This former English capital has a grand medieval cathedral and winding cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old pubs. Legend says King Arthur's Round Table hangs in the Great Hall.
Winchester, a city in Hampshire, England, centers around its 11th-century cathedral with its 169-meter Gothic nave. Walk through streets lined with Norman buildings, see King Arthur's Round Table in the Great Hall, or explore the 14th-century Winchester College. Stop at the farmers' market where 100 local vendors sell Hampshire produce, stroll along the River Itchen, or visit the Hospital of St Cross to receive the traditional Wayfarer's Dole - a small piece of bread and cup of ale given to travelers since medieval times.
Winchester Cathedral
The 169-meter-long Gothic nave dominates the city center. Inside, you'll find detailed medieval carvings in the choir stalls, Jane Austen's tomb, and the illuminated Winchester Bible from the 12th century. Water regularly fills the cathedral's crypt, creating mirror-like reflections on the stone floor. In winter, you can ice skate in the cathedral's Inner Close.
Medieval City Center
Winchester's streets maintain their medieval layout, with narrow lanes connecting to the High Street. In the 13th-century Great Hall, you'll find the Round Table, painted during King Henry VIII's reign. At Winchester College, established in 1382, you can walk through the medieval quadrangles and chapel. The King's Gate and West Gate still mark where the medieval walls once stood.
Markets and Food
Visit the farmers' market on the second and last Sunday monthly to buy Hampshire cheeses, local meats, fresh vegetables, and artisan breads. The city's dining includes small independent cafes and The Black Rat, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Try local watercress from nearby farms and trout caught in the River Itchen.
Getting Around
Trains depart London Waterloo for Winchester every 20 minutes at peak times, with a 55-minute journey. You can walk to most sites within 15 minutes from the train station. Local buses connect to surrounding villages and the South Downs National Park. Southampton Airport lies 14 miles away, with trains running every 20 minutes.
River Itchen Walks
Visit the City Mill, an 18th-century working watermill on the River Itchen. Take the 2-mile water meadows walk from the Cathedral's Close, passing medieval walls and Victorian gardens. Climb St Catherine's Hill, rising 220 feet above the river, to see the remains of an Iron Age fort and look down on the cathedral spire.
Seasonal Events
Watch street performers at the Winchester Hat Fair each July in the Cathedral Close and High Street. Browse the Cathedral Christmas Market from mid-November, where 100 wooden chalets sell crafts and seasonal food. During summer, attend open-air concerts and theater performances in the cathedral and college grounds.
