May half-term at Winchester City Mill

Join in with our duck race at Winchester City Mill

From 26 May to 3 June, take part in lots of fun May half-term activities at Winchester City Mill, with a brand new duck-themed trail and pumpkin seed planting throughout the week.

Don't forget to sponsor a bathtub duck ready for our annual Grand Duck Race. Our half-term events are free after normal property admission.

Grand Duck Race registration

Begins Saturday 26 May, 10am - 4:30pm

Our River Itchen duck race is back by popular demand for a second year, raising money for future projects at Winchester City Mill. With 2000 bath tub ducks ready to race, May half-term is your first opportunity to sponsor one for the duck race on 25 August.

For £2 you can snap yours up, either from the Mill’s shop (no admission charge) or over the phone (01962 870057) from Saturday 26 May until they are all sponsored.

There are great locally-donated prizes for our duck race winners.

Winchester City Mill duck race, Winchester, Hampshire, National Trust

Duck Race on the River Itchen 

Sat 25 August, 2pm, free entry

Sponsor a racing duck from £2 and take part in our action-packed fete day at Winchester City Mill this Bank Holiday weekend. The duck race day fun starts at 11am, with cake stalls and activities for all the family. Then we’ll be releasing thousands of yellow toy ducks into the famous River Itchen at 2pm. We’ll race the ducks from our island garden to Wharf Mill, with prizes for the fastest finishers.

More on our duck race

May half-term trail

Saturday 26 May – Sunday 3 June, 10am - 4pm

Use the questions and duck facts on display around the Mill to build your own racing duck profile. From racing colours and height, to strengths and favourite foods, you can design your very own duck ready to take part in our annual duck race. Take part every day this half-term to receive a prize.

Pumpkin seed planting

Tuesday 29 & Thursday 31 May, 11am - 3pm

Kids love to plant seeds and watch them grow. Outside in our island garden,they discover the fun of planting their very own pumpkin seed to take home and grow on. They can tick off one of our 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ activities at the same time.