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Visit Winchester

Sep 2018

Visit Winchester – The Perfect City Break For Everyone 

Wander through the historic streets of Winchester and take in the beauty of this iconic yet surprisingly humble city. Follow in the footsteps of Keats, Jane Austen, of kings and saints who lived in this  Suitable for day trips, weekend breaks or a longer getaway, visit Winchester for your next break and we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Situated in stunning Hampshire, the city of Winchester is an ideal destination for travellers, with so much to experience and explore. A short drive from London and accessible by coach or train, Winchester has something for everyone, be they young or old; from history buffs to shopping aficionados. So why not book your next break to picturesque Winchester and discover all that the city has to offer.

Where to Stay in Winchester

best hotels in winchester

There is an array of Winchester hotels and bed & breakfasts to suit a variety of budgets. From family friendly to luxury lodging, we’ve put together a list of some of the top stays in and around the city.

Best Country Hotels in Winchester – Lainston House Hotel, The Wykeham Arms, Running Horse Inn

Best B&B in Winchester – Flowerdews, Hannah’s

Best Hotels in Winchester Centre – The Winchester Royal Hotel, The Old Vine

Luxury Hotels:

  • Lainston House Hotel
  • Hannah’s

Family Friendly Hotels:

Business Hotels:

Budget Hotels:

  • Premier Inn
  • Days Inn
  • Travelodge

Historical Places to Visit in Winchester

visit winchester

Winchester Cathedral

When you think of Winchester, we’ll wager that the city’s impressive cathedral comes to mind. The gothic masterpiece is one of the biggest cathedrals in Europe and dates back almost a thousand years. It really is a sight to behold. For literature lovers, a visit to the cathedral gives you an opportunity to see where Jane Austen was buried. The cathedral is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm, although if planning a visit, check their website for news of any temporary closures.

Winchester Castle & The Great Hall

Founded in 1067, Winchester Castle was commissioned by William the Conqueror. The castle was eventually demolished in 1649 under the orders of Oliver Cromwell, leaving only the Great Hall still standing. Admission is free and the castle is open daily throughout the year apart from Christmas and Boxing Day.

Wolvesey Castle

wolvesey castle

Another ancient site, a short stroll from Winchester Cathedral, is Wolvesey – home to medieval bishops and banquet place for the wedding of Queen Mary I and Philip of Spain. Entry is free and the castle is open daily between April and October from 10am to 5pm.  

Winchester City Mill

winchester city mill

Winchester is also home to one of the oldest working watermills in the country, dating back to the Saxon reign, it is now owned by the National Trust. With interactive displays and activities, this is a great attraction for children and adults. The mill is open 10am to 5pm daily.

Things to Do in Winchester

If the incredible history of the city doesn’t excite you, not to worry. There are tons of activities covering a range of interests so that you’re bound to find something to suit you and your travel companions.

Shopping & Eating

Winchester has some of the best independent shops and eateries around. Not to mention the local markets featuring a bounty of exciting foods, gifts and more. If you love shopping, you’ll discover unique finds in Winchester’s wealth of independent shops and markets.

What’s On in Winchester – Winchester Events

whats on in winchester

Winchester Bonfire

Each November, over 20,000 people across Winchester and beyond come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, enjoying fireworks, food, drink and fun while raising money for local charities.

Festivals

From comedy to coffee, whatever your interest, you’re sure to find some like-minded individuals and activities to suit your tastes. Examples of some of Winchester’s festivals include the recently launched Coffee Festival, Jazz Festival, Poetry Festival, Comedy and Flower Festivals. Find out more on the Visit Winchester website.

Christmas

Experience Christmas like never before by visiting Winchester this December. You can get your skates on for a magical ice skating session at the Christmas Ice Rink, or take on all your Christmas Shopping at the festive Christmas Market. Christmas in Winchester is sure to delight.

Heritage Open Days

Every year Winchester is home to the country’s largest heritage festival. Taking place over the course of four days, more than 100 events showcasing Winchester’s incredible heritage will be held in venues across the city. For the full event programme or to learn more, see the Winchester Heritage Open Days website.  

Where to Eat in Winchester

where to eat winchester

Great for foodies, Winchester is stuffed full of exciting cafes, restaurants, takeaways and food markets, catering to every taste imaginable. We’ve listed a small selection of some of the best available fare across the city.

Winchester Restaurants

Luxury:

  • Black Rat (Awarded a Michelin star after just one year)
  • Chesil Rectory (Named Restaurant of the Year at the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards)

Family Friendly:

Celebrity Owned:

Plus, a whole host of other fantastic offerings, from popular restaurant chains to beloved local cafes, a true foodie’s paradise.

Days Out Near Winchester

days out winchester

While there is so much to see and do in Winchester itself, the city is also close to a wealth of nearby attractions and places perfect for a day trip.

Getting to Winchester

Winchester’s proximity to the capital makes it a perfect place to visit as part of a trip to London or as a break away from the bustle and busyness. It is between one and a half and two hours from London to Winchester by car. There are also trains that arrive from London’s Waterloo and Paddington, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly stations (and more) daily.

Explore Winchester in Comfort & Style

Spire Travel offers a luxury transport service across Winchester, Andover and Salisbury. We specialise in airport transfers, with routes from Winchester to Gatwick and Winchester to Heathrow. We can also provide city tours, taking you on a journey to see the best of what Winchester has to offer. To get a quote or to book a taxi for your trip to Winchester, contact us on 03333 442700 or complete our online quote/booking form.

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