What to See and Do in Winchester

Winchester is one of the oldest cities in England and a really popular destination for tourists. They come to see the cathedral, the museums and heritage sites, for the shopping in quaint independent shops, and for the surrounding countryside. They also come because it is so easily accessible by either road or rail, and is only an hour from London.

Winchester’s history is evident in its tourist attractions. There are a number of companies who offer guided walks of the city, providing information on the city, both past and present. This is a good way to see the city if you are short of time, or if you can’t decide what to do, as it can give you some inspiration as to what to return to see in more detail. There are also special walks available such as literary walks, history tours and Halloween walks.

Where religion, history, and literature cross paths

The most imposing of Winchester’s attractions is the cathedral. One of the largest medieval cathedrals in Europe, it has wonderful architecture and many interesting things hidden inside, including the tomb of the writer Jane Austen. There is a “discovery trail” designed for children, which will teach them about some of the people associated with the cathedral, and with Winchester. After a tour of the cathedral, why not stop for a cream tea in the café or visit the shop where you can buy a variety of souvenirs, including CDs of the Winchester Cathedral choir. In the winter, there is sometimes an ice rink outside the cathedral, and there aren’t many places in the UK where you can skate in front of such beautiful architecture.

A city of history

Other notable historical attractions are The Great Hall, which is the only part left of Winchester Castle, and the City Museum. In the Great Hall you can see the Arthurian Round Table, or so legend has it. The City Museum has a variety of displays, including some designed specifically for children. The Westgate is another historic building, which used to be a prison. It is still possible to read the graffiti carved by prisoners over one hundred years ago.

A few miles away

Apart from these and many more attractions in the city itself, just a few miles outside Winchester are many more things to do. You can visit the INTECH Science Centre and Planetarium, which is the biggest planetarium in Britain. Or if you are a literature fan, you can visit the birthplace of Jane Austen. The Mid Hants Railway is also a great experience, as you can experience what train travel used to be like on either steam or diesel trains.

Winchester is a beautiful city and a great destination for all ages, at any time of the year.

Jane is a travel writer and blogger. She also writes about small businesses and personal finance covering everything from credit cards to umbrella companies . Image by HerryLawford