Explore Winchester

The Cabinet Rooms are also the organisers of Winchester Cocktail Week, where bars and pubs across easymarkets broker the city focus on cocktails and special offers. Winchester is known locally as Hampshire’s foodie capital. Choose from designer apartments, beautifully decorated town houses and even a converted church. Tucked away behind the Cathedral is The Wykeham Arm, one of Winchester’s favourite pubs offering quality rooms, real ale and excellent locally sourced food. This grand 5 star country house hotel is set within 63 acres of countryside and offers lavish designed rooms, a 3 AA Rosetted restaurant and popular cookery school. The Watercress Festival in Alresford, Boomtown music festival and CarFest South are to name a few.

Alternative Christmas markets in Winchester

The area around Winchester has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with three Iron Age hillforts, Oram’s Arbour, St. Catherine’s Hill, and Worthy Down all nearby. Winchester developed from the Roman town of Venta Belgarum, which in turn developed from an Iron Age oppidum. Winchester is the county town of Hampshire and contains the head offices of Hampshire County Council. The wider City of Winchester district includes towns such as Alresford and Bishop’s Waltham and had a population of 127,439 in 2021. It is 60 miles (97 km) south-west of London and 14 miles (23 km) from Southampton, its nearest major city.

Like many other Roman towns, however, Winchester began to decline in the later fourth century. The city is also home to the University of Winchester and Winchester College, the oldest public school in the United Kingdom still using its original buildings. The city lies at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government district, at the western end of the South Downs National Park, on the River Itchen. Winchester (/ˈwɪntʃɪstər/, /-tʃɛs-/) is a cathedral city in Hampshire, England.

• King’s Gate and West Gate are surviving gateways of the medieval city wall, and there is a graceful city cross.
• Generally, it is better to catch the train to Winchester than to drive, as the city has limited car parking and the city centre can get very congested with traffic.
• In the 16th century, Queen Mary Tudor and King Philip II of Spain were guests just before their wedding in the cathedral.
• It’s a wonderful stop for anyone looking to explore the creative side of this historic city.
• It perfectly blends architectural beauty with fascinating history.

Surrounding Winchester are a number of towns and village all offering excellent events throughout the year. You’ll find the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market and Ice Rink nestled in the Cathedral’s historic grounds. Visit Winchester during the festive period and experience a Christmas Wonderland. At Christmas the city comes alive with festive cheer, boasting one of the UK’s best Christmas Markets. In the nearby market town of Alresford you’ll find the famous Mid Hants Railway ‘Watercress Line’. A short distance from the city is Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium.

As you walk through the ancient streets and historic sites, you’ll feel a connection to the past. From stunning cathedrals to charming market streets, each attraction offers a unique glimpse into its rich past. Winchester is a city that beautifully blends history and modernity.

• Stories of bishops and monarchs will captivate your imagination as you wander through this historical site.
• Located in the heart of the city of Winchester, City Museum tells the story of England’s ancient capital, the seat of Alfred the Great.
• The highlight of the centre is the Planetarium, which offers stunning shows under its dome.
• Surrounding Winchester are a number of towns and village all offering excellent events throughout the year.

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

There are two major independent senior schools in Winchester, St Swithun’s (a day and boarding school for girls from nursery to sixth form) and Winchester College, a public school. A fourth state school, the Osborne School, a community special school is also located in Winchester. Winchester has a variety of Church of England primary schools, including both state and private provision schools.

Touring Winchester City Brewery is a unique experience that combines fun, education, and community. You will gain insights into the brewing methods and the importance of local ingredients. The peaceful atmosphere encourages reflection and appreciation of the history around you. Visitors can explore the tranquil grounds and historic buildings. The architecture is stunning, with beautiful chapel and gardens enhancing your visit.

The 7 best things to do in Winchester

Discover hidden treasures and learn about the local legends that shaped the city. Joining a guided walking tour is one of the best ways to explore Winchester’s history. Exploring the Hampshire County Council Museum is a delightful way to immerse yourself in local history.

Winchester through
the ages

Walking the City Walls is an exciting way to experience Winchester’s history. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, walking tours are an engaging way to connect with the city. Tours often highlight historical sites, from cathedrals to castles. The local history captured within the Guildhall’s walls adds to its charm. It’s a wonderful stop for anyone looking to explore the creative side of this historic city. The historic city centre of Winchester is a delightful place to explore.

Winchester Cathedral Close contains a number of historic buildings from the time when the cathedral was also a priory. Unlike parishes, members are not directly-elected, but instead are the city councillors who were elected to the respective wards, who sit ex officio on the town forum. The City Cross (also known as the Buttercross) has been dated to the 15th century, and features 12 statues of the Virgin Mary, other saints and various historical figures. There was an archa in the city, and the Jewish quarter was located in the city’s heart (present day Jewry street). Jews lived in Winchester from at least 1148, and in the 13th century the Jewish community in the city was one of the most important in England.

In 2014 ownership of the City museum was transferred to the Hampshire Cultural Trust as part of a larger transfer of museums from Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council. The museum was one of the first purpose-built museums to be constructed outside London. Early examples of Winchester measures of standard capacity are on display.

Things to do in Winchester

The mayor offers the king the keys to the city, but Parliamentary guards attack him; Charles is briefly detained in the Westgate as a prisoner. Charged with complicity in a plot to overthrow the first Stuart king, James I, the trial of Sir Walter Raleigh begins at The Great Hall. Over the next century, Winchester becomes the centre of Anglo-Norman government and power.

“Not many finer spots in England”

Discover our itinerary for a day out in the market town of Alresford this Christmas With world class attractions and architecture including a magnificent college, award-winning pubs and restaurants and a tempting array of independent shops. Today Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside.

Stories of bishops and monarchs will captivate your imagination as you wander through this historical site. Guided tours provide deeper insights into the castle’s role in the past. Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the historical remnants. You can walk through the grounds and admire the remains of the great hall and chapel. You can appreciate the historic architecture and scenic surroundings. Take a moment to relax in the nearby gardens, which are perfect for picnicking.

Discover the Guildhall

Winchester City Brewery invites you to experience its local brewing culture. The Hospital of St Cross is a peaceful and historic place to visit. Founded in the 12th century, it provides a glimpse into medieval life and the tradition of hospitality. The museums highlight the history of the Royal Hampshire Regiment and other military units. You’ll see iconic locations while hearing about their significance, making history feel alive.

Winchester’s history

Be sure to explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the cathedral as well. It is one of the longest cathedrals in Europe, stretching over 500 feet long. Uncover the stories of Tudor and Stuart Winchester that the gateway has witnessed and the whispers of history in its walls. Located in the heart of the city of Winchester, City Museum tells the story of England’s ancient capital, the seat of Alfred the Great. 878 AD, Winchester’s newest visitor attraction, opens to the public. City Museum opens on The Square in Winchester, then one of the first purpose-built museums outside London.

Generally, it is better to catch the train to Winchester than to drive, as the city has limited car parking and the city centre can get very congested with traffic. The city boasts fascinating historical sights, a traditional city centre, along with tranquil walks that follow the River Itchen. There is the magnificent 11th-century cathedral, the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, The Great Hall and Winchester College, England’s oldest school. The glory of the historic city is its great cathedral, the longest (556 feet 169 metres) in England. Winchester, town and city (district), in the central part of the administrative and historic county of Hampshire, England.

During the civil wars of Stephen’s reign (1135–54), the city was burned, and thereafter London, with greater geographical advantages, superseded it as England’s leading city. It was also the seat of government of the Danish king Canute (ruled 1016–35), and several early kings, including Alfred and Canute II, were buried there. Under the Saxon bishops and Alfred the Great (ruled 871–899), Winchester became a centre of learning.