Things to Do and See in Winchester
By: Robin OBrien | Posted: 27th January 2007
The beauty of Winchester has captivated tourists for nearly 300 years. Visitors through the years have appreciated its historical place in English history, its magnificent cathedral, its tranquil setting in Hampshire and other delights the cuity has to offer. The city of Winchester offers today's tourist many things to see and do, with both old and modern attractions.
Winchester Cathedral is the first place to see for most tourists. There has been a place of worship where the present Cathedral stands for nearly 2 millennia. The first recorded church being in AD 169 when Lucius, 'King of the Britons', converted to Christianity. The magnificent Cathedral, which many believe to be England's most beautiful, was built in 1079. The building itself is set in a delightful park; in summer the lawns around the Cathedral are full of picnickers - both residents and tourists. The interior of the Cathedral is stunning. The history of England and its Kings and Queens is palpable. There are various chantries, built and patroned by long dead and somewhat forgotten bishops and noble men. But perhaps the most interesting of monuments to be found inside the Cathedral, for the modern tourist, is the tomb of Jane Austen. The English novelist was born in the county of Hampshire, living in the county most of her life. She died in Winchester.
The Great Hall is all that remains of what was once a large castle built the reign of William the Conqueror (1066-1087). On the wall of the Great Hall you can see the Round Table. Popular myth has it that King Arthur and his knights sat around this very table. However this isn't true, as the table was constructed in around 1250. In 1520 King Henry the Eighth had the table painted. Each of the 24 segments represents one of Arthur's knights. A rose was painted in the centre; the rose being the symbol of Henry's family (the Tudors), and above this is a picture of King Arthur, based on his own image as a young man. Inside this very hall was held the trial for one of England's greatest adventurers: Walter Raleigh. Once, the favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, he fell out of favour with King James as was tried for treason. The trial was rigged and he was found guilty, however he was later pardoned.
There are 2 hills on the outskirts of Winchester: St Giles' Hill and St Catherine's Hill. Both make excellent walks. St Giles' Hill is closest; in fact the hill is placed at the bottom of the High Street. The view from the top affords the visitor a very nice view of the High Street and Cathedral. St Catherine's Hill is about 1½ miles outside the town. The walk from the Cathedral to the hill is very beautiful. The walk takes you past Winchester College - England's oldest public boys school following a very scenic route along its playing fields to one side and the clear waters of the river Itchen to the other. The view from the top of St Catherine's Hill is magnificent, with the city of Winchester spread out below you in the valley.
Another, though not so obvious tourist attraction of Winchester, is its Theatre Royal playhouse. The theatre stages many divers plays and pantomimes, staring some of Britain's well-known actors.
About 8 miles outside of town is Marwell Zoo. The zoo is delightfully set in the grounds of Marwell House. The animals are kept in large grounds - not cages. You can see many types of animals from, tigers, rhinoceroses, flamingos, cheetahs, antelope and giraffes.
One of the more delightful, though periodic tourist attraction is Winchester, are the markets that take place there. During the year there is a Local Farmers Market that runs twice a month in Spring and Summer and once a month during the rest of the year. The food available is all grown locally and is usually organic. At the end of September there is a French Market. You can buy all manner of French products from vendors who have made the trip all the way from France. The market is held in the grounds of the Cathedral and there is a lovely atmosphere. Just before Christmas the town stages a German Market - again beside the Cathedral. This market adds to the Christmassy feel of the town.
There are many other tourist attractions in Winchester, too many to mention here. Its narrow streets and speciality shops allow the visitor to explore at a genteel pace and discover for themselves the many attractions of Winchester.
Robin O'Brien lives and works in Winchester. On his website you can find further details on Winchester Tourist Information and more and find accommodation in Winchester
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Tags: english history, place of worship, jane austen, kings and queens, king arthur, william the conqueror