Winchester is the vibrant and captivating city located just an hour from London and 12 miles from the coast. This unspoilt cathedral city on the edge of the rolling South Downs National Park combines unparalleled city life with the serenity of the surrounding countryside. From enchanting architecture to thriving contemporary art scenes, Winchester exuberates England at its finest.
Over four million tourists a year flood to the home of excellent food, the country’s largest farmers’ market, birthplace of the UK’s beloved game of cricket, resting place of world-renowned author Jane Austen, and the tinkling river Itchen, where romantic poet John Keats once took afternoon strolls. This ancient and inspiring city is uniquely special to anyone who visits.
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Highlights and attractions
Popular for its flowering summer season, its electric cobbled streets and outlandish open-air events, Winchester is most well-known for its eleventh century Cathedral. With a captivating history and magnificent architecture, for over 900 years, Winchester Cathedral has been an enthralling and beautiful living place of Worship and welcome.
The Great Hall, known for being “one of the finest surviving aisled halls of the 13th century”, has been the home of the mystifying King Arthur’s Round Table for over 500 years. Hail the heroes in the long gallery, admire the hall’s soaring marble columns and superb stained glass, or explore Queen Eleanor’s Garden, abundant with 13th century plants and delightful scents.
Feel inspired by one of the country’s most beloved authors, Jane Austen, and the house where she lived and wrote. The Hampshire cottage welcomes you into a heartening journey through the rooms and gardens where Jane Austen’s genius flourished. Today’s visitors can step back in time to 1816 and follow along the author’s footsteps, from the home and garden that she loved to discovering the fascinating story of her life and times.
Celebrate women’s finest literature at Chawton House, which conserves a unique collection of early writing within the Elizabethan manor house previously owned by Jane Austen’s brother. Explore the ‘Great House’, referred to in Jane Austen’s letters and experience the peace and tranquillity of the picturesque gardens. The 400-year-old house tells countless fascinating tales, beyond the books held inside. Behold its unique blend of fascinating architectural styles and features, sit at the table where Jane Austen dined, and discover the treasure trove that is the captivating library.
Join the Watercress line at the scenic Georgian town of Alresford, or the bustling market town of Alton and take a seat on a lovingly restored steam train to watch 10 miles of Winchester’s stunning countryside pass by your window. The Watercress line is a rare opportunity to experience the sounds, smells and whimsy of steam travel from a bygone age.
Travel & transport links
Just an hour away from London, Winchester lies surrounded by Hampshire’s countryside on the edge of the South Downs – Ideal for commuters who want easy access in and out of the capital. Southampton, Portsmouth, Weymouth, Bournemouth and Birmingham are just some of the other places accessible from Winchester.
By car: conveniently located just off Junctions 9, 10 and 11 of the M3. Also accessible via the A34 from Newbury and Oxford.
By train: just an hour by direct train from London Waterloo, Winchester is also on direct routes from Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Weymouth, Birmingham and the north of England.
By coach: National Express operate regular coach services to London, Heathrow and Oxford. St Catherine’s Park and Ride site is the departure/pick up point for National Express.
Local schools
There are 45 schools and colleges in Winchester, the majority of which perform exceptionally well. Ofsted rates 12 of these schools and colleges to be ‘Outstanding’, with the remaining schools rated to be ‘Good’ or unrated as they are independent schools.
One of Winchester’s most famous landmarks is the college which is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country, dating all the way back to 1382. Today the college educates around 700 boys, and doors are open for visitors to explore the historical grounds.
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