Make the most of your trip by taking advantage of everything the city has to offer. There are so many things to do and see, Winchester places to pause for a meal to eat, as well as a vast selection of shops to indulge in. To enjoy a complete day in Winchester, we recommend taking the time to plan your excursion in advance.
You don’t have to schedule your day to the minute, but an itinerary of things you’d like to do, along with some approximate timetables, will help you make the most of your trip to this magnificent city.
Choose something to see, something to do, a place to dine and drink, something to take home, and a place to remain if you want to extend your trip over several days.
This National Trust treasure is an uncommon example of a surviving urban maize mill with over a thousand years of history.
With so much to see, do, and discover, this attraction is popular with visitors of all ages.
Mill in Winchester City
On Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, and on Wednesdays from April through October, visitors can observe a flour milling demonstration. In addition, there is a regular schedule of culinary demonstrations. Take home a piece of Winchester’s heritage by purchasing a container of freshly milled wholemeal stoneground flour from the city mill.
Winchester Military Subdivision
Visit the military history centre of Winchester. This magnificent Victorian complex is housed in the former Peninsular Barracks and features six museums, each with its own story to tell. These consist of:
Winchester Military Subdivision
Depending on when you intend to visit, each museum offers its own event schedule, which frequently includes lectures and guest speakers, children’s activity days, art and craft activities, and workshops. Check the Winchester Military Quarter website prior to your trip to find out what’s happening there. During your visit, be sure to meander through the site’s beautiful gardens.
If you’re interested in history, Winchester is the place to be. It is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, making it a historian’s sanctuary. The Great Hall, which houses one of the most significant symbols of medieval mythology — King Arthur’s Round Table — is one of the city’s most prominent historical attractions.
The Main Hall
The Great Hall is reportedly one of the loveliest surviving examples of an aisled hall from the 13th century. It was once a portion of Winchester Castle, which was constructed by William the Conqueror shortly after the Battle of Hastings. Hundreds of years of history have transpired within the confines of this majestic hall since then. Stroll through Queen Eleanor’s Garden, discover the hidden passages designed to surprise invading foes, and meet the heroes and antagonists of the Great Hall in the Long Gallery.
Things to do
The Winchester Cathedral is accessible throughout the year, but is occasionally closed for special services and events.
Winchester’s Cathedral, built in the 11th century and situated in the centre of the city, is the highlight of many visitors’ trips. Within the walls of this magnificent structure are numerous paintings and works of art from the 12th century as well as intriguing medieval carvings. Spend some time exploring the gorgeous cathedral grounds, where you can locate Jane Austen’s grave.
Gothic Winchester Cathedral
Join one of the Cathedral’s guided visits to fully explore the longest cathedral in Europe. The purpose of these excursions is to provide you with insights into the cathedral’s enthralling history, art, characters, and events.
Some tours are included in the price of admission, while others cost extra and differ in duration from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours. If you are bringing children on your excursion, you can follow the complimentary children’s trail at the Cathedral. Visit the Cathedral’s website before your trip to learn more about the available excursions.
City strolls
Grab some fresh air, stretch your legs, and take in all that the city has to offer by picking up one of the many free self-guided trails available from the Winchester Tourism Information Centre.
Depending on what you wish to see and how far you wish to walk, a variety of trails are available to accommodate your interests. If you wish to immerse yourself in Winchester’s urban culture while retracing King Alfred’s steps, the City Walk is an excellent location to begin.
The brilliance of this walk is that it is divided into three circles, allowing you to choose how much of it you want to complete.
Guided excursions are an excellent method to discover a city. The Winchester Tourism Office conducts two excursions daily; times can be found on the website. The morning tour costs £7.50 per individual, while the afternoon tour costs only £6. Tickets can be purchased from the tourist information office on the day of the visit.
Walking Tour
The morning stroll winds through upper Winchester, past the Cathedral, along the main street, and concludes with a stop at The Great Hall.
The afternoon stroll includes a walk along the River Itchen, a visit to the ruins of Wolverley Castle, a meander past Winchester College and the home where Jane Austen died, and concludes in front of the Cathedral.
Rick Stein
Ricks Stein’s vibrant and fresh fish menu has been created with the seafood aficionado in mind, bringing his Cornish heritage to the heart of Winchester. There are so many mouthwatering delicacies on this menu that are certain to excite your taste senses. Enjoy a gorgeous plate of freshly prepared delicacies with a glass of sparkling wine.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, the bar menu is full of tasty, flavorful options.
Bridge Street, No. 5
No.5 Bridge Street is another culinary gem in Winchester. Choose a delectable item from either the brunch or the main menu, depending on whether you are in the mood for a light snack or something more substantial and nourishing.
The British-influenced menu is filled with exquisite dishes and sharing platters; you are certain to fall in love with at least one item. The restaurant’s flavors are inspired by local, seasonal ingredients, giving diners a true experience of Winchester.
Cabinet Rooms
Visit The Cabinet Rooms if you’re searching for a wonderful cup of coffee to warm the cockles. founded by Gary and Marcus, was inspired by London’s gentlemen’s clubs and cocktail salons. After a day of exploring the city, kick up your feet, converse with new acquaintances, and delve into Gary and Marcus’s enthusiasm for learning about cuisine and drink.
These gentlemen serve an assortment of specialty coffees and teas in addition to intriguing wines, classic cocktails, uncommon spirits, and concoctions. How about a meal to eat? Their light supper menu features a variety of delicious options. If you like what you see, keep an eye out for Winchester Cocktail Week, The Coffee Festival, and the Winchester Fête, which are all local festivals organized by the couple.
The Aged Wine
The Old Vine offers an upscale interpretation of the traditional British pub with a unique spin. This cozy 18th-century grade two-listed building is the ideal place to rest and recuperate after a day of sightseeing, as it is situated in a breathtaking location just outside the cathedral’s grounds.
Imagine twisted oak beams, a warm fire, and the aroma of delectable food flavours wafting through the air. Not only is the atmosphere something to look forward to, but also the cuisine and bar menu.
The Old Vine is committed to promoting high-quality local food producers on its menu, which features a selection of substantial tavern fare and classic bistro dishes. Those who appreciate a pint or two of ale will be in their element at The Old Vine, which has been included in the 2019 edition of The Good Beer Guide due to the quality and variety of its genuine ales.
Greens
Greens is an independent tavern and cuisine that has served the city for over three decades. If you’re looking for a breakfast or lunch location, Green’s menu offers a variety of fresh and hearty options, presented with a casual dining atmosphere and welcoming service.
Greens maintains a vibrant ambience at night, serving a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages in addition to a Gin and Tonic menu. Be sure to sample one of Green’s hand-crafted cocktails, cocktail aficionados. Cocktail specials are available throughout the week, including Martini Monday, Gin and Tonic Tuesday, and Prosecco Wednesday.
Something to bring home
The Winchester Tourist Information Centre Gift Shop is the ideal location to purchase Winchester mementoes. The boutique is filled with Winchester-specific artefacts. In addition to a stunning assortment of flasks, keychains, and postcards, you will also find local ales, gins, and home accessories. If you enjoy peanut butter, you should pick up a jar of locally made nut butter, which is available in two delectable flavours.