the likes of ‘The Holiday’, ‘Elf’ and ‘Christmas with the Kranks’.
Another option for the drizzly Winter weather could be exploring one of the many historical sites in & around Hampshire. Winchester Cathedral (and the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market!) is open to guests 7 days a week throughout December. You and your loved ones can browse the various stalls and independent shops dotted down the cobbled high street and in the Cathedral grounds, before laying your eyes on the jaw-dropping interior of the 900-year-old Cathedral. Other nearby historical sites include the Portsmouth Historical Dockyard, Silchester Ruins, King John’s Castle and the Whitchurch Silk Mill.
If, by chance, the weather is looking sunny with blue skies (or if you’re feeling brave!) why not put your wellies on and take to the countryside for an adventure-packed walk? Wide open landscapes in the Meon Valley, magical woodlands in the New Forest National Park and riverside spots along the River Itchen, Test or Hamble are just a few exciting examples of the countryside that can be explored in Hampshire. Or why not take a trip to the beach for a refreshing stroll or a few hours of cruise ship spotting? With a number of beautiful beaches to choose from, including Hamble Beach, Lee-On-The-Solent, Barton-On-Sea and Milford-On-Sea, you will not be disappointed with the stunning views and tranquil surroundings.
Festive Winter in the countryside
Winter is the time to embrace the chillier temperatures, hearty flavours and cozy atmospheres. And, call us bias, but we think that Oakley Hall is the perfect setting to do so. We have an exciting range of Festive events and dining offers throughout Winter for you to choose from. So sit back with a warming cup of tea (or a Winter themed cocktail!) and let us take care of you this Winter.
Dining in Winter is all about celebrating the rich & comforting flavours that the season brings and with nothing but a comfortable & cozy restaurant to relax in and beautiful views of our frosty grounds, there’s no better place to choose to spend your Winter days than in the Glasshouse Restaurant. Our Festive Lunch Menu (available throughout December, 12pm – 4pm) offers you a choice from a heart-warming selection of dishes designed by our award-winning chefs and starts from just £28 per person for two courses.
The Glasshouse Restaurant offers Basingstoke’s – no, Hampshire’s - most taste bud tickling Afternoon Tea. With a range of freshly made sandwiches, warm fluffy scones with clotted cream & jam and a delicate selection of sweet treats – it will make for an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. And throughout December (Wednesday – Sundays, 12pm – 5pm) we will be running our Festive Afternoon Teas which will be even more sumptuous than before. Little ones are welcome to join you for your Afternoon Tea experience and can even enjoy a Children’s Afternoon Tea all to themselves!
December could arguably be the best season for Sunday Roasts. There really isn’t a better way to step out of the cold and into the warmth than with a heavenly Sunday Roast with all the trimmings, drizzled in a rich gravy. Our Sunday Roast Menu, which will include a delicious range of meat & vegan options to pick from, is served every Sunday throughout December. We will also be offering a Boxing Day Roast on 26th December (served 12pm – 9pm) for you to enjoy with your loved ones during this festive season!
For the ultimate celebration, why not join us for the best New Year’s Eve Party in Hampshire? Every year we host our New Year’s Eve Gala which celebrates good food, good drink, good company and of course the New Year ahead! The New Year’s Eve Gala is ideal for couples and groups of friends who like to get together over a delicious meal and perhaps enjoy a boogey or two on the dance floor.
Winter getaway in Hampshire
The Glasshouse Restaurant is a true testament to seasonal, local dining in the countryside. If you’re looking for a relaxing setting to sample the flavours of Hampshire, the Glasshouse Restaurant is the ideal place for you, all the family, your friends or your team to take a seat. And with spectacular views of our gardens & grounds, you can relax in an award-winning restaurant whilst watching the local buzzing world of nature go on with its day, whether it be a bird taking a bath in our water fountain or a squirrel searching for lunch amongst the woodlands.
We are proud to serve one of Hampshire’s most popular Traditional Afternoon Teas. Indulge in the delights of warm fluffy scones with clotted cream & jam, freshly made sandwiches and homemade sweet treats. You will also have unlimited hot drinks of your choice, whether it be one of the many teas we offer, a frothy coffee or a warming hot chocolate. If you fancy something fancier, you can upgrade to a glass of bubbling Champagne! Our Afternoon Teas are perfect for any occasion, whether it be a treat for you and your loved one, for a catch up with friends or for a larger celebration.
We work closely with suppliers located in & around Hampshire which gives our team the flexibility to design the menus around the seasons. From the deep & rich flavours of Autumn game or melt-in-the-mouth lamb served in Spring, to the most flavourful fruits & vegetables in the hight of Summer. During your dining experience in the Glasshouse Restaurant, you will taste the unique flavours of the seasons whilst experiencing the true taste that Hampshire has to offer. If you’re looking to dine with little ones, we offer a children’s menu with a range of delicious dishes to choose from. And after your meal, children are also welcome to explore our Kitchen Garden with our fruit & vegetable scavenger hunt!
The Glasshouse Restaurant is proud to be a dog-friendly restaurant, allowing you and your pups to dine together throughout the year. We have a dog-friendly designated area of the restaurant and a fantastic Canine menu for you to choose from!
Winter Weddings
Picture a cosy countryside manor house surrounded by frost-covered gardens, perhaps even with a little dusting of snow here and there. And now picture a steaming glass of mulled wine, a candlelit aisle and twinkling Christmas trees in the background. This is what Winter Weddings are all about - embracing the cold outdoors and the cosy warmth indoors.
We have a number of beautiful ceremony & reception spaces for you to choose from for a magical time on your wedding day. Our Winter Wedding favourites include the bright & light Garden Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling windows offering breath-taking views of our gardens, the traditional Library, which is home to hundreds of romantic novels written by the classic greats, and the modern Garden Pavilion, which has a star-lit ceiling, private bar & private terrace with direct access to our grounds.
Whilst the manor house of Oakley Hall offers endless amounts of beauty and elegance, the surrounding countryside is just as jaw-dropping. As you make your arrival to Oakley Hall by driving up our winding driveway it would be hard not to notice the never-ending views of peaceful fields and woodlands, which then wrap around the property. The back of the property is even more stunning with pathways guiding you to the immaculate topiary gardens, our onsite Kitchen Garden and a number of tall sequoia trees. The gardens and surrounding grounds of Oakley Hall are just one of many reasons why so many couples choose our venue for their wedding day.
Why visit Oakley Hall during Winter?
Oakley Hall is a one-of-a-kind manor house overflowing with a rich history and elegant character. The property’s charming interior makes the perfect place for a cosy Winter experience, whether you’re joining us for a festive overnight stay or choosing to celebrate your “I dos” with us. Christmas is one of the most cherished times throughout the year so why not let our family take care of yours at our home-away-from-home?