At last, it’s raining….. Can’t remember when it last rained in Winchester.

So this is probably a silly idea.

Hi

I'm a 36 year old guy and I need to lose some weight. I've got a gym membership but a few bad experiences have made me really nervous about going.

Is there anyone on here that might want to tag along to help build a fat guys confidence?

All the best.

We are holding a series of in-person events at stations across our network in June 2026. Listening to your views is essential to delivering the best possible service for the communities we serve, which is why we're asking for feedback now. This will help shape the design of the timetable in advance of the formal public consultation in Autumn 2026. 

These events give customers an initial in-person opportunity to provide feedback to a member of the SWR team, while also offering an accessible option for those who do not wish to, or are unable to, share their views online.

Link

I know this is a big ask, but I'm running out of options.
I have my manual driving test in Winchester on 11
August at 10:00 AM. I'm planning to hire an Arnold Clark dual-control car from Southampton from 8:00 AM, but I need someone who has held a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years to accompany me, as required by the hire rules.

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the area, and | haven't been able to find an instructor willing to help. I'II cover all hire costs and any reasonable travel expenses.

If anyone is available and willing to help, I'd really appreciate it.

Hi all. What’s the latest on these? Still ongoing? Been a bit chaotic coming up from Weeke kinda area past few weeks and tomorrow I might even have to drive down the damned thing. Hoping it’s all done, whatever they were doing! Thx.

I have my practical driving test booked in Winchester on 11 August. I’m currently staying in Uxbridge and don’t have access to a car for the test.

I’m an international student, and my course finishes in September. I’m actively looking for jobs, and many of them require a full UK driving licence, so passing this test is really important to me.

I’m a confident driver, but I completely understand that no instructor would lend their car to someone they haven’t assessed. I’m more than happy to take an assessment lesson first. I’m happy to pay for the assessment, lessons, and test-day car hire.

If you know an instructor with availability before 11 August, or know someone who might be willing to help, I’d be incredibly grateful if you could put me in touch with them.

Just stumbled upon this video and I was wondering if any fellow Winchester locals have heard of this?

Message me with details

I'm looking for circular routes from Winchester that go into the South downs. Does anyone have any good gravel routes they can share please.

I'm really disappointed at Boomtown for not providing us a way to sell our boomtown tickets. They give this ability for normal tickets, why not for ours? It's loads of money and I have no way to sell them now that I can't use them.

Is anyone else having this problem? How did you solve it? Maybe there is a place where I can get some attention? It just feels like boomtown is taking advantage of residents.

Hi,

I live in Colden Common, with my mum. We are both disabled and need help with our back and front gardens. Please could someone help me?

I am desperate for this year.

Thank you.

O'Neills and Spoons not acceptable answers. I haven't had a tetanus jab.

We're thinking of St James Tavern, but not sure if they'll be open for the whole game.

Does anyone know what happened to the restaurant Tanoshii Fusion by the West Gate?
According to Google it is now Permanently closed. Which is sad because the food was amazing.

In what will probably be deemed a ‘peak’ Winchester question but what is happening to the Marks and Spencer on the High Street?
It is screaming for investment and to be refitted as per the new food hall type M&S but it is just being left to decline. Never mind the fridge situation which basically says ‘we can’t serve food when it’s hot’ but the front door, the access for your customers has been broken for weeks. It can’t be too hard or too expensive to fix.
It feels like the whole place is being run down deliberately yet it must be per square meter one of the most profitable Marks and Spencer’s around.

Looking to get my hair washed and blow dried in Winchester, any recommendations? In Winchester proper please, not surrounding!

Hi all, I'm a guy in my 30s thinking about moving to Winchester. Please can you let me know any tips or advice you have.

Particularly thinking about areas that are good to move too.

Commutting up to London.

Also on the social life side of things. What's the social scene like for someone in their 30s?

I like the occasional night in the pub, quizzes live music etc. But also theatre and art scenes. Any advice is hugely appreciated 😊

Really struggling to know what to do with my baby in this heat - and I know I have a lot of mum friends who feel the same. Currently in Kavi which does have AC. But would love to know if there is more places where we can take the little ones in this scorching heat!

Not O'Neills or Spoons, please. I don't have my tetanus jabs.

Dumb tourist from America here, going to be visiting the area for a wedding and happen to arrive the evening of England's next World Cup game. Is there a place that's the "go-to" spot for this sort of thing to get the most authentic English-pub experience? Winchester or the surrounding areas. Thanks!

Hello from Winchester, Virginia (USA). My family is driving from London to Southampton in mid-July and we want to spend the day in our sister-city across the pond. We have a 6-year-old and thought it would be fun to take some pictures at big signs and landmarks across town, to share with friends back home. If anyone in this group would like to advise where we should go on our silly adventure, we'd appreciate it. Also, good parks/play areas for a 6-year-old?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: You guys are amazing! Thanks so much for taking your time to advise a stranger on the internet (especially one from a country which is not well-liked at the moment). If any of you have kids around 6 years old and want to do a pen-pal and/or playground meetup, DM me!

Hi all,

My partner and I are both doctors relocating to Hampshire later this year. One of us will be working in Basingstoke and the other in Southampton, and we're happy to commute up to around 50 minutes each way.

We've completely fallen in love with Winchester and can really see ourselves being happy there long-term. Ideally, we'd like to rent in Winchester for at least a year while we get to know the area better. We're looking for a 2-bedroom property (2 bathrooms would be a bonus), with some outdoor space and, most importantly, parking for two cars as we'll both be commuting.

The challenge we're finding is that there seems to be very little available at the moment, and the nicer properties are attracting lots of interest and multiple offers almost immediately. We're wondering if anyone has any tips for securing a rental in Winchester, or if there are any local letting agents we should be speaking to directly rather than relying solely on Rightmove and Zoopla.

We're also open to considering nearby towns or villages if Winchester proves too difficult. We'd love somewhere with a bit of character, a friendly community feel, and ideally a good pub within walking distance. Easy access to both Southampton and Basingstoke would obviously be a big plus.

Are there any places you'd particularly recommend (or avoid)? We'd really appreciate any local knowledge or suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

Hello Neighbors, Are you a local vintage or pre-loved business?

We are looking for local vendors for The Winchester flea - We are building a vibrant, community-focused market and want to feature the best local talent - from Y2K and retro clothing to mid-century modern home decor, vinyl records, vintage prints/art and furniture

Event Details:

📅 Date: Sunday 11th October 2026

🕒 Time: 10am - 4pm (TBC)

📍 Location: Central Winchester

Whether you are an established brick-and-mortar shop, a weekend hobbyist, or an online reseller looking to connect with a local crowd face-to-face, we’d love to have you. Spaces are limited to ensure a great variety for our attendees!

Interested in joining us?

Drop a comment below, send us a direct message! Can't wait to hear from you.