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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.

Address: St Cross Rd,
Getting there: 1 mile south of city centre; grid reference SU476277
Website: hospitalofstcross.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Winchester (England), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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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 yearAdults £7; Concessions £6; Under 12s free
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)
Drink
The Black Boy
Tucked away on Wharf Hill, off Chesil Street, the pub is still faithful to its origins. Although recognised in most of the well known beer and pub guides, it is still a traditional back-street boozer.
Open Mon-Sat 11AM-11PM; Sun noon-10:30PM.
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