An unspoilt Cathedral city on the edge of theSouth DownsNational Park,WinchesterisEngland’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. 

Attractions

The city is packed with historic buildings, monuments and museums just waiting to be explored.  Some of the city’s highlights include:

• Winchester Cathedral
Tel: 01962 857 200
Website: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Open: All year, daily 8am-6pm (advisable to check opening times before visiting)
Admission: Adults £6.50
Explore over 1000 years of history in this magnificent building. Walk in the footsteps of great historical figures and see where Jane Austen now rests.

• The Great Hall and King Arthur’s Round Table
Tel: 01962 846 476
Website: www.hants.gov.uk/greathall
Open: All year, daily 10am-5pm (advisable to check opening times before visiting)
Admission: Free
The only surviving part of Winchester Castle, once home to the Domesday Book this 13th Century hall was the centre of court and government life. The Round Table closely associated with the legendary King Arthur has hung here for over 700 years.

• Winchester City Museum
Tel: 01962 863 064
Website: www.winchester.gov.uk/museums
Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm
Admission: Free
The museum tells Winchester’s nationally important story as a major Roman centre and afterwards as the principal city of Alfred and later Anglo Saxon and Norman Kings. The museum includes reconstructed Victorian and Edwardian shops.

• The Westgate Museum
Tel: 01962 869 864
Website: www.winchester.gov.uk/museums
Open: Saturday and Sunday only
Admission: Free
The medieval gateway to Winchester and once a debtors prison. The Westgate provides visitors with fantastic rooftop views of the city.

• Winchester College
Tel: 01962 621 209
Website: www.winchestercollege.org
Open: Please contact for times of tours
Admission: Adult £6
Founded in 1832 the college is believed to be the oldest continually running school in England. Guided tours and group visits are available year round

• The Hospital of St Cross
Tel: 01962 878 218
Website: www.stcrosshospital.co.uk
Open: Monday to Saturday: 9:30am – 5pm (summer) and 10:30-3:30pm (winter)
Admission: Adult £4
Nestling in the water meadows alongside the River Itchen and in the shadow of St Catherine’s Hill lies the ancient Hospital of St Cross. Reknowned for the tranquillity of its setting and the beauty of its architecture, the Hospital is one of England’s oldest continuing almshouses.

Accommodation

If you are looking for somewhere to stay inWinchesteryou can choose from a wide variety of properties from top class hotels to small family run B&B’s. All properties promoted are quality assessed, so you can be sure of a high standard of comfort and care. Our friendly accommodation owners promise you a warm welcome toWinchester, ensuring that every stay is a memorable one!

Shopping

Winchesteris a paradise for shopping connoisseurs, the city and the surrounding market towns boast a tempting array of independent shops, boutiques and art galleries in scenic settings.  The city’s bustling markets on the high street take place every Wednesday through Saturday selling everything from local produce to flowers and second hand books.  The country’s largest farmers’ market takes place on the second and last Sunday of each month. 

Eating Out

The Winchester District is home to a number of award winning pubs and restaurants.  Drawing on its rural resources the city enjoys a growing reputation for quality local produce.  Take your pick of our Hampshire Hospitality Award Winners by visiting the Visit Winchester website. 

 

How to Get to Winchester

You can purchase a through rail ticket from Ryde Hoverport to Winchester with South West Trains at Ryde Hovertravel terminals (from 1st November) or alternatively on www.nationalrail.co.uk. The journey takes approximately 1 hr 45 minutes from Ryde, Isle of Wight. 

Alternatively our travel partners Lucketts offer an excursion to Winchester Christmas Market on 10 December which includes a guided tour of the Cathdral Highlights for more information simply take a brochure from our terminal and book at Hovertravel ticket offices.