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City in Hampshire, England
Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Winchester is an historic cathedral city in the county of Hampshire, South East England. Erstwhile capital of the country, it was from here that Alfred the Great governed much of unified England. Visitors appreciate Winchester first and foremost for its cathedral, but also for its other ancient buildings, its medieval centre, its markets and museums.
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This was once a not uncommon position for a place of worship in England, but St. Swithun's is the only one remaining today. The interior of this tiny church is very plain, with whitewashed walls and an unadorned wooden ceiling. Sit for a moment in the simple wooden pews and it is hard not to feel a sense of peace.
A Norman cathedral begun in 1079, containing the Winchester Bible and featuring the longest Gothic nave in the world. The cathedral was built on rafts floating on a peat marsh! For 800 years the raft was able to carry the weight but, by the 19th century, the cathedral was in danger of collapse and the foundations were rebuilt by a diver working underwater; look out for the statue and story of this "Winchester Diver" if you visit. The cathedral is the venue for regular recitals and concerts, and hosts Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's Summer Series. The famous English novelist Jane Austen died in Winchester in 1817 and is buried in the cathedral. A statue by British artist Anthony Gormley is to be found, somewhat unexpectedly, in the crypt of the cathedral. Hidden away in cathedral Close is the Dean Garnier Garden, which offers splendid views of the cathedral. Pay special attention to the stonework, and how the medieval builders suffered from problems with subsidence.
Owned by the National Trust, this old water mill has been fully restored. You can visit the working areas and a rather exciting walkway under the mill almost at river level.
One of England's independent (fee-paying) schools, founded in 1382 and believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country. Guided tours are available, lasting approximately 1 hour and include Chamber Court; the Gothic Chapel with its 14th-century vaulted roof; College Hall; the 17th-century red brick schoolroom built in the style of Christopher Wren; the original cloister.
The Castle
The only remaining part of Winchester Castle is the Great Hall, built in the 13th century by Henry III. This is the home of King Arthur's Round Table, now thought to be a fake commissioned by Henry VIII.
This palace was the chief residence of the Bishops of Winchester and its extensive ruins still reflect their importance and wealth.
The Hospital of St Cross was founded in the 1130s by Bishop Henry of Blois to accommodate thirteen poor men and is still home to 25 Brothers, whose apartments form one side of the historic quadrangle. The chapel is an unspoiled example of the period during which Norman architecture transitions into Gothic. The Hospital has a long tradition of hospitality and now offers refreshment to visitors in the restored Hundred Men's Hall. The traditional Wayfarer's Dole is still given at the Porter's Gate to all travellers who request it. Accessible by road, by a half-hour walk along the River Itchen (from City Mill; signposted), or by Solent Blue Line bus 47 (buses run twice per hour M-Sa and once per hour on Su; see Get around above for bus company details; alight at the Bell Inn). Open any reasonable hour. Free.
The other of the two surviving medieval gateways. Interesting graffiti carved into the walls and floor from its use as a debtor's prison from the 16th–18th centuries. Contains unique collection of the city's weights and measures, including the Winchester bushel and the standard yard of Henry VII's reign. Displays also include a fine ceiling from Winchester College painted to celebrate Queen Mary I and Phillip of Spain's marriage in 1554. Also armour, gibbet, leg-irons. A rooftop viewing platform gives great views down the High Street. Brass rubbing. Children's quiz.
A family-friendly council-run museum which tells the story of Winchester from the Iron Age to the present day. Multilingual audioguides and hands-on children's activities are available.
A preserved Edwardian water pumping station open on selected dates throughout the year where visitors can see how water was pumped by steam, diesel and electrically powered engines. There is also a set of lime kilns, water softening works, industrial railway and an extensive nature trail.
formerly INTECH Science and Technology Centre
An interactive family museum with regular activities and events. Planetarium shows are an extra charge.
A 60-mile (100-km) walk from Windsor to Winchester. This walk is inspired by the journeys of King John between the two cities via the castle he built at Odiham at the time of Magna Carta, and passes through a variety of attractive scenery including parkland and forest, heath and downland, quiet streams and picturesque villages. For more information see the web site, or get a hold of a copy of the book The Three Castles Path by David Bounds and Dave Ramm (ISBN 1874258082).
A 100-mile (160-km) bridleway running from Winchester to Eastbourne. It offers spectacular views of the South's countryside.
Located off the Broadway between King Alfred's statue and the rear of Winchester Cathedral. These are formal gardens through which the Itchen flows, and include a children's play area.
The green space around the Cathedral, a popular meeting place, contains part of the original burial ground where, amongst others, St. Swithun is buried. The main grounds are around the western entrance of the cathedral, and there is also green space on the southern side.
Festivals and symposia began in 2004, bringing some of the world's most eminent thinkers and artists to Winchester for events examining the way we experience music, myth, dance, film and visual art.
A festival of chamber music and song which takes place at the Discovery Centre every year at the end of April or beginning of May. It is presented and performed by the London Bridge Ensemble, one of Britain’s most exciting and brilliant chamber groups and is co-directed by the Ensemble's highly-acclaimed cellist, Kate Gould, who received her early music training in Winchester. There are concerts, a photographic exhibition, a masterclass, an informal sharing of work by local schools, and local restaurants hosting the festival club with discounts for ticket holders. There's also a special accommodation package at one of the local hotels. Ticket prices vary but include a Festival Pass and am allocation of free tickets for young people aged 8-22.
Britain's longest running festival of street theatre. In a typical year, over 30,000 people flock to the city streets to watch this festival of street theatre which combines a mix of circus, clowning, outlandish performances, craft stalls, workshops and world music. First weekend in July, Th-Su (main day Saturday). Free; but expect to see lots of hats being passed around for donations (hence the name).
CycleFest
Held in June every year - times vary - that celebrates all things cycling, including a short gentle bike ride around historic points of interest.
Hire a bicycle in Winchester at BikeAbout at the Gladstone Car Park near the Railway Station. Members of the scheme can borrow a bike as many times as they like. Terms and conditions on the Winchester Miracles website or by telephone.
Enjoy the splendid views around Cheesefoot Head on the off-road cycle track, unsuitable for beginners.
In the walled garden opposite the cathedral's west front. An excellent volunteer run restaurant opposite the main entrance to the cathedral, offering a good selection of homely English dishes at reasonable prices.
A popular, friendly and reasonably priced contemporary cafe serving breakfasts, Fairtrade coffee and light lunches.
This restaurant serves pizzas and pasta dishes in a relaxing, family friendly atmosphere. It is part of a nationwide chain; quality and price are set accordingly. It is in one of the oldest and most historic domestic buildings in the city.
Pub with Irish-based food.
This Grade II listed building was built in 1450, given to the city by Mary Tudor, and now holds the Chesil Rectory, which received a Michelin star in the early 2000s. The restaurant is a member of the Hampshire Fare group, who strive to use local producers for their supplies.
Tucked away on Wharf Hill, off Chesil Street, the pub is still faithful to its origins. Although recognised in most of the well known beer and pub guides, it is still a traditional back-street boozer.
Opposite Winchester Museum, a small cozy pub with colourful characters and a spooky history of hangings and gibbets. Very good value pub food and good quality real ales always available.
On the Square near to the cathedral entrance, this pub offers a surprisingly good selection of real ales although seating can be at a premium and it gives the impression that it would rather be a bistro than a pub.
A modern-style pub set in an old building, reasonable selection of drink and moderately-priced food. Very pleasant (especially in the summer, although it can get very busy) patio area by the river.
J.D. Wetherspoon's
Well stocked ales in the citys original prisons governors building, masses of local history adorn the walls - worth a wander with a well earned refresher, pub grub all day.
Harestock Losge Hotel
Harestock Lodge Hotel in Winchester exudes charm offering friendly and relaxed accommodation in Hampshire, critically acclaimed dining and 17 en-suite rooms.
A well-run pub in an 18th C coaching inn near the Cathedral and College, with 14 comfortable bedrooms. No children under 14.
Housed in an attractive city centre Queen Anne townhouse, the Hotel du Vin has 23 cosy bedrooms. The best rooms overlook the hotel garden. Also contains a town-house bistro popular with locals and visitors.
St. Peter St. Built as a private residence in the mid-16th century, it has served as a bishop's house, a Benedictine convent and, since 1857, a hotel. The hotel is close to the cathedral.
A functional hotel built in the 1970s adjacent to the cathedral, with 91 bedrooms.
Single room available, very hospitable, within shouting distance of the cathedral and some wonderful pubs. Room very clean and well provisioned. Top notch English and continental breakfast served next day. Well kept garden and incredibly quiet.
141 stylish rooms on offer and also offers meeting rooms for hire.
Housed in an old Coach House 25 m from the West Front of the Cathedral, this shop offers a range of gifts, many of them unique to the cathedral.
Have a pleasant stroll around what is reputedly the country's largest farmer's market, taking advantage of free samples of local produce on offer at many stalls.
By taxi
There are a couple of Winchester based taxi companies providing long-distance transfers from major airports, towns, bus and rail stations to Winchester: Winchester Taxi Company, Winch Taxis, Airport…
By train
Train times (from any location) can be found on the National Rail Journey Planner or by calling +44 345 748 4950.
By bus
National Express operate services to Winchester from cities throughout the UK including London Victoria. Advanced ticketing is required. National Express coaches drop off in the Broadway.
By car
The town is close to the M3 motorway from London to Southampton, with the A34 providing access from the Midlands and the North.
On foot
Winchester is at the western end of the South Downs Way and hikers starting out on or completing the 100-mile (160 km) trail are a common sight in the city.
By foot
Most of the things to see and do in Winchester, and the places to eat, drink and sleep are within easy walking distance of each other and the rail station.
By bus
Winchester has a reasonable bus service, both within the town and to the surrounding area, although frequencies can be quite low with little service in the evenings or on Sunday.
By car
Winchester is quite small and a car is unlikely to be necessary for getting around.
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