In the 13th century, Winchester contained a large Jewish community, commemorated in the street name Jewry. The West Saxon episcopal see was removed there from Dorchester in the 7th century, and Winchester became the capital of the kingdom of Wessex. If you love cocktails head to the Cabinet Rooms, the team are highly experience at creating delicous cockatils and is a must visit. The city is also home to a number of affordable family friendly hotels all within easy reach to the city centre. For a touch of luxury, Hotel du Vin in the city centre offers beautiful rooms with exquisite service or head out into the countryside and stay at Lainston House Hotel. Choose from country house or boutique city centre hotels to unique self-catering properties and cosy pub accommodation.
If you only do one thing, peruse these charming shops
Winchester, UK, is a charming city filled with history, culture, and beautiful sights. Established as an independent charity in 2014, we promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors. The immersive experience brings the atmosphere of the Anglo-Saxon city to life as its people await the outcome of the clash between Alfred the Great and the mighty Guthrum at the Battle of Edington in May 878. Licoricia was a 13th century Jewish business woman who formed a close working relationship with Henry III and his queen, Eleanor. Charles II chooses a site overlooking the cathedral for a magnificent new palace, designed by Christopher Wren.
The Guildhall is an important part of Winchester’s civic life and history. Plan your visit during one of the special events or community activities for an even more enriching experience. It offers a variety of exhibits showcasing local history and culture.
Wolvesey Castle and Palace
- Unlike parishes, members are not directly-elected, but instead are the city councillors who were elected to the respective wards, who sit ex officio on the town forum.
- The Hospital of St. Cross (1136) is a unique example of a medieval almshouse still maintained.
- About 100 BC a defended settlement was founded overlooking the River Itchen at Oram’s Arbour, controlling access across the river and perhaps a seasonal market place.
- The Saxon king Alfred the Great ( ) ruled the kingdom of Wessex from Winchester, and today is much celebrated by the city.
- He created the drainage system, the “Lockburn”, which served as the town drain until 1875, and still survives.
Inspired by his regular walks across the River Itchen’s water meadows and views from the city’s St Giles Hill, John Keats writes his famous ode To Autumn during a two month stay in Winchester. A plaque marking the place of her execution can be seen on the wall of City Museum, Winchester. By 1651, most of the castle is demolished, with just The Great Hall remaining. The Westgate, part of the Winchester Castle complex, becomes a debtors’ prison until the mid 18th century. A fine, painted ceiling commissioned by Winchester College in anticipation of a visit by the couple can be seen in Westgate Museum. The table is painted with its now famous design, with the original King Arthur – repainted and aged since – modelled on the likeness of a young King Henry and the Tudor rose prominent in the centre.
Visit the Royal Green Jackets Museum
These events provide a wonderful opportunity to experience its vibrant community spirit. The cathedral also hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts and seasonal services. Don’t miss the medieval wall paintings and the famous High Alter.
- The Hospital of St Cross is a peaceful and historic place to visit.
- The city is also home to the University of Winchester and Winchester College, the oldest public school in the United Kingdom still using its original buildings.
- The Archaeological Museum in Winchester is a captivating place for history enthusiasts.
- The walls date back to the 11th century, offering a glimpse into the city’s past military defenses.
- The novelist Jane Austen died in Winchester on 18 July 1817 and is buried in the cathedral.
The City Museum, located on the corner of Great Minster Street and The Square, contains much information on the history of Winchester. Since at least the 14th century, and still available today, a ‘wayfarer’s dole’ of ale and bread easymarkets broker has been handed out there. (The training that used to be carried out at the barracks is now done by the Army Training Regiment Winchester, based at the Sir John Moore Barracks, 2 miles (3 km) outside the city). The buildings were supplanted by the adjacent King’s House, now incorporated into the Peninsula Barracks where there are five military museums. Apart from the hall, only a few excavated remains of the stronghold survive among the modern Law Courts.
The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum
The town lies in the valley of the River Itchen. You can also book a guided tour in advance or on the day with one of Winchester’s Official Tourist Guides, with a choice of special interest or themed city tours. Among the famous names and award-winning eateries you’ll find a number of top quality high street chains, unique independent foodie spots and traditional English pubs.
Accelerate learning
To extend your day trip, you could visit the Winchester Cathedral, Winchester College and The Great Hall, but all require paid admissions. Winchester is a compact city and can be easily explored in a couple of hours of sightseeing. Winchester Highstreet – The bustlingly shopping street Winchester, lined with traditional and characterful buildings. Modern Winchester is just as captivating as the historical side. Explore Winchester’s winding side streets and the amazingindependent shops that fill them. At the centre sits the Forest Retreat, a small shop, café and bar.
Legally an area committee, it oversees the Town account and acts as a council committee to steer some decisions affecting the town. Whilst the remainder of the district is parished, most of the five city wards constitutes an unparished area. For Hampshire County Council elections, the City of Winchester district is made up of 7 divisions, with Winchester Westgate and Winchester Eastgate covering the town area. In 1889, the city came under the new Hampshire County Council, and the city was later administered by Winchester Urban District.
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
The Winchester Hat Fair is the UK’s longest running festival of outdoor arts, this colourful events takes over the centre of Winchester with street theatre, entertainment, dance and circus. Heading out of the city you’ll fine the Hospital of St Cross, a medieval almshouse, which still offers the Wayfarer’s Dole to travellers as it has done for more than eight centuries. The college offers tours of it’s historical buildings and fascinating grounds. Over four million people visit the ancient city every year.Over four million people visit the ancient city every year. Leading examples of sculpture can also be found across the city, including a statue portraying Licoricia, a prominent member of Winchester’s medieval Jewish community.
Interpretive signs offer insights, making it a learning experience. The walls date back to the 11th century, offering a glimpse into the city’s past military defenses. Regular events and educational programs enrich the visitor experience. The museum reveals not just military history, but the personal stories of soldiers who served.
The table actually dates from the 13th century, this it is still of considerable historical interest and attracts many tourists. Winchester is well known for the Great Hall of its castle, which was built in the 12th century. In the 16th century, Queen Mary Tudor and King Philip II of Spain were guests just before their wedding in the cathedral.
Shepherds Down Special School is a state funded special school for pupils aged 4 to 11, located just outside of the city in the boundaries of Compton. Both schools often top the examination result tables for the city and county. Independent junior/preparatory schools are The Pilgrims’ School Winchester, the Prince’s Mead School and Twyford School, which is just outside the city and claims to be the oldest preparatory school in the United Kingdom. There are four state comprehensive secondary schools in Winchester; the Henry Beaufort School, King’s School, and The Westgate School are all situated in the city. Other places of cultural interest include the Westgate Museum (which showcases various items of weaponry), and the Historic Resources Centre, which holds many records related to the history of the city. The almshouses and vast Norman chapel of the Hospital of St Cross were founded just outside the city centre by Henry de Blois in the 1130s.
Medieval Winchester
Historically, the city was also served by a line to London via Alton, which partially survives as the Watercress Line. The local Saturday football league, the Winchester & District League, folded in 2010. The Winchester School of Art was founded in the 1860s as an independent institution and is now a school of the University of Southampton. The West Downs campus is a short walk away, and houses student facilities and accommodation and the business school. The university origins go back as far as 1840, originally as a Diocesan teacher training centre. Osborne School is a state-funded special school for pupils aged 11 to 19 which is located in Winchester.
Once part of the medieval Winchester Castle, it now stands as a historic monument. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the cathedral’s rich history. Inside, you’ll find breathtaking stained glass windows that tell historical stories. In this guide, we will be looking at some of the best things to do in this amazing city. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, Winchester has a lot to offer. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time, where you can find stories around every corner.
As Bishop of Winchester he was responsible for much of the current structure of the cathedral, and he founded the extant public school Winchester College. In the 14th century, William of Wykeham played a role in the city’s restoration. However, Winchester is described by the historian Catherine Cubitt as “the premier city of the West Saxon kingdom” and Janet Nelson describes London and Winchester as Alfred the Great’s “proto-capitals”. Also in the late 10th century, the Old Minster was enlarged as a centre of the cult of the 9th century Bishop of Winchester, Saint Swithun. The city may have functioned as a centre for a religious community or a royal palace, as they continued to use the Christian cemeteries established in the Roman period.
Explore the Military Museums
The museum’s location provides fantastic views of the surrounding area. Westgate Museum is a treasure trove of Winchester’s fascinating history. The on-site shop offers a variety of local products, including baked goods made with the mill’s flour. Check if you can join in on a baking workshop, where you can use freshly milled flour.