“Once a year go some place you’ve never been before” Dalai Lama
Winchester, England’s ancient capital and a former seat of King Alfred the Great is one of the oldest settlements in Britain and the ancient capital of the Kingdom of England.
It was the capital of Saxon kings and a power base of bishops. Today, Winchester is a fascinating mix of legend, myth, history, and heritage. The past still echoes strongly everywhere you turn.
Winchester’s architecture is exquisite, from Elizabethan and Regency buildings to the majestic cathedral at its core. It’s also home of good food, birthplace of the modern game of cricket and resting place of author Jane Austen, Winchester is truly a destination for all.
WHAT TO SEE
THE CATHEDRAL
Winchester is most well-known for its eleventh century Cathedral. Dating back to 1070, it’s one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, with a stunning nave that seems to stretch on forever. In the north aisle of the nave you’ll find the grave of Jane Austen, one of the most enduringly popular literary figures in British history.
THE GREAT HALL
Henry VIII’s impressive 13th century Great Hall is the only part of the medieval Winchester Castle built by William the Conqueror in 1067 to survive above ground and home to the famous Round Table. The castle was a royal residence for hundreds of years.
Don’t forget to have a glance at the Queen Eleanor’s garden. This is a reconstruction of a medieval garden. The wall forming one side of the garden is all that remains in situ of The King’s House built by Christopher Wren for Charles II in 1683.
Take a photo or two of the bronze statue of Queen Victoria, one of only a few statues to feature the Queen seated.
KING ALFRED STATUE
King Alfred is another of the city’s most iconic figures and his statue stands in central Winchester.
WINCHESTER COLLEGE
Winchester College founded by William of Wykeham is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country. The college has been used as a location to film a number of blockbusters such as Harry Potter and Les Misérables.
RIVER ITCHEN WALK
A lovely circular walk along the River Itchen. The Itchen is a ‘chalk stream’ and there are only around 210 chalk streams in the world and 160 of them are in England.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to photograph the City Bridge largely unaltered since its construction in the early 19th century and the City Mill, one of the oldest working watermills in the country, with over a thousand years of milling history behind it.
JANE AUSTEN
Now it’s a private residence but in this house Jane Austen, one of the most enduringly popular literary figures in British history, spent her final weeks receiving medical care. She died here and is buried in the north aisle of the cathedral.
WOLVESEY CASTLE REMAINS
One of the greatest medieval buildings in England, the palace of the powerful and wealthy bishops in Winchester. If you are in the area it might be worth popping in to wander around for a few minutes.
GURKHA MUSEUM
The Gurkha Museum commemorates the service of Gurkha soldiers to the British Crown since 1815. The experience not only covers battles and campaigns, but the culture, religion and social structure of these brave warriors.
ACCOMMODATION
You’ll find an array of accommodation in the heart of Winchester and the surrounding area. Choose from a country house or boutique city centre hotels to unique self-catering properties and cosy pub accommodation.
We decided to stay on the outskirts of Winchester in the beautifully restored 16th Century Country Manor House, Norton Park Hotel & Spa.
It is a mix of contemporary luxury with historic elegance, set next to its own private lake and surrounded by 54 acres of Hampshire countryside.
FOOD AND DRINK
In Winchester you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, cafés, bars, foodie markets and foodie themed events. The city is known locally as Hampshire’s foodie capital.
If you ever find yourself running low on energy make sure you will pop into the Coffee Lab, a lovely little spot in the narrow lanes of Winchester.
A number of famous names have chosen Winchester to open their restaurants including The Ivy.
You will also find here a number of award-winning restaurants such as the Michelin Starred, The Black Rat. Since the Black Rat was fully booked we decided to visit the Chesil Rectory gourmet restaurant which has been voted as one of the UK’s most romantic restaurants.
The Chesil Rectory is a unique and historic restaurant located in Winchester which occupies a 600 year old grade II listed Medieval house of exceptional character and charm. I have to admit that the combination of historical rustic surroundings (old beams, timbers and inglenook fireplace) with attentive service and fantastic gourmet food had created an unforgettable experience for us.
Winchester is the ancient Capital of Wessex, the burial place of many of England’s Kings, Queens, Saints, and famous people such as Jane Austen, Izaac Walton and Keats. Here the rule of Common Law was established, the Domesday Book compiled, and the Winchester Bible written.
Home of fine food, lively street theatre and exquisite architecture make Winchester an attractive destination for visitors.
Are you intrigued enough to pay a visit?
Your outfit looks so gorgeous! This place is so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing 🌹
♡————————————————————–♡
Fashion┊Lifestyle┊Japan ― HappyEsme.com
Author
Thank you Miki xx
Oh my… I miss traveling!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
I’ve been living in England for a while now but still have only seen few places. Hopefully once the lockdown is over I’ll get a chance to travel somewhere again, this little town certainly looks so charming <3
LackaDaisy
I love England, as I have lived there for many years. This place looks so dreamy and picturesque, and your outfits are so in point with those stunning backdrops!
xoxo Tamara Chloé
http://www.TcStyleClues.com
What a gorgeous place to visit! So much history and great restaurant options. I would certainly enjoy a stay in Winchester.
I look at these pictures and miss traveling so much! And you always look so stunning in your pics. Classy and elegant always!! xxo
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Gosh…the history is just incredible. Just think of the stories in these places. And I just adore the architecture.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I can not believe that this classy woman and the pumpkin spiced are one
All About Gloves Review
Author
🙂
Your outfit looks so chic!
Author
Thank you xx
So many lovely things to see – it’s nice you were able to safely travel and explore!
Hope that your week is off to a good start 🙂
Thanks for your informative post! What a beautiful place to visit and amazing pics!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
Oh this looks SO WONDERFUL. What a great trip, love your coat and love the photos!
I apologize for the delay I lost my mom.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
So many beautiful pictures! Sounds and looks like a gorgeous weekend! Xx
Author
Yes I really enjoyed it. Winchester is such a vibrant city with so much history xx
This is so informative. These places are look so nice!
Thanks for sharing
♡————————————————————–♡
Fashion┊Lifestyle┊Japan ― 2 Tips On How To Wear A Perfect Little Yellow Dress Outfit
Author
Glad yoy enjoyed the post Miki. Have a lovely weekend xx
This is a lovely travel post before the second lockdown started today! Winchester is such a sweet place – especially the cathedral! 🙂
aglassofice.com x
Author
Now we can use this month to plan trips once the lockdown is finished and Winchester is a beautiful place to visit xx
Oh It looks like the perfect place to have an amazing week-end.
I would love to visit it one day.
The architecture is so interesting.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Author
I couldn’t agree Margot. It’s a beautiful city with so much heritage xx
Ahhhh! This is giving me major wanderlust. Been itching to get on a plane. Sigh! Thanks for transporting me!
xx, mel
http://melinspired.com/tech-gift-ideas-every-person-life/
Author
Hopefully next year we can travel more xx
Yes the Dalai Lama is right and you look perfect in your look with the coat!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Author
Thank you Rena. Have a lovely weekend xx
Your welcome, enjoy the Christmas time! xx Rena
Winchester look like place from fairy tale. That architecture, streets, houses,cathedral everything is gorgeous. I put it on my wish list and hope so that one day I will visit it. Thank you for sharing.
New Post – https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/11/rose-quartz-face-roller-juvena.html
Author
Thank you. Now is a great time to plan trips in 2021. We are going into the lockdown tonight for a month and I’m going to use this time to read more about other cities/countries and make a list of places I would like to visit next year. xx
I really enjoyed this post as my family is currently strict on traveling.
This way, I could enjoy the town through your pictures.
And your outfit looks gorgeous! 🙂
Love,
Angela
http://www.angelavissers.nl
Author
yes it’s quite strict everywhere. Since places are very empty and we drive everywhere it feels very safe. xx
i LOVE THE PHOTOS OF THE CHURCHES
Vitamin E for Men’s Skincare
Author
thank you
Your black coat is so lovely and you got some nice pics! it’s good you were able to travel a little to a different place 🙂
Hope that your week is off to a good start 🙂
Author
Thank Mica. Yes we were lucky enough to have two little trips this year but we’re going to another lockdown soon. xx
Such a beautiful place and these pictures are amazing!
Author
Thank you, Winchester is really beautiful. The city really surprised me. xx
Winchester is a beauty! The cathedral is magnificent! I love your choice of coats.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Author
Thank you Lovely xx
These images are amazing! I would love to visit here and see all of this.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Author
I definitely recommend if you come to visit England. Winchester is one of the most amazing cities. xx