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Winchester Best Things To Do

Winchester Best Things To Do

Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral in Winchester, Hampshire, England. The cathedral is one of the largest in England with a total length of 173. 6 metres (568 ft) and was the seat of the Bishop of Winchester for 900 years; the present. [ read more ] Widgetbox Blog. Winchester Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral in Winchester, Hampshire, England. It is one of the largest cathedrals in England, with the longest nave and greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.

Winchester Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Winchester, Hampshire, England, Hampshire List (hampshire-list.co.uk). It is one of the largest cathedrals in England, with the longest nave and greatest overall height of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Winchester Cathedral is a must-see in Hampshire, UK. It's one of the longest medieval buildings in Europe and, after a massive restoration project, it's roofless nave is particularly bewitching. Winchester Cathedral is a spectacular place. It's essentially a copy of a cathedral larger than itself!!.

Hospital of St Cross

St Cross is the oldest residential almshouse in England, founded in 1132 when Henry of Blois was Bishop of Winchester. It is still used as an almshouse today. Now before we get started with another gushy post about a building, just so everyone knows – I like history and old buildings. I don’t go into ecstasies over them, but if no-one did then everything would crumble into the sea and that would be a shame.

So here is the review – same as every other building I’ve written about…. The Hospital of St Cross has existed at Winchester for over 800 years. Henry of Winchester, the younger brother of William the Conqueror built it in 1132 to provide relief for twelve men and women who were poor and sick. The Almshouse is open to the public, and is still active today with 10 residents who continue a tradition that started in 1121 AD.

The almshouse at Hospital of St Cross in Winchester is unusual in that it largely consists of a set of 12th and 13th-century halls with tiled floors, though the building has been added to over the centuries and some elements are 19th century copies. The residents live in cells, or rooms, off a series of passageways. This magnificent medieval almshouse is a series of buildings, which still incorporate the house itself, the warden's house and the chapel.

It was built in about 1130s for 12 old people and was built on land given by Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, and followed a traditional monastic design. The Hospital of St Cross is the glorious medieval almshouse built in the grounds of the 12th century Priory and still owned by the church today. It provides a fascinating insight into life in the Middle ages and I recommend a visit for anyone travelling around Winchester.

Winchester College

Winchester College was founded by William of Wykeham. William had made a fortune as Bishop of Winchester and wanted to put his wealth to good use. The college was not like the rest of the Public Schools, and its progressive ethos set it apart from its rivals. In 1991, Winchester College celebrated its 600th birthday. These days the boys are as privileged as ever, but they are equally as diverse, with 25% of pupils being from a non-Etonian background.

In 2006 the school officially became co-educational when girls were admitted for the first time in its long history. This may be one reason why this very English school has never had an Old Boys’ Association or Spivey Society up until now. Winchester is an independent boarding school for boys in pre-university education, and is made up of six different schools: the College, the Pre-Prep, the Nursery School, the Junior School (ages 7–13), the Senior School (ages 13–18) and the Sixth Form College (ages 18–19 for international students only).

The history of Winchester College has largely defined its character, both academically and socially. It was founded by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, under a Royal Charter that he obtained from King Richard II. The school is one of only seven public schools listed in the Public Schools Act 1868. Maybe it’s the appeal of the long hall, the ancient library or the old well. Perhaps it’s a sense of history, that Winchester College was founded in 1382.

Possibly it is something more. My guide tells me not everybody gets it. But if you don’t get this school you obviously were never really part of the ‘Winchester Bubble’ and it is not for you. This school would not be my first choice for my son but clearly has a soul and spirit that is different from anywhere else in England. Winchester College is one of the top UK boarding schools for International students who want a rigorous and challenging academic education in an ancient English setting.

The school consists of three separate colleges, all set amongst extensive grounds and attractive scenery, and located about ten miles south of downtown London at only 35 minutes by train from Waterloo. Winchester College is a boarding school in Hampshire, England. It was founded in 1394. Winchester is one of Englands seven public schools. Public schools are called such because they were publicly funded once. Online shopping is part of the growing ‘retail experience’ yet many small retailers on high streets are struggling to remain relevant.

South Downs Way

The South Downs Way is a 100-mile national trail that follows the South Downs ridge all the way from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne on the coast of East Sussex. The trail crosses the steep and spectacular scarp faces of the South Downs via tors, chalk pits, and clifftops, providing ever-changing views of Sussex and Hampshire: London sprawls across three counties, and on a clear day you can see Dover Castle in Kent. You’ll pass through gentle chalk downland pasture, heathland, forest with colorful lichen patterns on the tree trunks, woodland where legends once flourished, and across stone walls separating cultivated fields from open grazing land.

The South Downs Way roughly traces the line of the South Downs, a chalk escarpment stretching from Winchester in the west to Shoreham-by-Sea on the Sussex coast. The trail begins in Winchester and quickly heads out of town for the dramatic 10-mile stretch between Stopham and Petworth. The trail follows a raised plateau above the River Arun until turning for Midhurst. It then keeps level crossing wooded combes and shallow valleys to Ambersham and Grisedale, then climbs up to Streat.

Reaching Hassocks at Milepost 16, most walkers take a bus or taxi back to Winchester. There’s also a sheltered stop at West Dean, but it doesn’t allow sleeping – use. The South Downs Way is part of a "National Trail" and lasts for approximately 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne on the south coast. This is also part of a much longer "Way" that stretches the length of the South Coast and takes people through many different counties.

Made up of over 2000 years of history, it's no wonder that the South Downs Way has been described as one of the most beautiful trails in England. The South Downs Way is a 100-mile roughly east-west path and bridleway that runs from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex. You can follow its southernmost 25 miles as the trail winds through rolling farmland, villages, and the preserved South Downs National Park, making a leisurely walk of it with stops at small shops and pubs along the way.

The South Downs Way can be accessed from all along its 100-mile length. You'll find access points in the towns of Petersfield, Winchester, Chichester, Arundel and Brighton; otherwise the route leads through picturesque villages and rural farmland. The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway that traverses the length of the South Downs National Park, from Winchester to Eastbourne in East Sussex. The three restaurants on the 'Winchester'list have all been awarded The MICHELIN Plate.

Winchester City Museum

Winchester is a historic city, boasting medieval buildings, picturesque streets and Tudor homes. One of the best places to see all of this history is Winchester City Museum. The museum focuses on the history of Winchester, from its origins as an Anglo-Saxon village to its recent development. The museum details the lives of the people who made Winchester what it is today: from monks and 18th century merchants to servants and cottagers. The museum can be found in a Tudor-style hall built in 1861 by Mr Charles Garland - a wealthy draper who moved to Winchester after becoming bankrupt.

 The new museum was at that time complete with living displays and areas for the public to investigate. Hundreds of thousands of people visited the. It is a large, rambling Victorian red brick building in neo-Gothic style, decorated with carved stonework. It was erected in 1861 to house the growing collections of the Winchester College of Artillery and the Portsmouth College of Science and Literature (now Portsmouth University). Since 1897 the museum has also housed the Hampshire Regimental Museum, with exhibits dating from 1660 to the present day.

Winchester City Museum showcases the history, culture and development of Winchester from Roman times to the present day. The moment you pass through the heavy gates, you’ll find an eerie feel, as this was once a Victorian workhouse then a hospital for those infected with the plague. During a recent google image search of "Old West Mansion" I stumbled across Winchester City Museum in the United Kingdom. I'm not sure if this place is haunted or would make a great backdrop for an episode of Scooby Doo, but the building sure was awesome.

Great Hall

The Great Hall is the only complete surviving part of Winchester Castle. It was built by King Henry III between 1222 and 1235, and was used as a court. It’s been described as a high-point of Norman architecture, and a “masterpiece”. The walls are decorated with beautiful paintings and carvings which help to brighten this relatively small space. The only parts not original are the stained glass windows which were installed in 1952 to commemorate King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra’s visit to Winchester Castle in 1901.

The Great Hall of Winchester Castle is actually a representation of the typical Norman Great Hall. It is an interesting mix of features from earlier buildings. Many great halls were built after the conquest and are called as “the hall” which means an area with a roof, but not necessarily a wall because the hall could have been held up by pillars to give it more space and height. The Great Hall was the last part of the castle to be built by Henry III, when Winchester’s size meant that it could host him comfortably.

From then on, every monarch stayed here until the Civil War, although at times the Court also used other fortifications in Hampshire. The Great Hall was built by King Henry III (1216-1272). It is the largest surviving medieval hall in the United Kingdom. It was on the first floor of Winchester Castle, the building which provided a royal palace for the king and also held the courts of law. The Winchester city museum mimics the style of a Tudor hall and exhibits a diverse range of objects reflecting Winchester's long history.

Wolvesey Castle

Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world, its floor area is huge. It was begun about 1079, and took 200 years to complete under a succession of Norman bishops. The last Bishop of Winchester to feature prominently in English history was Stephen Langton, who became Archbishop of Canterbury after quarrelling with King John over the rights and privileges of the clergy. One should not come to this magnificent building without appreciating it is the burial place of William Rufus, Henry lII’s sons: Henry V’s wife Catherine de Valois and their stillborn son; Queen Blanche, Louis lV’s widow; Mary Queen of Scots’ husband Darnley, and her.

Winchester Cathedral is a historic cathedral church, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the city of Winchester, Hampshire, England. It is the seat of the Bishop for the Diocese of Winchester and centre of the Diocese of Winchester. The cathedral is at the centre of a world heritage site that includes not only the cathedral but 12 km² around it. The cathedral was founded in 642 on a nearby hill as "a stone church dedicated to Saint Peter".

There are few reminders of Winchesters former wealth as compared with its present poverty. The great priory church and the well-preserved remains of Winchester Castle give an impression of the city's former greatness as the capital of England. Wolvesey Castle was built in the 11th century, probably by Bishop Henry de Blois. The castle is most notable for its Great Hall, which has a hammer-beam roof, unusual in England. Inside the city walls are the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, built in 1141 and once one of the largest mansions in England.

City Mill

The earliest known water mill in England is City Mill. The Domesday Book shows that there has been a water-powered mill on this spot, parallel to Bridge Street, since the 11th century at the latest. During 1223 a weekly market was held in Chester and is still known as Chester Market, (now Chester's indoor market) which continues today on Thursdays. By the time the charter was granted by Edward II in 1310 (confirmed by another from Richard II in 1387) City Mills was already operating.

This is a micro-history of Mill Lane and the Miry Brook as it refers to it in ancient times, Mill Lane being the actual road along a watercourse (in this case the brook). It is also a selective history of the buildings that have been on this spot since before 11th century. The central tower of the mill, the upper building with the square chimney is the original building dating from the early 16th century.

Westgate Museum

Winchester’s Medieval gates, which date back to the 13th century, gives you a sense of what life was like a hundred years ago. The West Gate is one of the last remaining Medieval, stone city gates from the wall that once surrounded Medieval Winchester. This area is traditionally reckoned to be the site of the murder of King Alfred's daughter, whose ghost allegedly roams around near the entrance. Nearby you'll see local men and women dressed in period clothing demonstrating various aspects of medieval culture including jousting and pottery.

These actors will also be happy to share some information about their own daily lives with you are not afraid to talk with you. The Westgate Museum, housed in the gate itself, is a reminder of the city's Roman heritage and the time when Winchester was named Venta Belgarum. The museum also chronicles the 11 centuries of Winchester history with displays including items uncovered during the construction of the nearby rail depot. The most displayed piece is a 4th century mosaic, found within a shopfront during an 1845 earthquake.

The last of Winchester’s main Medieval gates, the Westgate, was built by Bishop Henry de Blois at the end of the 12th century.  Unfortunately, this gate no longer stands as it was largely destroyed by fire in 1731.  However, its foundations are still viewable and can be seen in the west wall of the street. Once the fortified city of Winchester, today the Westgate Museum has a rich collection of artifacts that date from prehistory through the twentieth century.

The museum is housed in what remains of Winchester's Middle Ages as well as earlier, Roman walls and gates. Westgate Museum, is housed in the last of Winchester's city medieval gates, dating from the 12th century. The gate was closed and strengthened in 1373 to be part of a 3 mile long rampart. The timber bastions were added at that time. Westgate museum, situated in the Medieval gate of that name, houses a collection of Winchesters oldest artifacts.

The museum is housed within part of the original walls of Winchester from around 1070.   The lower section was extended in 1809 when it became a silk mill. The town of Maidstone is known for its abundance of mills. At one time there were 23 mills recorded in the town but now only two remain, Flour Mill and City Mill. ". A huge congratulations to Winchesters own Kyoto Kitchen, Chesil Rectory and Black Rat who have all been awarded The MICHELIN Plate: Good cooking in this years Michelin Guide.

Gurkha Museum

The Gurkha Museum is located at the former rifle depot of Winchesters Peninsula Barracks. The museum, a partnership between the Anglo-Nepalese Trust and the Royal Gurkha Rifles, tells the compelling story of the recruitment of Nepalese by the British Army from 1815 to the present day. The Gurkha Museum highlights close links that have existed between the two armies since the days of Lord Kitchener and are still strong today with over 2,500 Gurkhas currently serving in the British Army.

The Gurkha Museum is located within the former rifle depot of Winchester’s Peninsula Barracks. The barracks were built in 1855 to house a large number of Gurkhas during the Crimean War.  The museum itself offers a fascinating insight into why these resourceful soldiers became one of Britain’s most prized assets. It recounts recruitment within Nepal, training, weaponry and tactics, and the activities of Gurkhas serving throughout the British Commonwealth as well as abroad. The Gurkhas Museum is the first Gurkha museum in the UK.

Located in Winchester, adjacent to the old barracks and parade ground of the Gurkhas, itself within walking distance of the medieval heart of Winchester, the building is a former rifle depot built in 1905 and converted in 2004. It presents the compelling history of the Gurkhas, Nepalese soldiers who were recruited by the British Army for over 200 years. Inside the former rifle depot of Winchester’s Peninsula Barracks there is a museum recounting the compelling story of the Gurkhas, Nepalese soldiers recruited by the British Army over the last 200 years.

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Winchester, located in the county of Hampshire in England, has been the site of human settlement for thousands of years. It’s Roman name, Venta Belgarum (meaning “town of the Belgae”) refers to a large marketplace established in about 60 CE by the Belgic tribe and controlled by them until c. 50 CE. The market prospered due to its location near fertile agricultural land and its proximity to Winchester, a major center for trade in southeastern Britain.

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is set in the Victorian building in Morn Hill, England. Apart from the science centre and the planetarium, there's also an observatory on site. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium was opened in 2002 with a purpose to give visitors an opportunity to learn about science, astronomy, spaceships, astronomy, monitor lizards, insects, light pollution and other scientific topics. The museum houses a planetarium with a diameter of 15 metres, a variety of science exhibits, and a live show called "How Do We Do It?" where various technologies like computers, video phones, cars and other machines are explained and demonstrated.

The planetarium has an hourly programme of shows relating to the night sky. The observatory also hosts public telescope evenings. The facility is the main education centre of the Science Museum and has lots of exhibits to entertain and educate people of all ages. The Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium’s target audience is children aged 5+ since they have the most interest in interacting with technology, science, history and design. One of the aims of the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is to promote interest in science among young people and it does this through a mixture of interactive exhibits, shows, workshops, and events during the year.

12. The Historic Royal Palaces – New Website. On August 1, 2016, all six sites operated by Historic Royal Palaces were rebranded under the single brand of Historic Royal Palaces. These legendary warriors, famous for their martial prowess and bravery, came from rural Nepal where poverty and low status were often offset by a life of hard work and rich culture. Gurkha Museum. The former rifle depot of Winchesters Peninsular Barracks has a museum recounting the compelling history of the Gurkhas, Nepalese soldiers recruited by the British Army over the last 200 years.

St Catherines Hill

Often a landmark is named after the most prominent object on its horizon, but St Catherines Hill is named after the church that once stood on its summit. The hill's approach from the west passes an attractive cluster of listed buildings: stables built in 1634 for Thomas Phelips, a local politician who was also High Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant and Speaker of the House of Commons; a stable yard and adjoining cottage also built by Phelips in about 1600; and six almshouses established by Phelips in 1611.

Marwell Zoo

It was fantastic to see the variety of animals there, from endangered species in areas such as China and Japan to lesser endangered ones in Britain. I just wish I'd had a bit more time to explore it - there were talks and events on, as well as some of the animals out roaming freely, so I could have spent a lot longer taking photo's. Theres always something going on at the Marwell Wildlife Conservation Park, whether its animal meets, rides, feeding demonstrations or photography & kids'clubs – collect your family and friends and come see our amazing animals!.

You don’t have to go far to be reminded of wildlife, and Marwell Zoo is a place where you can get right in amongst the animals, big and small. Nestled between its two younger siblings, Kings Worthy and Sutton Scotney, St Catherine's Hill rises steeply from the surrounding fens and meadows. On a clear day the views from the top of this "outlier" can be breathtaking as far as the New Forest itself, with Ashridge in particular looking wonderful – nothing more needs to be said on that subject I think!.

Buttercross

A reminder of the prosperity and bustle of Winchesters medieval past, Buttercross Square is a place you are sure to remember. This lovely medieval monument was built in 1588 on the site of the old market square. Originally it stood by itself but it is now surrounded by 16th century buildings like the Mitre Inn and shops. The Buttercross monument is one of the most significant medieval structures in England. It is made from Bath stone and dates back to the 15th century.

It was installed on the site of the old market square in Winchester’s historic core. Last year I hosted a blogging conference in England at the beautiful Buttercross in Winchester. In this article I want to share with you the fun facts about this fascinating landmark and why it’s one of my favorite places in the city. It's near the [Crown Hotel]( hampshire-list.co.uk opposite the college buildings, just below the bus station, and boasts a commanding view of the historic High Street in Winchester's old centre.

River Itchen

The River Itchen is a chalk stream that runs across the South Downs National Park. The river, which feels like it has been here forever, has its source in East Meon and flows down to Winchester, where it meets the River Itchen, properly known as the King's Staithe Channel of the River Itchen. East of Winchester, it is joined by another chalk stream called the Dean. This tributary has its own charms; for example the Upper and Lower Dean have clear waters – if you look out for these two streams when you are canoeing on the Itchen, you can tell exactly where they join.

The River Itchen flows through a rich, mainly rural agricultural area - it is the only chalk stream−fed by springs−to pass by such towns as Winchester, Alresford and Itchen Stoke. The river flows over a gravel bed, and is thus robbed of its colour by the time it reaches the sea. The River Itchen is the largest tributary of the River Test and it flows from its source just south of Winchester to the Test near Red Hill.

3. Its easy to reach

One reason to choose Winchester for your conference will be the beauty of its cathedral, which is so closely connected with Mrs Miniver's world that it could have been built as a backdrop for one of her movies. This striking building sits atop a hill over looking the city, surrounded by water meadows and green lawns. The cathedral was begun in 1079 and is one of the great remains of early English architecture. If you don't want to view this as an opportunity for bucolic bliss, there are other ways for a harried executive to relax in Winchester.

A large number of riverside and country pubs offer real ale, spit fires and nooks for pondering the madness of modern life - or simply appreciating nature. Voted Pub. There are so many good reasons to visit Old Winchester. The history is one reason, as some of the city's buildings are among the oldest in Britain. Another is the relaxed atmosphere, thanks to its compact size and the slower pace of life that prevails here.

Best of all are the beautiful surroundings - there's so much to see simply by strolling into the surrounding lanes. A charming city in Hampshire's rolling acres, Winchester has all the history of a capital: it's the home of a famous castle and second home of the Great Hall where the English parliament met before it was usurped by Henry VIII at Westminster. It has much in common with the River Test – mainly that they share similar habitats and species.

4. The shops are unique

Off the beaten track is the gigantic Coliseum Centre (which is more than a shopping mall, it’s also one of the UKs leading entertainment venues), with around eighty shops and seven cinemas. Around it are other cinemas and a host of restaurants, cafes, clubs and pubs. Many of the shops offer far better quality goods than those in most mega-supermarkets. Halifax, as well as being voted the prettiest town in Britain by a Radio 1 poll in 2015, has more independent specialty retailers than almost anywhere else in Yorkshire.

Only about 25% of Halifax’s shops are chains and many stores you can only find in Halifax have made it on to Channel 4’s ‘Obsessives’ series. Central Croydon High Street has definitely changed since the days when it was a place of shop assistants with dark lipstick and false eyelashes, or young men in tracksuits hanging about on street corners, but pushing through this evolution is a special collection of original and independent shops. This was what struck me.

The village itself was quiet and pretty, but the shops were mostly brand-names. There were a couple of great delicatessens but otherwise did not seem to jump out as being particularly “Trinco”. Most of the shops in Reading are a bit like the sort of shops you find in any medium-sized provincial town. But there are some gems, and as an added bonus Reading is home to the UK's biggest bookshop, Waterstones. I’ve written before that the commercial success of the independent museum has been to open up some imaginative spaces and give them life.

5. It might inspire you

Winchester – then and now – has a lot to offer any creative person. It is hard to imagine, but in the late 19th century it was one of the richest cities in England thanks to the construction of the Channel Tunnel and railway lines running through its ancient streets. With wealth came culture and rarefied tastes, and Winchester became synonymous with haute couture and high culture. The city was also a seedbed for artists, authors and intellectuals, such as Tennyson, Hardy and Sargent.

For more than 100 years local businessmen paid for scholars at one of Winchesters colleges to write epic verse celebrating local events – an incredible initiative that produced some wonderful poetry, such as Sir Thomas Malorys Le Morte Darthur. So it is with the markets and shops here. Built in 1447, the Buttercross is part of a monument to a 19th-century landowner, Thomas Paine. He was very rich, and also very generous to the town of Winchester - which made him very popular.

7. Jane Austen is buried here

Turning now to a less weighty subject, I notice that the photograph above is also from College Street and shows one of our city’s individual and original shops, The Old Bank, which sells antiques but which also has a large collection of elaborately carved street-posts taken from all over the world. Like so much in Winchester they are testament to the former global reach of this trading centre. The novelist Jane Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral, near the entrance to the south aisle.

She lies with her nephew and her parents in the Lady Chapel, not far from the medieval screen that she would have known as a child. Despite being one of Britain's most popular writers, who continues to find new fans today, only around 30 people come each year to see her final resting place. '. You can also visit the Winchester Writers'Museum (  hampshire-list.co.uk default. asp?p1) close to the Priory in the centre of the city, which features a permanent exhibition on Jane Austen and her works, together with displays on the life and work of other local authors such as Rose Macaulay and Alice Thomas Ellis.

There have been a lot of books written about Jane Austen, but the most recent is by her nephew James Edward Austen Leigh (noted as Frank) and is titled Jane Austen: Her Life and Letters . We also have an excellent house museum here in Winchester, with a permanent exhibition on Jane Austen's life and available talks. Rossetti’s famous poem ‘In the Churchyard at Winchester’ was inspired by Jane Austen’s grave and is a tribute to her life and achievements, as well as an epitaph for her.