Parks and the outdoors in Winchester

Parks and the outdoors in Winchester

1. Do

   Abbey Gardens

   Located off the Broadway between King Alfred's statue and the rear of Winchester Cathedral. These are formal gardens through which the Itchen flows, and include a children's play area.

2. Drink

   Bishop on the Bridge

   A modern-style pub set in an old building, reasonable selection of drink and moderately-priced food. Very pleasant (especially in the summer, although it can get very busy) patio area by the river.

   Mon-Thu: 11AM-11PM, Fri-Sat: 11AM-midnight, Sun: 11AM-10:30PM

3. See

   Hospital of St Cross

   The Hospital of St Cross was founded in the 1130s by Bishop Henry of Blois to accommodate thirteen poor men and is still home to 25 Brothers, whose apartments form one side of the historic quadrangle. The chapel is an unspoiled example of the period during which Norman architecture transitions into Gothic. The Hospital has a long tradition of hospitality and now offers refreshment to visitors in the restored Hundred Men's Hall. The traditional Wayfarer's Dole is still given at the Porter's Gate to all travellers who request it. Accessible by road, by a half-hour walk along the River Itchen (from City Mill; signposted), or by Solent Blue Line bus 47 (buses run twice per hour M-Sa and once per hour on Su; see Get around above for bus company details; alight at the Bell Inn). Open any reasonable hour. Free.

4. Eat

   The Refectory

   In the walled garden opposite the cathedral's west front. An excellent volunteer run restaurant opposite the main entrance to the cathedral, offering a good selection of homely English dishes at reasonable prices.

   Mar-Oct 9:30AM-5PM; Nov-Feb 9:30AM-4:30PM·£5-10

5. See

   Twyford Waterworks

   A preserved Edwardian water pumping station open on selected dates throughout the year where visitors can see how water was pumped by steam, diesel and electrically powered engines. There is also a set of lime kilns, water softening works, industrial railway and an extensive nature trail.

   Adults £4.00, children free

6. See

   Winchester Cathedral

   A Norman cathedral begun in 1079, containing the Winchester Bible and featuring the longest Gothic nave in the world. The cathedral was built on rafts floating on a peat marsh! For 800 years the raft was able to carry the weight but, by the 19th century, the cathedral was in danger of collapse and the foundations were rebuilt by a diver working underwater; look out for the statue and story of this "Winchester Diver" if you visit. The cathedral is the venue for regular recitals and concerts, and hosts Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's Summer Series. The famous English novelist Jane Austen died in Winchester in 1817 and is buried in the cathedral. A statue by British artist Anthony Gormley is to be found, somewhat unexpectedly, in the crypt of the cathedral. Hidden away in cathedral Close is the Dean Garnier Garden, which offers splendid views of the cathedral. Pay special attention to the stonework, and how the medieval builders suffered from problems with subsidence.

   Mon–Sat 9:30AM–6PM; Sun 12:30PM–3PM (restricted access during services)·Adults £7.50; concessions £5.50; students £4; under 16s free. The Tower Tour and Audio Tour cost an additional £6 and £3 respectively

7. See

   Winchester City Mill

   Owned by the National Trust, this old water mill has been fully restored. You can visit the working areas and a rather exciting walkway under the mill almost at river level.

   Opening hours are typical of the National Trust - that is to say, very complicated - but in brief, the mill is open Mar–Oct: Sat Sun 11AM–4PM and much more often in summer·Adults £2; Children £1; National Trust members free

8. Do Not mapped

   BikeAbout

   Hire a bicycle in Winchester at BikeAbout at the Gladstone Car Park near the Railway Station. Members of the scheme can borrow a bike as many times as they like. Terms and conditions on the Winchester Miracles website or by telephone.

9. Do Not mapped

   Three Castles Path

   A 60-mile (100-km) walk from Windsor to Winchester. This walk is inspired by the journeys of King John between the two cities via the castle he built at Odiham at the time of Magna Carta, and passes through a variety of attractive scenery including parkland and forest, heath and downland, quiet streams and picturesque villages. For more information see the web site, or get a hold of a copy of the book The Three Castles Path by David Bounds and Dave Ramm .

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Winchester (CC BY-SA 4.0).