Winchester

An 11th century cathedral, museums and markets aplenty, and all the trappings of a modern city

Winchester - the statue of King Alfred the Great
at the eastern end of The Broadway

Winchester
A seriously historic city on the banks of the River Itchen, Winchester was the undisputed capital of England until after the Norman Conquest. The county town of Hampshire, it has much to offer the visitor, including a superb range of shops, markets aplenty, first class places to eat and drink, a heritage second to none, and easy access to beautiful countryside.

Winchester - distance from Lyndhurst
15½ miles (25 kilometres)

Winchester - did you know?
King Alfred the Great died in 899 and is buried in Winchester, which was then the capital of the West Saxons. An imposing bronze statue of the great man, unveiled in 1901, stands at the eastern end of the Broadway.

Shopping therapy - y es, of course

Pubs and bars - oh yes

Restaurants - some of the best around

Winchester market days
Farmers market - second and last Sunday of the month
Art and design market - March - December, 3rd Sunday of the month

Cinema - the Everyman Cinema

Theatres - Theatre Royal and the Chesil Theatre

Concerts - Theatre Royal

Winchester Cathedral - built on the site of an early Christian church, Winchester Cathedral was consecrated in 1093. Later alterations were largely complete by the early 16th century, leaving this magnificent building much as it is seen today.

Winchester - St Catherine's Hill overlooks the city

St. Catherine's Hill - overlooking the city from the south-west, St. Catherine's Hill is the site of an Iron Age hill fort and a 12th century chapel. Now managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, it is at the westernmost end of the South Downs National Park.

The Great Hall - originally part of Winchester Castle, largely destroyed in the 17th century English Civil War, the 13th century Great Hall houses an equally well-known late 13th century round table.

Winchester City Mill - rebuilt in 1743 on a medieval mill site, the mill remained in use until the early 20th century. It is now open to the public courtesy of the National Trust.

Museums - the City Museum, Westgate Museum and Winchester Military Museums

Leisure Centre - River Park Leisure Centre

Parks, gardens, play parks - yes

Open spaces for sport and relaxation - yes

Walks - yes, there are city, riverside and countryside walks available