A guide to Winchester

Did you know?

  • 1.
    Winchester is the ancient capital of England and famous for the castle’s Great Hall of and King Arthur's Round Table which has hung in the hall since around 1463.
  • 2.
    Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe with the longest nave.
  • 3.
    It has the oldest working water mill in the country - over 100 years old.

Winchester Area

Winchester offers a broad range of shopping and recreational facilities and appealing walks through the historic part of the city as well as the water meadows towards St Cross, St Catherine's Hill and The South Downs Way.  It hosts many annual events finishing the year with the popular Christmas Market, held in the cathedral grounds, considered by many to be one of the country’s best Christmas markets.

Surrounding Villages

  • Stockbridge
    To the west of Winchester lies the picturesque town of Stockbridge, one of the smallest towns in the UK. The high street consists of charming period houses and a wide selection of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and boutique hotels.  The River Test flows through the town and offers some of the finest fly fishing in the country.  Located in the heart of the Test Valley, Stockbridge is surrounded by beautiful countryside and pretty villages with thriving communities, traditional pubs and excellent schooling.
  • Sparsholt
    This sought after village 2.5 miles west of Winchester is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is close to Farley Mount Country Park. The village has a pub, The Plough, an ‘Outstanding’ primary school, a village shop with possibly the smallest post office in the country and an active cricket club. The five-star hotel, Lainston House is also situated at the edge of the village.
  • Bishops Waltham
    This medieval market town is situated at the source of the River Hamble with part in The South Downs National Park. About midway between Winchester and Portsmouth, it is home to the ruins of Bishops Waltham Palace which was destroyed on the instructions of Oliver Cromwell during The English Civil War. Prior to this, it was a much visited palace for Medieval and Tudor Kings and Queens. The largest settlement in the Winchester district outside the city itself, this architecturally charming town is characterised by many Georgian buildings and features a number of independent stores providing most everyday needs. The Infant School and Junior School are rated ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Good’ respectively.
  • Overton
    About 15 miles north of Winchester, the large and historic village of Overton sits moments from the source of the River Test. This constant supply of water prompted the Portal family to site their paper mills here (now De La Rue) where, for many years, bank notes paper was produced. The station in the village, established in 1854, has contributed to its popularity being the nearest to London Waterloo with free parking on this line and a journey time to London Waterloo from just 56 minutes. Very active and well supported sports clubs and social groups, an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ primary school, a large Co-op store, 4 well regarded pubs and various restaurants offering culinary tastes from around the world are just some of the compelling characteristics of this Test Valley village.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Winchester has a broad range of shopping opportunities with a range of independent boutiques alongside well-known brands all nestled between a variety of pubs, restaurants and cafes provided by independent proprietors and well-known UK chains.

  • Eating

    Steins

    Well known TV chef Rick Stein introduces one of his restaurants to the High Street.

    River Cottage Kitchen (Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall)

    Another well-known chef chose the city for his restaurant offering fresh local produce. It’s located in the converted Grade II listed Abbey Mill in Abbey Mill Gardens just off the Broadway in the city centre.

    The Black Rat

    Modern British with influences from all over the culinary world on Chesil Street at the bottom of town - Voted in the Top 100 restaurants in the UK in 2019.

    Chesil Rectory

    The oldest commercial property in Winchester and a restaurant for the last 75 years – Sited on Chesil Street too but nearer to the King Alfred statue.

  • Drinking

    Wykeham Arms

    Charming and characterful 18th Century pub near the cathedral.

    The Black Boy

    Traditional back-street 'boozer'. Serves 5 locally brewed real ales, a small selection of good French wines and good pub grub!

    The Bush

    Delightful 17th Century pub on the banks of the River Itchen.

    The Fox

    Recently re-developed country pub now serving fine cuisine from its stylish, recently constructed extensions in the Test Valley.

    The Peat Spade

    Traditional country inn located in the Test Valley.

    The Three Cups Inn

    Old coaching inn serving locally sourced ales.

    The Thomas Lord

    Gastro pub with stylish interior design and a delightful garden, quietly located in this Meon Valley village.

Travel

  • Trains (key terminals)

    Winchester to London Waterloo in from 58 minutes.

    Romsey to London Waterloo in from 1 hour 39 minutes.

  • Other transport

    Other transport networks in the area include local buses linking many of the surrounding areas, as well as good vehicular access to the M3, A303 and A34 connecting to the M25 and M27, M4 and M40.