Winchester

Winchester is a unique heritage city just an hour south west of London, with a magnificent Cathedral, award-winning pubs and restaurants and a tempting array of independent shops, all surrounded by fabulous rolling countryside and pretty Hampshire villages.

Set in the county of Hampshire in South East England, Winchester is the UK’s ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. Today, Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside.

Home of good food, birthplace of cricket, resting place of author Jane Austen and inspiration to the many craft-makers and artists who live here, Winchester is truly a destination for all seasons. The city is packed with historic buildings, museums, family attractions and tranquil green spaces just waiting to be explored. 

Winchester is best known for its 11th-century cathedral and for the Great Hall, which for over 600 years has housed the mysterious Arthurian round table. The Westgate, a fortified medieval gateway which served as a debtors' prison for 150 years, boasts an interesting collection of weights and measures and offers splendid rooftop views across Winchester. Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country, whilst the Hospital of St Cross – a medieval almshouse – still offers the wayfarer’s dole to travelers as it has done for more than eight centuries.

The city’s central location at the heart of a good road and rail network makes it very easy to explore other parts of southern England. Portsmouth, Chichester and Salisbury are less than one hour’s drive away, the New Forest can be reached in just over half an hour and Southampton is only 20 minutes, making Winchester the
perfect base for a touring holiday.