Discover Lainston House

Sitting on the terrace enjoying a glass of something special, overlooking the stunning avenue of lime trees, it seems you are miles away from the hubbub of the modern world, but just 10 minutes away is the historic city of Winchester with all its attractions.  Getting lost in the 63 acres of gardens and grounds is a welcome proposition when you have the time to relax, find the walled kitchen garden and pinch a strawberry or two in the season, take a moment of quiet in the 12^th century ruins of the chapel or fly a kite down the avenue with the kids.

If you want to get out and about there is so much to do without going far.  The beautiful city of Winchester is home to ‘King Arthur’s’ Round Table, the famous medieval cathedral and one of the largest Christmas markets in the UK during November and  December. Families can visit the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium to see wonders of science and the night sky above us, and perhaps Marwell Zoo for some animal magic!  But don’t worry the local fun is not just for kids… pop a visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery or perhaps a local vineyard for a tour on the list!

To get in some action on-site join a class at Season cookery school.  Spend the day refining your knowledge of regional cuisine, enhancing your baking skills or honing your barbecuing expertise.  Classes run throughout the year and are hosted by our expert chefs and professional partners.  In school holidays the kids can join in too with our Bitesize Bakes sessions.  

If a bit of traditional English sport is more your thing, Lainston House is perfectly placed for a spot of game shooting and fly fishing. Excursions to the famous chalk stream rivers Itchin and Test offering some of the best fly fishing in the world are a must.  In partnership with local specialists you can access the most exclusive, private estate streams to target the elusive wild brown trout or even stream salmon.  Bring your catch ‘home’ to Lainston House and Chef will take pleasure in preparing and cooking or smoking it for you at The Wellhouse ready for your supper!

 In the season you can also join an organised game shoot.  Pheasant, grouse and partridge are all managed on local estates and an escorted day out on the land with all the necessary paraphernalia can be booked.

Back at the hotel, you can indulge in feast after feast with so many opportunities to dine in style. An outstanding traditional afternoon tea – delicate sandwiches and tasty savouries, decadent homemade scones with the essential jam and clotted cream (but which goes on top!?), and exceptional cakes and pastries, partnered not only with a perfectly brewed cup of tea but perhaps a glass of award-winning English fizz too! Not to be missed while comfortably sinking into a soft sofa in the Drawing Room.   

Make sure you don’t need to choose which restaurant to pick for dinner by staying a few days.  The Avenue, stunning with an abundance of traditional features decorating rooms within the original house exudes an atmosphere of elegance that is perfectly matched by Chef’s three AA rosette award-winning menu.  A la carte and tasting menus feature together with a wine list to impress even the most discerning connoisseur. And for that extra special occasion or treat dine at Chef’s Table in the heart of the kitchen, you are sure to receive his personal attention.  

To contrast the refined grace of The Avenue you must take a seat at The Wellhouse; bringing a rustic-luxe, relaxed and completely different dining pleasure to you. This eatery is one of very few restaurants in the UK cooking exclusively in woodfired ovens and smokers. It celebrates the seasons with an ever changing menu of ingredients harvested from our very own kitchen garden and artisanal produce from the surrounding county.  To experience this fun, casual and super social this taste adventure is essential.  

There is yet another string to Lainston House’s bow – celebrations!  Of course weddings are picture perfect, the pavilion the most beautiful setting for an outside ceremony of exchanging vows and making that ultimate commitment to each other, followed by a great get together over drinks and canapés – perhaps with a special gin bar!  A stunning reception in the Dawley Barn decorated to fulfil all you could imagine, before dancing the night away with all your family and friends around you, what more could you want.  But also christenings, baby showers, engagements, special birthdays and anniversaries, are all fit to be celebrated with those you love over a private lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, you can even take it outside and into the kitchen garden with The Wellhouse experience.    

Above all else Lainston House is about its people; the gardeners who mow lawns and harvest produce; the saviours who keep the water hot and the fridges cold; the smiling faces of the team who greet you; the housekeepers who love to bring a sparkle to the place, the expert knowledge of the bar team and sommeliers, the skill of all the chefs, the professionalism of the restaurant teams; and everyone in between.  These are the characters that make Lainston House a place worth returning to time and time again.