Keeping Fit in Winchester
If fitness is your thing there is no need to stop being active when you're in Winchester, in fact a stay in Winchester could just be the fitness kick start you need with all that fresh air and beautiful countryside on the doorstep, not to mention the wonderful fitness centres too.
From running, walking and cycling to swimming, Pilates and rock climbing, Winchester has it all!
Running
Winchester is a great place to run. There are routes through the city and also out into the surrounding countryside and South Downs.
The Winchester Bloggers have a fabulous route running the viaduct and the great historical sights you pass on your way Winchester Bloggers - Running the Winchester Ways
There are also routes and distances to suit all abilities here on the Map My Run site
Or why not join the Winchester parkrun. You know the drill, 9am Saturday morning - bring your barcode
Winchester parkrun
cycling
Winchester has some brilliant cycling routes, both on road and off road and the city is a popular start for the tough 100 mile South Downs Way Challenge.
There are some more sedate routes available though. Visit Winchester have a good few routes (including the 100 miler) as do Map my Ride
walking
For those that want a more relaxed way of seeing the sights of Winchester and Hampshire then there are some beautiful walking routes too.
Winchester Bloggers have listed their favourite walking routes and the National Trust have some great downloadable maps for routes around Winchester.
We also have a blog post with our favourite pub walks that you can read here.
the gym
if the weather isn't up to much during your stay or you're just more of a gym bunny than an outside keep fitter then worry not as Winchester has a couple of great gyms available to use on a pay as you go basis
swimming
The local leisure centre features a brand new 50m 8 lane swimming pool, teaching pool (20m x 10m) and confidence water area.
The Rapids Centre in nearby Romsey has a great pool to get those lengths in or just to keep the kids occupied on a rainy day.
yoga & pilates
To help stretch, strengthen, calm and soothe there are plenty of yoga and Pilates classes in Winchester.
Rock Climbing
Top Rock is a fantastic way to get into climbing.
Perfect for the whole family, this clip and climb facility is one of the best in the area, with 17 routes to enjoy, each of which gives their own unique challenge.
Full of colour, exciting shapes, Top Rock climbing is a great way to get fit and active; either by yourself, or with others.
