The Running Horse, Winchester

Name: The Running Horse, Winchester
Address: 88 Main Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 6QS
Price range: US$166+
Rating: 8.9

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The Running Horse Guest House Winchester Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

88 Main Road, Winchester, SO22 6QS

Near Flowerdown Bowl Barrow

Great

8.9

/10

5.0

4.3

3-star village inn with Mediterranean dining options

Location

The Running Horse is located in Littleton, just on the outskirts of Winchester, and easily accessible from junction 9 of the M3. This prime location serves as a convenient base for exploring the nearby New Forest National Park and the historic city of Winchester. The inn is within a short drive of local attractions, including Marwell Zoo and Winchester Cathedral.

Dining

The Running Horse offers all-day dining with a focus on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, including tapas, flatbreads, and signature hanging kebabs. Guests can enjoy a variety of beverages throughout the day, from coffee to cocktails. Special culinary events, such as Mediterranean Nights, allow guests to experience an array of carefully crafted dishes.

Accommodation

The inn features 15 stylishly restored rooms, providing options suitable for romantic getaways, family stays, or business trips. Each room is equipped with amenities like Nespresso coffee machines and Bramley toiletries for added convenience. Dog-friendly packages are also available, allowing guests to bring their pets along for their stay.

Pet-Friendly Policies

The Running Horse welcomes pets with designated dog-friendly rooms that include beds, bowls, and treat boxes. Up to two dogs per room can stay for £20 per pet, per night. This makes the inn an ideal choice for dog owners looking to explore the surrounding countryside.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The inn offers family-friendly accommodations, with rooms equipped to cater to children, including options with bunk beds. A children's menu is available, ensuring that even the youngest guests find something they'll enjoy. Outdoor walking routes near the pub provide excellent opportunities for family adventures.

Highlights

Location: 25 minutes from New Forest National Park

Dining: All-day Mediterranean-inspired menu

Accommodation: 15 stylishly restored rooms

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly accommodations and treats

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the beautiful Winchester Cathedral and soak in the history.
Visit the Great Hall to see the legendary King Arthur's Round Table.
Enjoy a local pie at the Cozy Pub, a perfect spot for traditional fare.
Explore the weekly Winchester Markets for fresh produce and crafts.
Take a scenic walk along the River Itchen for stunning views and wildlife.

Select your room type

The Running Horse offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Family Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Large Double or Twin Room
2 persons
16 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
16 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Coffee machine
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Running Horse offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Running Horse offers a cozy dining experience with a focus on family-friendly atmospheres and local craftsmanship. Guests can enjoy refreshing ales and unique drinks while relishing a delightful menu, perfect for any meal of the day.

Restaurant #1
Traditional pub fare
Ambiance
Family-friendly pub environment with a welcoming vibe and coloring options for children.
Key Offerings
Features Punter and Tipster ales on tap, signature Winchester Twisted Nose gin infused with watercress, and a fun-filled pub quiz every Sunday.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Running Horse Location

88 Main Road, Winchester, SO22 6QS

Explore Winchester

Local Experiences

Flowerdown Bowl Barrow

10 minutes' walk

Ancient burial mound offering scenic views. A significant historical site, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Winchester Cathedral

45 minutes' walk

One of the longest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, showcasing stunning architecture and historical exhibits.

The Great Hall

40 minutes' walk

Home to the famous Round Table, this iconic medieval hall is steeped in history and offers stunning views.

Winnall Moors Nature Reserve

40 minutes' walk

Vibrant nature reserve featuring walking trails and diverse wildlife, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking the South Downs Way

40 minutes' walk

Scenic hiking trails with breathtaking views await you. Suitable for all levels with stunning nature along the way.

Yoga at The Deanery

40 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions suitable for all skill levels, occurring amidst serene gardens in a tranquil setting.

Biking along The Watercress Way

40 minutes' walk

Exciting biking routes with beautiful countryside scenery. Rentals available nearby for a thrilling adventure.

The Running Horse

1 minute' walk

Cozy atmosphere serving hearty British fare and local brews. A perfect spot for a casual meal with family.

The Olive Tree

5 minutes' drive

Charming Mediterranean restaurant known for fresh ingredients and signature dishes like lamb kofta.

ASK Italian

5 minutes' drive

Family-friendly setting featuring modern Italian dishes, including pizzas and pastas, perfect for casual dining.

Theatre Royal Winchester

10 minutes' drive

Historic theater hosting a range of performances from live music to plays, making it a cultural hub.

Live Music at The Railway Inn

5 minutes' drive

Vibrant pub known for hosting great local bands, featuring a lively atmosphere perfect for all ages.

Getting around

City Centre
Winchester 7 min · 2.5 mi
Airports
Southampton (SOU) 37 min · 15.2 mi
Bournemouth (BOH) 104 min · 42.9 mi
Train
Winchester Train Station 6 min · 2.2 mi
Winchester Railway Station 6 min · 2.2 mi
Bus
Bus stop 7 min · 2.8 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:30

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Running Horse from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 612 verified reviews

8.7 /10

Great

91 %

Recommend

Breakfast

9.1/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Comfort

9.2/10

Facilities

9.1/10

Free WiFi

8.8/10

Location

9.1/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.4/10

Staff

9.3/10

Value for money

8.8/10

Theodore from United States

Family with children

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 03, 2026

9/10

EXCELLENT stay

seating area private terrace stable door comfy bed

Themed paddock-style seating areas surrounded the rooms. Each room featured its own terrace, GREAT for enjoying a drink in the sun. A stable-door design enhanced the overall quirky feel. The room included everything one needs, such as a comfy bed and a bathroom stocked with soaps and shampoos.

The initial room had a broken thermostat, excessively warm , but staff quickly offered an alternative.

Service

9/10

staff demonstrated consistent politeness and cheerfulness. They addressed questions with informative answers and ensured needs were promptly met. Their friendly approach contributed positively to the overall experience.

0 Helpful

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victor from united kingdom

Couple

double room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 29, 2026

9.0/10

excellent stay near winchester

helpful staff tasty food comfortable bed

I found the staff helpful . the food was tasty. the hotel's location provided convenient access to nearby attractions by car. the bed in my room offered a comfortable sleep experience. I also found the pillows to be of great quality.

the reception is situated inside the pub bar.

Service

9/10

staff members were attentive and polite. they provided helpful information about the local area. the staff also accommodated a late check-out request free of charge. that was useful for my travel plans.

Location

9/10

The hotel is easily accessible by car. it is situated in a quiet area. stockbridge village is a few miles away and winchester is a short drive away. The area offers picturesque views of the english countryside.

Rooms

9/10

The room included a tv, i found a good selection of channels available. the shower had good water pressure. Fluffy towels were available. coffee and tea making facilities were provided in the room.

Facilities

9/10

a large car park offers free parking to guests. the hotel features a restaurant. the pub has a selection of local ales. there are pretty shrubs and flowers in communal outdoor areas!

0 Helpful

Evelyn from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 10, 2025

6/10

poor service undercooked vegetables

the evening dinner service was quite poor despite few customers being present at that time. my elderly mother received an incorrectly sized drink plus a juice carton on the table without a glass. the vegetables served with dinner were cold and undercooked. waiting time for the table to be cleared and the dessert menu presented also felt excessively long

0 Helpful

matthew from united kingdom

Single

double room

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 20, 2025

7/10

room facilities excellent comfort friendly staff extreme comfort excellent facilities pub bar mouldy shower poor drainage moldy shower pub reception

i found the room facilities to be excellent. the bed provided extreme comfort. staff members were friendly towards me.

The reception is located within the pub bar. i noticed mold in the shower. the shower tray and sink looked blocked. Water did not drain away easily..

0 Helpful

Evelyn from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 11, 2025

9/10

bramley products cosy bed large tv

the room had bramley products in the bathroom i found this a nice touch the bed was very cosy and the pillows were good the large tv was also a plus i appreciated the refreshments provided in the room.

the room decor had some chipped paint and minor stains on the walls

0 Helpful

Jessica from United Kingdom

Family with children

Double Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: July 26, 2025

7/10

clean room homely atmosphere excellent food limited menu unhelpful manager scruffy premises

The room was clean and homely. Food was excellent. Great value for money. The staff were helpful and friendly. The room was also well presented.

The menu seemed limited. It might be because it was a sunday evening. I asked to move tables because there was a tired crying baby on the next table. The acting manager was most unhelpful.. The premises seemed quite scruffy.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About The Running Horse

Are there options for guests who want a dog-free room during their stay?

07 January 2024

All rooms at the Running Horse are dog friendly!

Is a full English breakfast included in the packages for my stay?

15 February 2024

Two breakfast options are available: Non-refundable bed and breakfast and Flexible bed and breakfast. Both include a continental selection along with a hot breakfast.

What are the hours for breakfast service at the pub?

22 March 2024

Breakfast is available from 08:00 to 11:00.

Can I bring my dog with me to dine in the pub area?

05 April 2024

Yes, dogs are welcome to join you while you dine.

Are there accommodations with shower facilities instead of baths?

12 May 2024

There are several rooms equipped with showers instead of bathtubs.

Is it possible to book a room on the ground floor or access a lift?

20 June 2024

Ground floor rooms are available for guests needing easier access.

Is there an additional charge for linen and towels during my stay?

28 July 2024

There are no extra charges for towels and bed linen.

Do your accommodations come with coffee and tea facilities?

03 August 2024

All bedrooms include Nespresso coffee machines along with tea-making provisions.

What are the designated check-in and check-out times for rooms?

15 September 2024

Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.

Is there secure storage available for bicycles during my stay?

21 October 2024

Unfortunately, there isn't any dedicated bicycle storage, but guests can keep bikes in their rooms.

Are there any special packages for dog owners staying overnight?

30 November 2024

There are specific dog-friendly packages that include amenities like a dog bed, blanket, bowl, and a welcome treat box for two dogs at £20 each per night.

Can large groups book a private dining area for special events?

10 December 2024

Yes, the restaurant space can be reserved for private dining, accommodating various types of events.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available on the menu?

25 January 2025

The pub offers various vegetarian and vegan options to cater to different dietary needs.