Winchester

An unspoilt cathedral city on the edge of the rolling South Downs, Winchester is England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great.

Today, Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside. One hour from London, this is England as it ought to be.

Home of good food and the country's largest farmers' market, birthplace of the modern game of cricket, resting place of author Jane Austen and inspiration to the many craft-makers and artists who live here, Winchester is truly a destination for all seasons.

Lively street theatre, a thriving contemporary arts scene and fine architecture also make Winchester an attractive destination for visitors. Over four million people visit the ancient city every year.

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Attractions

Popular for its bustling shopping streets, its floral summer season and quirky open air events, Winchester is most well known for its eleventh century Cathedral and for the Great Hall which for over 700 years has housed the mysterious Round Table.

Winchester College is the oldest continuously running school in the country, whilst the Hospital of St Cross - a medieval almshouse - still offers the Wayfarer's Dole to travellers as it has done for more than eight centuries.

Winchester's many bars, traditional pubs and restaurants make eating out a pleasure, and there are pretty riverside walks past tranquil water meadows. For fabulous views of the city and surrounding area, take a stroll up to St Catherine's Hill.

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Out and About

A short distance from the city the INTECH science centre has 100 hands-on indestructable activities for inquisitive children! Also nearby is Hampshire's largest animal attraction, Marwell Wildlife. This 140-acre park is home to over 250 exotic and endangered species in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.

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Visit Winchester Greeters

New for 2011, Winchester City Council has just launched an American-style 'greeters' scheme to give a personal, free-of-charge welcome to Winchester's visitors.

You can book a ‘greet’ online and one of 12 friendly volunteers will be selected to meet you and give an informal introduction to their city, showing you hidden gems and highlights of Winchester.

Book a Visit Winchester Greet now to explore the vibrant and ancient city of Winchester. Greets can last between one and four hours and are suitable for groups of up to 6 people.

* Please note: Visits are arranged subject to greeter availability, and we will make every effort to match a greeter with your request. After you have submitted your form, Winchester Tourist Information Centre will confirm the details of your greet by email. Please allow up to 10 working days for your booking to be processed.

Don't forget, you can also book a guided tour in advance or on the day with one of Winchester's Official Tourist Guides, with a choice of special interest or themed city tours.

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