Sights and landmarks in Winchester

Sights and landmarks in Winchester

1. See

   Church of St. Swithun upon Kingsgate

   This was once a not uncommon position for a place of worship in England, but St. Swithun's is the only one remaining today. The interior of this tiny church is very plain, with whitewashed walls and an unadorned wooden ceiling. Sit for a moment in the simple wooden pews and it is hard not to feel a sense of peace.

   Open during daylight hours except for occasional services.·Free (but donations gratefully accepted)

2. 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.

3. 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

4. See

   Westgate Museum

   The other of the two surviving medieval gateways. Interesting graffiti carved into the walls and floor from its use as a debtor's prison from the 16th–18th centuries. Contains unique collection of the city's weights and measures, including the Winchester bushel and the standard yard of Henry VII's reign. Displays also include a fine ceiling from Winchester College painted to celebrate Queen Mary I and Phillip of Spain's marriage in 1554. Also armour, gibbet, leg-irons. A rooftop viewing platform gives great views down the High Street. Brass rubbing. Children's quiz.

   Late Feb–Mar: Sat 10AM–4PM, Sun noon–4PM; Apr–Oct: Sat–Sun 10AM–5PM; Nov–Late Feb closed·Adult: £7.75, concessions: £7.75, child (5-16 years): £6.00, under 5s: free, family (up to 5 people, maximum 2 adults): £28.00. This ticket also includes admission to the Great Hall

5. 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

6. 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

7. See

   Winchester City Museum

   A family-friendly council-run museum which tells the story of Winchester from the Iron Age to the present day. Multilingual audioguides and hands-on children's activities are available.

   Apr–Oct: Mon–Sat 10AM–5PM, Sun noon–5PM; Nov–Mar: Tue–Sat 10AM–4PM, Sun noon–4PM·Adult: £7.75, concessions: £7.00, child (5-16 years): £5.50, under 5s: free, family (up to 5 people, maximum 2 adults): £25.50. Multi-attraction tickets are also available

8. See

   Winchester College

   One of England's independent (fee-paying) schools, founded in 1382 and believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country. Guided tours are available, lasting approximately 1 hour and include Chamber Court; the Gothic Chapel with its 14th-century vaulted roof; College Hall; the 17th-century red brick schoolroom built in the style of Christopher Wren; the original cloister.

   Visit by guided tour only, which run several times most days of the year·Adults £7; Concessions £6; Under 12s free

9. See

   Winchester Great Hall and King Arthur's Round Table

   The Castle

   The only remaining part of Winchester Castle is the Great Hall, built in the 13th century by Henry III. This is the home of King Arthur's Round Table, now thought to be a fake commissioned by Henry VIII.

   Daily 10AM–5PM, closed Dec 25–26·Adult: £7.75, concessions: £7.75, child (5-16 years): £6.00, under 5s: free, family (up to 5 people, maximum 2 adults): £28.00. This ticket also includes admission to the Westgate Museum

10. See

    Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

    formerly INTECH Science and Technology Centre

    An interactive family museum with regular activities and events. Planetarium shows are an extra charge.

    Daily 10AM-4PM·Adult: £10.91, concessions: £8.73, child (3-15 years): £7.64

11. See

    Wolvesey Castle

    This palace was the chief residence of the Bishops of Winchester and its extensive ruins still reflect their importance and wealth.

    Open Apr–Sep 10AM–5PM·Free

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