AGC's Top 10 Things To Do In Winchester, UK. By ASK Gwen Cash
Winchester, England a beautiful quaint city in the UK about 65 miles southwest of London by car or train where I have spent a considerable amount of time when traveling to England. The town once was the capital of England and where King Alfred the Great resided. Along with its beautiful landmarks, the city has a thriving food and drink scene, award-winning fine-dining restaurants, and pubs that attract lots of visitors during the summer months. I have found myself wondering about into pubs considerably older than America one particular called Royal Oak, which dates back to 1001. It is known as the oldest pub in England. I have found the best time to travel to Winchester is between May - September
When I have a guest visiting London from the United States, I tend to put together an itinerary of things for them to see and do, in and around Winchester.
Here are my top 10 things to do while visiting Winchester:
1. Winchester Cathedral one of England's most remarkable buildings built between the 9th and 11th century. It has one of the longest medieval naves in Europe. During the summer months, you can walk up 220 steps to the top of the cathedral and see all of Winchester for miles. Also, you must go to the very bottom of the Cathedral and take in the Crypt Tour. There is a modern and mysterious sculpture by Anthony Gormley.
2. Winchester College, a private English school, set up by William Wykeham, once Bishop of Winchester in 1393. The college offers an hour-long guided tour to see the school.
3. Jane Austen House, where Jane Austen, one of England's best-loved authors, spent her last six weeks before she died in 1817. It's now a private residence. Jane Austen also is buried in the Cathedral.
4. St Catherine's Hill - is a steep chalk hill just south of Winchester, offering fine views of the city to those who manage the strenuous climb to the top. Today the hill is managed as a nature reserve, but it is also steeped in history (Warren, 2016). The top of the hill is ringed by the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort, which is a scheduled ancient monument. St Catherine's Hill is a fabulous place to enjoy a summer walk with a picnic and a nice bottle of wine. The area has been owned by Winchester College for over a 100 years. The views are amazing once you get to the top of the hill.
5. West Gate Museum is known as one of the last primary medieval gates into the city. There are great views of the town from the Westgate rooftop.
6. The Great Hall - one of the most beautiful surviving aisled halls of the 13th century of King Arthur's round table and it remains all that's left of the Winchester Castle.
7. Winchester's Christmas Market - with its open-air ice rink attracts visitors from all over the world.
8. Theatre Royal Winchester - was converted into a theatre in 1914 that offers drama, music, dance, and comedy.
9. Wykeham Arms - an 18th-century pub that sits between the Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College. It is one of the best-placed pubs for the history buff. It is a must while visiting in Winchester.
10. Everyman Cinema - is an old church converted into a boutique style cinema with two screens showing classic and latest release film. The remodeled theater also offers tableside food and drink service.
I hope this excites you to make your plans to go and explore the history of this beautiful city. #askgwencash.com #allthingsfoodwinelifestyleandtravel.