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Pictures of Winchester

in the county of Hampshire

Winchester Cathedral, West Front

About Winchester

This is an old town which was a tribal town long before the Romans landed in Britain, under their leadership it flourished to become the 5th largest city in the land, and was later heralded as the capital of King Alfred. His statue can be seen close to the end of the High Street, it was erected in 1901 to commemorate the one thousandth anniversary of his death.

Winchester always was an eminent town, this can be seen in its ancient buildings and in historic facts. During the 13th century it was second only to London in importance and was frequently flooded by pilgrims who came during the Middle-Ages to pay homage at the shrine of St.Swithen.

Today Winchester presents a sharp contrast to its early beginnings. It operates largely as a resort town thronged with 21st century tourists, its popularity owes as much to its delightful situation on the South Downs as it does to the town's historic past. It has bright shopping streets crammed full of tempting merchandise, colourful friendly markets, boutiques, antique and art galleries, as well as what has often been referred to as a "better class of busker" a claim made by the Saturday Times which appears as yet to remain undisputed!

Visitors to the town will be bewildered at the rich array of attractions and quite spoilt for choice as to what to see next. Mostly any tour of the town should commence with a visit to Winchester's great cathedral, a building of extraordinary beauty which was begun in 1079. Within its magnificent walls the cathedral holds the treasures of centuries, at every turn something beautiful captivates and visitors are constantly left breathless with wonder at its elaborate beauty and quiet serenity.

Winchester's fine college buildings are a joy, these cover over 600 years of history throughout which the college has grown in importance to become one of the finest educational facilities in the U.K. Lying at the heart of the college is a magnificent chapel from the 14th century where the college community worship together on Sundays.

The City Museum celebrates the history of Winchester through a series of displays and exhibitions, and the beautiful 13th century Great Hall offers a dramatic view of what life was like during the reign of Henry III. The King was born at Winchester Castle in 1207, the Great Hall is said to be a reflection of his taste with glorious columns and extravagant decoration.

Other interesting visits include the Westgate Museum, The City Mill, The Hospital of St.Cross, Wolversley Castle and Winchester Military Museums.

If this is not sufficient to tempt you, then think about Winchester's great range of restaurants, old coaching inns, modern pubs and fabulous theatre. The attractive waters of the River Itchen run past the town centre making an interesting natural focal point for watching river traffic and river wildlife.

This is a town that has successfully brought together the best of old and new, it is worth more than a fleeting visit and is best viewed on foot.


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Winchester

Wolvesey Castle(0.1 miles, 0.1 km)Pictures
Winchester City Mill(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)Pictures
Winchester Cathedral(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)Pictures
Farley Mount Country Park(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction W)Pictures
Marwell Zoological Park(4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction S)Pictures
Mid Hants Railway(7.0 miles, 11.2 km, direction E)Pictures
Hinton Ampner Garden(7.0 miles, 11.2 km, direction E)Pictures
Hillier Gardens & Arboretum(7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction SW)Pictures
Itchen Valley Country Park(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction S)Pictures
Bishop's Waltham Palace(8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction SE)Pictures
Longstock Park Water Garden(8.7 miles, 14.1 km, direction NW)Pictures
Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens(9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction W)Pictures
King John's House(9.6 miles, 15.4 km, direction SW)Pictures
Broadlands(9.8 miles, 15.7 km, direction SW)Pictures
Romsey Abbey(9.8 miles, 15.7 km, direction SW)Pictures

All attractions in Winchester
All attractions in Hampshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Winchester

Itchen Abbas, in the county of Hampshire (3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction NE)
A beautiful village in a serene and picturesque valley whose meadows are watered by the gently flowing, trout filled waters of the River Itchen as it continues it's journey towards Southampton where it will meet with the sea.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Alresford, a Historic Market Town in the county of Hampshire (6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction E)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bishop's Waltham, in the county of Hampshire (8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction SE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Wherwell, in the county of Hampshire (9.4 miles, 15.1 km, direction NW)
This enchanting little village boasts a host of thickly thatched, black and white, half timbered cottages,and has a bit of a bloody history.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Southampton, in the county of Hampshire (11.2 miles, 17.9 km, direction S)
Southampton has many lovely gardens right in the city centre with picnic tables, flower beds and shady walks. In the spring the rhododendrons are a lovely sight.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Whitchurch, in the county of Hampshire (11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction N)
With such pretty countryside and so much of historic interest Whitchurch makes an ideal base from which to explore the delights of rural Hampshire.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Totton, in the county of Hampshire (12.3 miles, 19.8 km, direction SW)
Totton is a small town lying close to Southampton Water with easy access to the picturesque New Forest National Park, making it a desirable place to stay for anyone wishing to explore both coast and countryside.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Netley, in the county of Hampshire (13.0 miles, 20.9 km, direction S)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Hambledon, in the county of Hampshire (13.2 miles, 21.2 km, direction SE)
This lovely red-brick village was the early home of cricket. A club was founded here in 1760 when the laws governing the game were laid down.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Chawton, in the county of Hampshire (14.9 miles, 24.0 km, direction E)
In Chawton is the unassuming 18th-century cottage where Jane Austen once lived.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Alton, in the county of Hampshire (15.8 miles, 25.5 km, direction NE)
An historic market town which in recent times derived its prosperity from hop fields and the brewing industry, previously it had been a centre for wool and cloth.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Minstead, in the county of Hampshire (16.7 miles, 26.8 km, direction SW)
This is a delightful New Forest village which was once described as "the place where Mint grew" it is a beautiful unspoilt place with a church which looks as though it is shaped from a collection of cottages.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Crux Easton, in the county of Hampshire (17.3 miles, 27.9 km, direction N)
Crux Easton is a quiet Hampshire hamlet lying in the shadow of Beacon Hill which rises to 262ft west of the village.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Lyndhurst, in the county of Hampshire (17.4 miles, 28.0 km, direction SW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Fritham, in the county of Hampshire (18.0 miles, 29.0 km, direction SW)
Fritham is an idyllic New Forest village, which was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is quite off the beaten track in an area where visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere amongst lovely natural surroundings.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Hampshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Winchester Station(0.7 miles, 1.2 km)
M3 Junction 10(0.8 miles, 1.2 km)
M3 Junction 9(1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction NE)
Shawford Station(2.9 miles, 4.7 km, direction S)
Southampton Airport(7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction S)
Bournemouth Airport(29.7 miles, 47.9 km, direction SW)
Winchester to London(60.0 miles, 96.5 km, direction NE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Winchester

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Winchester center
Mercure Wessex Winchester(0.2 miles, 0.2 km)
Lainston House Hotel And The Avenue Restaurant(3.0 miles, 4.9 km, direction NW)
Holiday Inn Southampton Eastleigh(6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction SW)
Norton Park Winchester - A QHotel(7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction N)
Express By Holiday Inn Southampton - M27, Jct7(9.3 miles, 14.9 km, direction S)
Berties(9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction SW)
Best Western Botleigh Grange Hotel(9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction S)
Banister House Hotel(10.7 miles, 17.2 km, direction S)
New Place - De Vere Venues(10.9 miles, 17.6 km, direction SE)
Southampton City Centre Premier Travel Inn(11.2 miles, 18.1 km, direction S)
All hotels in Winchester

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