Winchester

Winchester, the ancient capital of Wessex and of England. An attractive and ambient city of historic streets that were laid out in a grid pattern by King Alfred the Great upon the even older Roman design. His statue stands where the East Gate once stood and the King faces his High Street guarding the city as he once ruled it.

Nowadays the city may be old in story, but it is a bustling place of locals and visitors alike. Upper High Street is a pedestrian mall full of shops of every kind from antiquities to clothing, chemists and books via upmarket shops and the ubiquitous Marks and Spencers. All in buildings that have seen centuries of customers.

Look up now and again as you shop. Those intriguing buildings were built by craftsmen centuries ago. Admire the carvings, the stones, the building itself. All hand tools then. The skill of those craftsmen is incredible.

Cross streets, parallel streets, laneways all have their own atmosphere and character, their ancient buildings. Have a coffee in a place that was first built at least five centuries ago. Take time to explore. Wander around. High Street, Jewry Street, St George's Street, Chesil Street, amble into The Square and visit the Cathedral. Stroll along the River Itchen to the ruins of Wolvesey Castle and Palace. Visit the City Mill. So many places to shop and to see see.

The iconic Winchester CathedralPhotograph © Copyright M Temple 2010

Shopping

This city is a shopaholics paradise!! There are so many unique shops as well as the run of the mill shops expected in every city. Here it is not only the wonderful High Street, but try the Brooks Shopping Centre in Upper Brook Street, a pedestrianed mall. The Market is in Middle Brook Street. Then there is St George's Street, a narrow, busy street that parallels High Street. Plus lots of other hidden gems near the Cathedral and hidden away here and there. Explore – you will love it shopaholics!

Exploring the city

(Requirements – time, your eyes, good feet, camera, camcorder. Credit/debit card or cash optional!)

A useful tourist map of the city can be found here

There is so much to see and do in Winchester that it is impossible to include it all in one page!!!!! So lots of extra pages have been added for your pleasure. Enjoy the links for each attraction.

The central city

High Street

From the bridge over the River Itchen, through Broadway and King Alfred's Statue to the Castle at the other end. An ancient street with centuries of footsteps by the ordinary and the mighty from the Romans to the present. Take your time.

The Square,

This is one of the ancient parts of the city. Here you can find Winchester Cathedral and the City Museum. Fancy a bite? Alfresco cafe? Certainly!

Winchester Cathedral

The iconic site of Winchester, its wonderful Cathedral. Wander in and around the lovely old architecture.

Kingsgate

Kingsgate

One of the best kept secrets of the city. Kingsgate is one of the two old gates, the other being Westgate. Visit St Swithun's Church above the gate. A hidden shopping area and Winchester College.

Eastgate and Beyond

Beyond Eastgate

A small attractive area behind and beyond King Alfred's statue.

Wolvesey Castle aka Old Bishops's Palace

Amble down the river footpath that can be found at the side of the B3404 opposite The City Mill. The Castle is a delightful ruin that Cromwell knocked about a bit. Was the residence of the Bishops of Winchester for hundreds of years and saw the history of England made.

City Mill

Can be found near King Alfred's statue. A delightful place to visit, a working flour mill alongside the chuckling River Itchen.

St Mary's Abbey

There is little left of they Abbey that once looked out on to Abbey Park, that pretty little park on the Broadway. Just what is now the Mayor's residence and some exposed foundations in Abbey Passage. Once called Nunnaminster it was built by King Alfred's wife.

Westgate and Beyond

Westgate

At the end of Upper High Street, the old gate in and out of the city. Was still used in living memory as such. The area of the Castle and the Regimental Museums.

Winchester Castle Great Hall

The only part of the Castle that now exists. It is an interesting museum as well as an example of fine architecture, was the 'edge' when it was built! Relica of Arthur's Round Table is housed in the Hall.

St Cross Hospital and Almshouses.

A serene place in the water meadows. Can be found by travelling down Southgate St that becomes St Cross Road.

North Walls and Beyond

Hyde Abbey

Only the old gatehouse and the crumbling arch over the old Abbey millstream now exists. Nearby is Hyde Abbey Park, North Walls Park and the Winnall Nature Reserve. Lovely area for a day out.

Winnall Moors Nature Reserve.

Pages that may be of interest

Winchester Mint

With Winchester once being the capital of the country it is not surprising that there was a mint near the Royal Palace. Nothing exists of it now, but at one time it was very important.

Domesday Book

aka The Book of Winchester. When the Domesday Book was originally written it was housed in the Royal Treasury in Winchester. It did not have a name to start with and was called by where it was kept, although it travelled round with the Royal Court from time to time for easy access. It was the population that nicknamed it The Domesday Book!

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