NEWS & RESEARCH
Gentian announced as sponsor of Hampshire History Trust’s February Midweek Musings talk and 2026 Heritage Open Days Festival
Hampshire History Trust (HHT), the charity behind Winchester Heritage Open Days, is delighted to announce an ongoing partnership with Gentian, who will sponsor both the Trust’s February Midweek Musings talk and the 2026 Heritage Open Days festival.
Gentian values the cultural heritage and history of Winchester where it owns and manages several properties on the High Street and across the city. Their support will help HHT continue delivering high‑quality cultural programming that connects residents and visitors with the stories, buildings, and people that shape the city.
The February Midweek Musings event - “Adventures to the Southern Hemisphere” - features historian and broadcaster Dan Snow alongside local professor Ed Rochead. Their double‑bill talk will delve into remarkable journeys of exploration, the courage behind them, and the lasting impact of these moments in history.
Nick Ekins, Managing Director at Gentian, shared why the company was keen to support this particular event: “I am fascinated by pioneering stories of bravery and resilience and how lessons from them can be translated into modern day life and business. I’m sure Dan Snow and Ed Rochead are going to be very motivational.”
Gentian’s sponsorship also extends to the 2026 Heritage Open Days festival in September, which will once again open doors to Winchester’s most treasured historic spaces. For Nick, the festival holds personal significance: “I grew up in Hampshire and have lived in Winchester for the last 20 years. As a Chartered Surveyor I have an interest in buildings and in particular those that have been sympathetically restored. I’m looking forward to any opportunities to look around historic buildings that are otherwise closed to the public.”
Speaking about the partnership, Nick added: “We’re pleased to be able to partner with the Hampshire History Trust again this year and as part of this support, sponsor both the February Midweek Musings talks and the Heritage Open Days Festival. Gentian values the cultural heritage and history of Winchester and by supporting the Hampshire History Trust we can celebrate our city and contribute towards making it a desirable place for people to live, work and visit.”
HHT welcomed the collaboration, noting that Gentian’s commitment to heritage and community aligns closely with the Trust’s mission to make Winchester’s history accessible, engaging, and celebrated year‑round.
Tickets are now available to purchase on Hampshire History Trust’s Ticketsource page www.ticketsource.com/hampshire-history-trust with discounted prices for Friends of HHT.
Hampshire businesses feature in heritage films
“what a great opportunity we’ve had to get out into nature and create something truly unique”
Thanks to sponsorship from Winchester BID three short films exploring the history behind some of Hampshire’s businesses have been created specially for this year’s Winchester Heritage Open Days.
Sonder Films in Winchester
‘Behind the Business’ has been produced by Sonder Films, an independent film production company established in 2017 by Winchester friends, Joel Barney, Oscar Ferguson and Ozzi Sanderson. Based in both Winchester and London their work specialises in branded content, music videos and documentaries.
Their heritage video features The Hampshire Chronicle, one of the oldest local newspapers in England, Carter Marsh & Co, Fine Clocks & Watches, and The Winchester Book Shop which holds three floors of second-hand, vintage, antiquarian and nearly new books.
Joel said:
“Storytelling is always at the centre of what we do, and our focus is to create work that is bold, engaging and unique. It has been a great privilege to go behind the scenes of these three very different businesses and to share some of their incredible history.”
Hampshire’s Chalkstreams
The idea behind the two other films has come from Kyle Alexander, the creator of The Winchester Guidebook.
Working with local cameraman, Finn Ducker, Kyle chose this year’s festival theme of Hidden Nature to uncover the fascinating relationship between Winchester and its chalk geology.
The films focus on two of the region’s finest food and drink suppliers, ChalkStream Foods on the River Test and wine producers, Exton Park.
Commenting on how this year has presented its problems, Kyle added
“but what a great opportunity we’ve had to get out into nature and create something truly unique. These two exceptional businesses are not normally open to the public, so Heritage Open Days viewers are in for something special this year I think.”
2019 Facts and Figures
“many many many congratulations on the biggest and best HODs ever! I didn't think you'd possibly be able to improve on last year's, but you surpassed it spectacularly! Everyone I've talked to said how much they enjoyed it”
Winchester Heritage Open Days is one of the biggest Heritage Open Days hubs in the country, accounting for over 2% of the national programme.
In 2019 there were 145 events over ten days in more than 70 venues in and around Winchester, with over 22,000 festival visits.
This year more than half of the bookable events were fully booked by the opening day of the festival which is extraordinary. Generally for FREE events 45% of tickets are not taken up until the day of the event.
Nearly 60,000 visits to our website between the box office opening in mid July and the last day of the festival, with more than 3,000 visitors to website on our first festival Saturday. A reach of 55,000 on social media during the festival and in the preceding 20days. There are now just under 1000 people on our mailing list with a pre-festival engagement rate of 75% and an average engagement rate of 54%.
62% of attendees specifically came into Winchester because of the festival and 60% came into Winchester on multiple days for multiple events. We had a few festival super fans this year; at least three attended twenty or more and a further twenty attended ten or more events over the ten days.
Nearly three quarters of our visitors live within 15 miles of Winchester, and around 17% travelled more than 25miles to attend for one or more of the days. An increase of 2% on the previous year
We are also seeing overseas visitors discovering Winchester Heritage Open Days on the internet, and specifically coming to Winchester because of it. One from Australia wrote to us afterwards saying
“totally worth travelling to the UK all the way from Australia (28hrs!), to find myself smack in the middle of Heritage Open Days. So much fantastic insight into history - and for a traveller on a tight budget it was wonderful to have access to much of this at no cost! Nicky and Becky were amazing at supporting my interest to attend as many events as possible and assisting me to get into tours, even though I was coming in at the 11th hour. Thanks so much for holding these incredible events - and for making an International traveller feel so welcome! An unforgettable experience!!’
Events this year included open buildings, guided tours and walks, lectures and seminars, live theatre and music, living history events, heritage craft workshop, tastings, linking up with other festivals, exhibitions and behind the scenes visits.
The tours at Winchester College are probably the most popular but there was also a huge interest in the talks, Open Greener Houses, Abbots Barton Farmhouse, events at Great Hall, behind the scenes tours across the city .
We know from previous years 89% of visitors learn something new thanks to their HODs experience. HODs also engages the local community with 88% feeling more proud of their local area and 85% feeling inspired to visit another heritage event or site in the near future.
Here are some of the comments we received in 2019 when we ask what they liked most about HODs;
Having free access to Winchester's Historic Buildings, and seeing parts of Winchester not usually open to public
The variety of events on offer - The casualness of attending, i.e. if there was space you we welcome to join - The quality of the people doing the tours
Enthusiasm of the tour guides, learning about history & talks in places not usually open
A chance to step back & appreciate the richness of local history
It is not just the visitors who gain, some businesses who hosted events have shared that they experienced a significant increase in sales as a direct result of HODs and many attractions reported their visitor numbers were up throughout the festival period and not just on the days they were running events. The 2019 festival was incredibly successful.
Looking ahead to 2020
If you can help us in 2020 to secure a sustainable framework for Winchester Heritage Open Days, please do get in touch!
“NEWSFLASH - Further to the December update set out below, we are delighted to share we are now able to produce a printed programme and run a box office this year. More information will be shared soon.”
As many of you know there is no central funding for the festival, and the coordinating team are all unpaid volunteers, consequently Winchester Heritage Open Days has been completely dependent upon the two lead volunteers time and availability, as well as the sponsorship and grants from local organisations. This set up has worked incredibly well for the past four years but, we are sure you will agree, it is not sustainable.
Nicky and Becky are not disappearing!
So for the past eighteen months Nicky and Becky have, alongside running the 2019 festival, also been exploring other options with our key partners. Unfortunately, they have not been able to find a robust solution in time for 2020 and so whilst there will still be events next year they will be fewer in number and they won't be centrally organised or promoted.
Instead next year they will be turning their attention to fundraising for a much needed festival manager and will be seeking widespread support and help with sponsorship, venues, gala dinners and more. This change of direction is essential if we are to make sure we have a sustainable framework in place for 2021 and beyond.
We will still issue our regular newsletters, and so will continue to keep you posted on our progress as well as events. We will also be keeping our website and social media active although, as we are sure you will appreciate, for one year at least, these will be at a much reduced level. We hope to provide a holding page on our website showing which events will be taking place. In addition, the City Council has offered to list events on their pages in 2020. So still make a note of the dates in your diary!
11th to 20th September 2020
Top Historical Places to Visit in Winchester
If you're struggling for ideas, this guest post will hopefully give you an inside view on what to do on your next weekend off in Winchester - for yourself, a couple or the entire family.
Trying to find the perfect activity to do in the beautiful, historical area of Winchester can be difficult. Covering everyones wants and needs adds a challenge to sorting the perfect day out before the weekend is over.
To the surprise of many, there is an array of activities and places to take part in and visit in the lovely village that is Winchester...
If you're struggling for ideas, this guest post will hopefully give you an inside view on what to do on your next weekend off in Winchester - for yourself, a couple or the entire family.
Winchester Cathedral
If you have a love for history and learning about the past, then the world famous Winchester Cathedral is a must have on your to do list.
Dating back to the 11th century, the Cathedral was built in the 7th century. It features a unique combination of romanesque decor crafted on the walls of the building, combined with late gothic vaulting - for the more dark history lovers out there. The stunning medieval cathedral even offers tours of the many rooms and halls that make up this miraculous building.
Even more, thanks to it being a spectacular and atmospheric location, the cathedral is used for endless list of events. From classical concerts that echo through the walls to draw dropping performances by theatre companies - even if you don't want to visit the cathedral for its history, you can go for all of its other amenities.
Winchester City Mill
This incredible piece of history is a top idea for a quaint yet scenic day out. Winchester City Mill features a serving and working urban corn mill, dating back to 1743, a rare occurrence!
Powered by the fast flowing river Itchen, this mill is a fantastic sight to see. While you are there you can witness various different breeds of wildlife typical to this part of Winchester.
Not only can you explore, marvelling at the beauty of history and nature, but you can also participate in the many other activities organised around the mill too. For example there are flour milling and baking demonstrations, educational workshops and lectures. There are even a few informative videos dotted around, relating to the mill and the area around it, for those wanting to touch up on your knowledge! And remember it is opening for FREE as part of Winchester Heritage Open Days this September.
Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
The spectacular building that is Highclere Castle is one of the select must-see historic homes near Winchester. The 1000 acre, 18th century building is pure breathtaking to withhold. Surrounded by the beauty of untouched forestry and look-out points, this castle is something to boast about. The castle is home to the Earls of Carnarvon, who still resides within the building to this day.
Winchesters fabulous piece of architecture features a spectacular amount of rooms such as the mansions gothic saloon-made up with leather wall decorations, and the stunning library. Found in the library is over 5,600 historically rare books for your eyes to generously wander over during a tour.
For a truly immersive experience, there is the chance to book an unforgettable dinner within a private reception room, or any of the mansion in fact- if your budget allows.
Winchester Castle
Even though only the Great Hall remain, this tremendous piece of history still resides in the town of Winchester. The castle was built in 1067 during the reign of William the Conqueror, but was sadly demolished by parliament in 1647 while under power by Oliver Cromwell.
The castle is home to much history from these time periods such as the Doomsday Book, and has been visited by a number of royalty and parliamentary figures. An experience to remember, walk the same halls as the future King Henry the Third or Edward the First. And remember it is opening for FREE as part of Winchester Heritage Open Days this September.
The Royal Oak
What is the Royal Oak, I hear you ask? Reputed to be one of the oldest licensed bars in England, the lower bar of the Royal Oak is thought to have brewed its first brew over 1000 years ago.
With many guests popping into this watering hole to marvel at the original barware and play one of several medieval board games, other drinkers seen propping up the bar are proud regulars who enjoy wasting away the hours in this historic bar licensing to the memory of history rippling among the beams. With a selection of events and ale tasting sessions taking place throughout the year at the Royal Oak, keep an eye on their calendar to be in the know. And remember it is running ale sessions for FREE as part of Winchester Heritage Open Days this September.
Brickworks Museum
A stunning red brick building, the Brickworks Museum with lime washed walls has been welcoming visitors for centuries. One of the last steam-driven brickworks in the UK, the Brickworks Museum found on the outskirts of Winchester in Swanwick, you can experience the same sights, sounds and smells as the Victorian workers.
Still working, make your own brick and play in the clay in one of their active buildings and discover some a piece of history owned by Winchester. And remember it is opening for FREE as part of Heritage Open Days this September.
Lido
Designed and built in the early 1930s by Charles Schwedth, the Lido found on Hyde Church Lane was given as a gift to the community.
A grand building, the Lido was designed as a Club House and Swimming Pool and at the time was one of the best equipped facilities in England. Turned from a Lido into a Military base during the war in 1934, the once gift to the community was later turned into a dane and bingo hall before being turned back into a Lido hall back in 1968. The swimming pool once a top location for those wanting to cool down in Winchester during the summer months, these days the site is now registered charity running family and sports activities. And remember it is opening for FREE as part of Heritage Open Days this September.
Once you’ve visited all of these historic, iconic spots in Winchester, discover the modern side to what the city has to offer. The Science Centre and Planetarium has hundreds of exhibits and hands on planetarium shows for you and your whole family to enjoy. If you’re opting for a more intimate setting, take a short drive to Stockbridge where you’ll find The Wykeham Gallery. Hosting a selection of solo, group and themed shows throughout the year, this contemporary art gallery is one of the best of its kind and exhibits the work of some very exciting artists.
Our guest blogger finishes with a great overview
Winchester is an amazingly scenic area of Hampshire. Home to much history, we are confident that there is an attraction suited to all needs and interests. With some basic research, you are sure to be captivated and will be excited to book and organise your first adventure, exploring the exciting past of Winchester.
All photos belong to Winchester Heritage Open Days.