On The Road Again – Winchester

Winchester lies at the edge of the South Downs National Park, it is the ancient capital of Wessex which is the County Town of Hampshire.

The city is home to Winchester University and the Winchester School of Art which makes it a busy, vibrant city with lots of winding side streets & cobbled lanes home to an eclectic mix of independent niche shops. The array of pubs, cafes, bars & restaurants offers a food scene to be envied. Many of them are housed in some of the oldest buildings not only in the county of Hampshire but also in England.

The Royal Oak can be found down a narrow passage off the High Street, parts of it date back to 1002 when it was opened as a wedding present for the Viking Queen Emma, the first Queen in England which probably makes it the oldest pub in England.

Winchester is steeped in history with monuments, magnificent architecture, schools & artefacts standing the test of time.

Places of interest in Winchester:

Winchester Cathedral –
Is a fine example of a Medieval Anglican Church, one of the largest in the UK and with the longest medieval nave in Europe is the pride of the city. It houses the 17th century Morley Library containing a great many rare books and a Norman crypt which now houses Sound ll the sculpture by Antony Gormley.

Wolvesey Castle –
Also known as ‘Old Bishops Palace’ Wolvesey Castle is close by the river. Home to the powerful Bishops of Winchester, the castle is now a ruin but is still worth a visit.

Winchester City Mill –
Is a working corn mill dating back to the 18th century. Fully restored the mill is now owned by the National Trust, it is located on the river Itchen in the city centre.

The Great Hall –
Is all that remains of Winchester Castle, it is one of the finest 13th century halls that has survived. Housing the Round Table of King Arthur & his Knights it is one of the greatest symbols of medieval mythology.
You can walk from the Great Hall into Queen Eleanor’s Garden where you are able to stroll amidst the scented herbs, vine arbour tunnel and fountain constructed of Purbeck stone.
Admission: Adult £4 Concession £3.50

Military Quarter –

Next to the Great Hall you will find the site of Peninsula Barracks and a group of military museums:

• Horsepower, The Museum of the Kings Royal Hussars – Admission: £3
• The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum – Admission: Free
• The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum – Admission: Adult £5 Concession £4.50
• The Rifles Regimental Museum – Admission: Free
• The Gurkha Museum – Admission: Adult £5 Concession £4
• The Adjutant General’s Corps Museum – Admission: Free

The amazing gardens around the site are beautiful.

The Old Guildhall –
Is built on the site of one of the largest nunneries in England that was built by the widow of King Alfred, it stood on the site until Henry the VIII ordered the demolition of nunneries in 1538. The land was later gifted to the city by Mary Tudor. The magnificent Guildhall that we can see today was built in the 19th century.

Pilgrims School –
Is in the Close of Winchester Cathedral, it is a boys prep Cathedral choir school for boys incorporating choristers for the Cathedral and Winchester College professional choirs. Strolling through the Close whilst the choir is practising in the school is a very pleasant way to while away an hour on a sunny day!

Butter Cross –
Is a multi-pinnacle stunning stonework on the High Street. Built in the 15th century and restored in 1865 it is used for a meeting place and at Christmas time you can hear carol singers bringing joy to the shoppers.

River Itchen –
Flows from Alresford through the Winnall Moors Nature Reserve down into the city. A riverside walk & taking in the Nature Reserve is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

Events:

Christmas Market –
Is held in the Cathedral grounds and is now one of the best in Europe. Formed in 2006 it has grown year on year and provides an authentic Christmas experience.
The 2022 Christmas Market is open from 18th November until 22nd December

Hat Fair –
Is an outdoor Arts Festival of street performers (hatters), outdoor arts & music, usually held in July the event spans a weekend.

Artisan markets –
Are held at various times through the month:
Winchester Market: Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Antiques, Vintage, Retro & Collectables Market: First Sunday in the month
Art & Design Market: Third Sunday of the month
Hampshire Farmers Market: Second & Last of the month

Places to visit from Winchester Railway Station:
London – 1 Hour
Bournemouth – 55 minutes
Southampton – 20 minutes
Birmingham – 2hrs 20 minutes