Winchester

Winchester High Street

Winchester would be a small sleepy town…if it were not for the tourists. It does, thankfully, still maintain the small town mentality yet play host to many visitors to the local cathedral and the pro-ported 'Round Table' of King Arthur fame (suspended from a wall in the old town hall – a must see by itself – look at the superb workmanship in the gate at the opposite end of the hall from the table).

What to See

Tutor-Style Building

There are many historical sites in Winchester. As the town is quite small they are all easily seen in the course of a day and are within walking distance of each other. The mostly pedestrianised city centre itself is quite historic and has a number of old buildings often housing modern shops!

Great Hall

Great Hall

The “Great Hall” is a 13th century hall featuring a painted round table on one of it's walls that is reported to be THE round table of King Arthur. The hall also plays host to a number of small exhibits and the Queen Eleanor's garden in the back. There is a small entrance fee.

Garden

River Walk

River Walk

A park stretches along the River Itchen which provides an interesting way of entering the city itself, winding behind the cathedral and along old lanes and by Jane Austen's house. This walk features wonderful views of private back gardens meticulously tended.

Westgate Museum

Westgate Museum

West Gate Museum is a small museum housed in one of the old city gates a short distance from the Great Hall at the end of the High Street with a number of exhibits and good views of the surrounding city centre.

View from Roof

Winchester City Market

This rather good though small street market can be found along the high street on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (see https://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/listing/winchester-markets/ for details).

Winchester City Mill

Outside

The Winchester City Mill at the end of the high street (where it meets the River Itchen) is operated by the National Trust. Inside this reconstructed mill you can learn (and see) how flour was ground. A small entrance fee is charged (in the shop you can even buy flour ground in the mill).

Exhibition Grinding

Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral is an impressive medieval Anglican cathedral known for being the final resting place of famous English novelist Jane Austen. There are a number of tours available and a rather good gift shop outside the main entrance. There is a small admission charge.

Getting There

If you are driving, Winchester is located about an hour and fifteen minutes south west of London just off of the M3. There is a park and ride service which is highly recommended as much of the city centre is pedestrian only (and parking is very difficult).

The NRLOGO Winchester train station is located in the town centre, an easy walk to all attractions.

Further Information