Discover Winchester’s Wild Side: A Walk with Animals, Real and Imagined


Wandering through Winchester, I was struck by just how many animals are hidden in plain sight. From striking sculptures to playful street art and quirky shop window displays, the city is teeming with creatures — both real and imagined.

Some of these animals are well known, like the life-sized sculpture of the Hampshire Hog outside the County Council offices. Others are more surprising, like the charming blue birds stencilled on a wall.

To celebrate these discoveries, we’ve created a new short walking route designed especially for children (and their adults!). It’s a fun way to explore the city together while keeping an eye out for the animals featured in the walk — and maybe even spotting some real-life four-legged friends along the way.

The image of a swooping blue bird. Part of street art in Winchester.

Have you spotted another animal around Winchester that we’ve missed?
We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you find so we can keep growing the trail.

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