In and Around Winchester

Founded in the 14th century by Bishop William of Wykeham and Chancellor to Richard III, he also founded New College, Oxford.  Winchester College is thought to be the oldest continuously running school in England, with many original features still in place.  The original building has been added to and what you see today represents over six centuries of continuous development.   Guided tours lasting an hour run daily, unless otherwise stated.  The tours focus on the medieval heart of the college and include the Chamber Court, the 14th century Gothic Chapel, College Hall and the School, with views of paintings, sculpture, stained glass and tapestries.

The Hospital of St Cross is a medieval building dating back to 1132 when it was founded to support thirteen poor men, and to feed 100 men at the gates each day.  The thirteen men became the Brothers of St Cross and over 20 Brothers still reside at the Hospital today.   For over 850 years the Hospital has provided food and shelter to people in need. In terms of St Cross, the word “hospital” has the same origin as “hospitality”.  The Hospital is the oldest continuing almshouse in England, with a group of grade 1 listed medieval and Tudor buildings.

Sitting just in the entrance to the grounds of Winchester Cathedral is Luminous Motion, a six metre column of mirror stainless steel, with 500 fibre-optic lights that react to text messages sent by the public!  Using mobile technology, the sculpture changes colour according to the text message sent.   To change the colour and light patterns on Luminous Motion, text one of the following words to 099772345894 - White, Blue, Indigo, Magenta, Breathe, Eyepop, Lightdancer, Radiance.  In return, the sculpture will send a text message back.

The 13th century Great Hall is the only surviving part of Winchester Castle, which was once a fine hall, centre of court and government life.  In the 17th century Oliver Cromwell ordered he demolition of the Castle, but the Great Hall was kept as a venue for assemblies and county assizes.  King Arthur’s Round Table has hung in the Hall for 700 years, although it is now thought the table was built during the 14th century and repainted the 18th century.

Set in 100 acres of Hampshire parkland six miles outside Winchester, Marwell Zoo is home to over 200 species including penguins, leopards, rhinos, girafes tigers, wallabys and cheetahs. Walk around the zoo at your leisure or take the road train that drops visitors off at different locations across the park.

Housed within the oldest secular building in Winchester (dating back to 1427), this oak-framed building oozes historic character, with original thick beams and timber, low ceilings and inglenook fireplace. This stylish restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for the quality of its modern French cuisine.

The City museum tells the story of Winchester from the time of being a major Roman City to today, with reconstructed Victorian and Edwardian shops, important works of art and craft, mosaics and jewellery from the Roman period, hands on activities and quizzes for children. 

The Westgate is a fortified medieval gateway and one of two surviving city gates. Inside there is a Tudor painted wooden ceiling and walls covered in graffiti dating back to the 17th century when for 150 years the gateway was a debtors’ prison.  A unique collection of weights and measures, as well as armour and a gibbet are on display. 

Now a private home, but the College Street house were former lodgings of Jane Austin’s, where she spent the last eight weeks of her life before dying of Addison’s Disease in 1871 at the age of 41.  There is a plaque above the front door in memory of Jane Austin, whose funeral was held at Winchester Cathedral and she is buried in the north aisle.  

Part of the luxury Hotel du Vin group of boutique hotels, Winchester was the first hotel in the group. The Georgian building dates back to 1715 and is stylishly furnished throughout in keeping with contemporary elegance of the hotel group, while sympathetic to its historic surroundings.   The Bistro has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for the quality of its classic European cuisine with a contemporary edge, and has a Champagne Bar, and pretty walled garden.  Twenty-Four plush bedrooms and suites.

Located about three miles outside Winchester in the pretty rural village of Littleton, the Running Horse provides contemporary bar, restaurant and accommodation in a traditional setting.  The plush bar area is a mixture of wood, leather and wicker, while the restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for the quality of its food.  Nine well appointed en-suite rooms located at the rear of the pub, overlooking the garden.  During the summer months visitors can eat and drink in the large garden and terrace, or in on the patio at the front of the pub.