Harry Mycock

The crowd waits for the eclipse in St Giles Hill Park. Hundreds of people gathered on St Giles Hill on Wednesday evening to witness one of the most spectacular astronomical events visible from Winchester for a generation. As the sun began to sink towards the western horizon, families and friends made their way to St Giles Hill, drawn by the promise of an extraordinary sight: the Moon passing directly between the Earth and the Sun. This was a great vantage point to see an eclipse that won’t...

The view over Winchester at 5am (courtesy of Sheena Smith) At 5am on Sunday 26th April a group of eleven early risers gathered on St Giles Hill to experience one of nature’s most uplifting joys - the dawn chorus. At first, in the darkness, the blackbirds were the first to sing, seemingly competing as if on a Britain’s Got Talent show. They were soon joined by robins improvising their short phrases tumbling into each other. Then as first light spread across the hill, the soundscape developed...

St Giles Hill Park is renowned for its views and its contribution to the city of Winchester. In 2026 we invite you to enjoy the Park and join in with some of the activities and events the Friends of St Giles Hill Park are arranging. All the heritage and nature themed events are free as we want as many people as possible to appreciate this amazing historic natural open space. In September and October we begin to focus on the future. We are creating a Strategic Framework Plan for the Park for...