Nestled on the edge of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire, Winchester is often referred to as the ancient capital of England. This unspoilt Cathedral City is absolutely jam-packed with activities, from fascinating historical tours to beautiful nature spots. So, without further ado, let’s look into some of the best places to see when in Winchester!
Built between 1079 and 1532, the majestic Winchester Cathedral is a major tourist attraction, receiving nearly 400,000 visitors every year. Beyond its spectacular design, featuring intricate Gothic carvings and ornate Renaissance chapels, the cathedral holds great historical importance in England’s heritage.
The Winchester Cathedral was once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royals as well as hosted various Kings and Queens for centuries, such as William the Conqueror, Prince Philip of Spain, and Mary Tudor. Today, visitors can explore its numerous treasures, including the Winchester Bible and the resting place of the infamous novelist, Jane Austen.
If historical sites are your cup of tea, then you must also pay a visit to the Great Hall – the only surviving portion of the Winchester Castle. Built in the 13th century, the hall is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture.
What’s more, the Great Hall houses the legendary King Arthur’s Round Table, flaunting its grandness on the western wall. The table features the names of King Arthur’s knights around its edge and a portrait of Henry VIII depicted as King Arthur. Though first created in the 13th century and painted in its current form for Henry VIII, the table has become a symbol of the curious Arthurian legend; since there is no head to the table, it sent a message of equal importance to all of its guests – a rare thing to do for a king.
One of the most beautiful places in Winchester are the water meadows, stretching alongside the River Itchen. Enjoyed by both visitors and locals, the meadows provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city life, although located just off the high street. Known as the inspiration behind Keats “To Autumn”, the water meadows of Winchester is a network of ancient waterways and paths. As you stroll past the beautiful landscapes, listen out for the diverse wildlife that resides in it, including a variety of bird species and otters.
Accessible via the water meadows, the St Catherine’s Hill offers nature and heritage in one. Standing 70m above the river valley, this hill is absolutely worth the climb, as the summit welcomes you with breathtaking panoramic views of Winchester and the surrounding countryside.
The top of the hill also features the remains of an Iron Age fort, dating back to 700 BC, along with the buried ruins of a 12th century Norman chapel. As you come down, see if you can spot one of over 25 different species of butterflies inhabiting the reserve, such as the marbled white and the chalk hill blue.
Wolvesey Castle, also known as the Old Bishop’s Palace, dates back to the 12th century. These impressive ruins represent what was once one of the medieval England’s grandest buildings, used as the main residence for Winchester’s powerful bishops. The castle featured one of Britain’s earliest complete water systems, as well as hosted numerous royal events, most notably, Queen Mary’s wedding breakfast to Philip of Spain in 1554. Today, the remaining walls, towers, and passages are explored by thousands of history enthusiasts every year.
Owned by the National Trust, the Winchester City Mill is a remarkable testament to the city’s industrial heritage. With the earliest references going back to 932 AD, the City Mill is one of Britain’s oldest working watermills. While the current structure was rebuilt in 1744 by James Cook, its medieval design retained relatively unchanged, still using traditional flour-milling techniques. Besides being a historically significant building, the mill is also an excellent spot for wildlife watching, particularly observing otters passing through.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Winchester Cathedral lie Abbey Gardens – a beautiful public park and a popular picnic spot amongst the locals. In addition to unique flora and fauna, including a large Handkerchief tree and Victorian-style flower beds, the gardens have everything you may need for a family outing. There is a children’s play area, public toilets, a water refill point, and even spots to grab some drinks and food. At the front of the gardens, you can also see the Abbey House, the official residence of the Mayor of Winchester.
Oram’s Arbour, a historic open space located northwest of the city centre, holds significant archaeological importance as an Iron Age settlement. Occupying around 2.6 hectares, this area dates back to the early-mid first century BC. Today, however, Oram’s Arbour serves as a public recreational area, cherished for its impressive views across Winchester. It is also the primary spot for various community events throughout the year, including the annual Hat Fair.
If you stroll onto the Jewry Street, in the heart of Winchester, you will come across the Greens Wine Bar – one of the longest standing bars in the city. This welcoming establishment is incredibly popular amongst the locals for a reason: there’s always something exciting happening at Greens! The bar hosts a number of social events and gatherings but, on regular days, visitors can simply come to enjoy a delicious meal or a speciality wine.
With so much to do and see in Winchester, the only way to truly take it all in is by living here! If you are looking for a place to call home, our local team of estate agents would love to show you around the available properties to rent or buy in Winchester.
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