Having read that Winchester was taking part in the National Heritage Open Days with over 70 events taking place over four days, we decided to spend a day in this Hampshire city to view a selection of its historic sights. Approaching the city from the M3 motorway, we followed signs to the St. Catherine’s Park and Ride car park where we just managed to secure one of the last remaining spaces.

All day parking including a free shuttle bus into the city centre was only £2.50 as we had, by chance, arrived just after 10.30 a.m. from when it is cheaper. The bus journey was very quick and we chose to alight at the furthest point near the top of the high street. Winchester is also easily accessible by train taking only one hour from London Waterloo. Before embarking on our day of sightseeing we called in the Old Gaolhouse pub for cooked breakfasts and cappuccinos. A quick glance at our map and heritage open days booklet and then we were ready to set off.

Located at the top of the high street is Westgate, one of only two surviving city gates. We passed through the arch onto the cobblestones of Castle Hill to visit the nearby Great Hall. Entrance to the hall is normally £3 but all venues were offering free admission for part or all of the heritage weekend. The Great Hall is one of the country’s finest surviving halls dating back to the 13th century. It is the only remaining part of Winchester Castle commissioned by Henry III.

We were thrilled to be able to view King Arthur’s round table, the greatest symbol of medieval mythology. The round table has dominated the Great Hall for centuries and together with the marble pillars and stained glass windows the hall is an impressive sight. Around the edge of the table are painted the names of King Arthur’s knights.

Stepping outside, we strolled through Queen Eleanor’s garden which was small but filled with 13th century fragrant plants sheltered by beech hedges.

Back indoors we admired paintings in the Long Gallery and had an opportunity to look in the 18th century former Grand Jury Room which is not normally open to the public. Having enjoyed our visit here, we strolled down the delightful high street where we found shop fronts with mullioned windows in half timbered buildings.

At the foot of the high street stands the Guildhall, an ornate Victorian building housing the civic offices. As part of the heritage weekend, free guided tours of the building were available at set times with self guided tours during the rest of the day.

We took a self guided tour which was easy to follow with all the main rooms being open for viewing. For many years the Guildhall served as an art gallery showcasing works by local artists but is now primarily used as an events venue with rooms created from the original 19th century chambers designed for civic government functions. The wide, sweeping staircases were lined with a collection of paintings and corridors contained glass cabinets displaying the city’s highly polished civic silver.

I enjoyed viewing each of the rooms but the Mayor’s Parlour was probably my favourite with its oak panelling and photographs of many of Winchester’s mayors from the past 100 years. Before leaving the building we glanced in the Tourist Information office located on the ground floor where we picked up a few leaflets of places we might enjoying visiting in the future.

Next to the Guildhall lies the Abbey Gardens where we enjoyed a short stroll in the sunshine. Originally a Georgian house with a garden temple, the grounds were bought by Winchester County Council in 1890 and converted into public pleasure grounds. The house is now used as the mayor’s official residence. As we walked through the gardens we noticed office workers relaxing on park benches eating their packed lunches whilst children played on the lawns. The gardens comprise formal flower beds, a rose garden and a scented garden and everything was in full bloom during our visit.

Across the road from the Abbey Gardens stands Winchester City Mill. This watermill dates back to Saxon times and is thought to be the oldest working watermill in the country. It was rebuilt in 1744 and is a rare, surviving example of an urban corn mill. It is now owned by the National Trust and further details can be found on its website here.

On the upper floor there were milling displays and an exhibition explaining how the water wheel was powered. Outside we noticed that the mill was built on a small island with a fast flowing stream on each side. Descending the narrow steps to the lower level we observed the water wheel in action and were surprised at the strength of the current.

After leaving the water mill we followed a path alongside the chalk stream of the river Itchen through the water meadows. Our route took us beside the remains of the city walls and on to the ruins of Wolvesey Castle. This was the medieval palace of the Bishops of Winchester. The site is managed by English Heritage but is free to visit.

A little further along we turned onto College Street which is dominated by Winchester College founded in 1382. It is the oldest continuously running public school in England. As part of the Heritage weekend activities, guided tours of both the College and its treasury could be arranged. Unfortunately, there was insufficient time for us to visit the College but hopefully we can return to take advantage of a tour at some time in the future. We then passed through Kingsgate, the second of Winchester’s surviving gates where we admired the lovely buildings of the Inner Close and the Pilgrim’s School where the cathedral choristers are educated.

Continuing, we admired the half timbered Cheyney Court (feature photo above) formerly the Bishop’s courthouse. Our visit to Winchester concluded with a visit to its magnificent cathedral. Supporting the heritage weekend, cathedral guides offered tours which included some of the buildings not normally open to the public. This tour included the apothecary garden and stonemasons’ and carpenters’ workshops.

Returning to the high street we only had a few minutes to wait for the free Park and Ride shuttle bus back to the car park. I would recommend a visit to Winchester at any time but if you are able to visit during its heritage open days in early September then you will be able to visit attractions free of charge and enjoy access to places not normally open to the public.
Pingback: Andover and the Mottisfont Rose Garden – Love Travelling
Pingback: A Sunny Day in Southampton – vasw
Pingback: A Sunny Day in Southampton – Love Travelling
You did well to fit everything in one visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking an interest in my blog and for your comments on my visit to Winchester.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love reading posts of places I have been to, just to see if I have missed something. And once again, altnough I know Winchester well, my best friend lives there, you have succeeded in finding new places to visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words Georgie. I loved Winchester and plan to return sometime next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful town! Your photos capture what one would see in old English movies, so lovely. And to think that you could find King Arthur’s table! Sooooo cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words. It’s pleasing to read that you enjoyed reading about historic Winchester.
LikeLike
Lived in Winchester for university for three years and loved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely place to live. I hope this post brought back some happy memories.
LikeLike
High street seems like such a quant place to take a stroll and explore:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s really beautiful in Winchester. Thank you for your welcome thoughts on this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your welcome. I enjoyed reading on your ventures out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
very interesting read love roaming across history, i learned a new word: alight. never heard it used before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking the time to read my post on Winchester and for your much appreciated comments.
LikeLike
oh wow, discovered your post thanks to restless Jo. Not only is Winchester my home town but I was part oft he small team behind this year’s Heritage Open Days in Winchester! So so glad you enjoyed so many of the events put on . . .do hope you are able to return one day soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Becky for getting in touch and for all your hard work volunteering for the Heritage Open Days. We had a lovely time and hope to return next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you then please do make contact before you arrive as would be lovely to meet up for a coffee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll definitely remember to do that Becky, thank you for suggesting it!
LikeLike
My very good friend, Becky, lives in Winchester and was a volunteer at the event. She would be delighted to see this post. I’ll send her the link 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jo for your kind words and for forwarding my Winchester post to your friend. It was part of the National Heritage weekend as you probably know and we had a lovely day out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just did a virtual tour on your blog. Beautiful ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Hannah for your inspiring comments. It’s so pleasing to read that you are enjoying my blog.
LikeLike
You might already know but worth noting the heritage days is spread across the UK for a weekend in September, not exclusive to Winchester.
Nevertheless I’ve never been to Winchester so I need to add it to my list. Great post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words Jason I hope you get an opportunity to visit Winchester sometime. I did realise that the heritage days was nationwide and with hindsight I should have added that to my post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not to worry, didn’t mean it as a criticism. Just thought I’d add incase you didn’t know. I’m sure I’ll get there at some point 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
No it was a god point and I have amended my post to explain its a country wide event. Many thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve just moved to the area around here again recently and following that post I am looking forward to planning a day trip to Winchester now! Thanks for all the great tips!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure Sara. Thank you for your kind words and have a great day out in Winchester.
LikeLike
We live very near Winchester and go there a fair bit (usually to catch trains and get angry by the lack of parking and traffic jams), but it’s really interesting to see it from a tourist perspective. I haven’t seen a few of the parts on Winchester you have photographed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your interesting thoughts on this post. It’s good to get a perspective from a local about such a nice city.
LikeLike
King’s Arthur round table? cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was really interesting to see the round table Tanja. Thank you for your welcome comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last April we were in South Hampton to board a cruise ship and decided to catch a train to Winchester to kill some time. We enjoyed every minute of our visit here and would not hesitate to return for a longer stay. Tulips blooming in the gardens were amazing that time of year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So pleased that you had an opportunity to visit Winchester, I think it’s beautiful at any time of year. It was good to read your comments and I hope you enjoyed your cruise.
LikeLike
*Southampton, not South Hampton 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A thousand pardons…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It wasn’t me who mentioned it, no problems. Have a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really beautiful photos! I’ve never really thought of visiting Winchester, but this has just put it on my radar. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words. There is so much of interest in Winchester and it makes a lovely day out.
LikeLike
Lovely architecture! And lovely pictures 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words Kimba.
LikeLike
The lyrics of Winchester Cathedral have me humming. Glad to see that you are back in England.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your continued support of my blog. Your comments are much appreciated! Winchester is a delightful place.
LikeLike
Stunning place, beautiful pictures!! Love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words. I’m pleased you enjoyed reading my blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always 🙏🏻 take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for posting all these details! Super helpful to future travelers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ruth and Vijay for your kind words. It’s so pleasing to read that you have enjoyed this post.
LikeLike
This is my hometown where I grew up! You captured the history and heritage of the City really well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words Trish. It means a lot coming from a local.
LikeLike
Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words Luisa. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! Would love to go! So great to see it before I do. Lovely photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words. I do hope you have an opportunity to visit Winchester soon.
LikeLike
Seems like heritage weekend is the perfect time to visit Winchester Marion. We spent a night here on the way back from holidays a few years ago and loved it – I remember especially enjoying the Great Hall and the round table. So nice to revisit in your post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We loved our day n Winchester Joy and would certainly like to return and see more of the city.. The shopping streets are so attractive, too and much nicer than a border no shopping mall. Until recently it was free to enter the Great Hall but now there is a charge except on special days. We were really lucky with the weather, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What beautiful photos! How wonderful to be able to spend the day wandering in such a historical place. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was lovely Sandra and so good to have the opportunity to view these places during the Heritage weekend when there was no charge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely pics, thanks for posting! Brought back memories. Lived here for about 5 years back in the mid eighties!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words Sandra. What a lovely place to live. I doubt it has changed too much apart from the shops.
LikeLike
Loved this! I’ve been to Winchester before but didn’t see it in as much detail – this inspires me to go again 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words. I do hope you have an opportunity to return to Winchester again before too long.
LikeLike
What beautiful historic architecture. It looks like it was a lovely day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your inspiring thoughts Susan. We had a lovely day out visiting Winchester.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to confess – awesome place. Your wonderful photos praised its historical value! It was a pleasant surprise to see King Arthur’s Round (wow) Table and Winchester Cathedral! I remember the song Winchester Cathedral presented by The Shadows 🙂
Thank You presenting Winchester.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words Matti. Winchester is a beautiful, historic city and it’s so nice that they open up their museums free once a year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful post. I believe, you made me fall in love with England all over again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your inspiring thoughts. I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The buildings and scenery are so far removed from anything I’ve seen here in the US. So charming to look at and imagine the history. Thanks for the chance to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your inspiring thoughts on my Winchester post. The architecture is truly gorgeous. I do hope that you might have an opportunity to visit yourself one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this post, so tempted to visit the UK!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words Ishita. Winchester is beautiful and very easy to visit by train from London.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Winchester looks so lovely. I might have visited Winchester back in the days, but actually I am not sure as I cannot recall any of these buildings. So many cute cities to explore in England!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps you visited Winchester when you were living in Bournemouth as its on the main line from there. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to return sometime to take a look. Thank you for your much appreciated comments.
LikeLike
Thank you for posting this. Very informative. I’m going to Winchester in November, but will only have a short time for sightseeing, but thanks to your post, I know exactly what places I will be visiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking the time to read my post Tessa and for your much appreciated comments. I do hope you have a lovely time in Winchester and the weather isn’t too grey for your visit. It’s good to read that you have found my post useful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Imagine how difficult it must have been to build medieval structures with the limited tools at their disposal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I often wonder about that Ian. Not only was it difficult with primitive tools but they still managed to construct such beautiful buildings that aren’t replicated today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting post,thank you
I have been thinking to visit winchester for a while,a lot of people told me how beautiful it is but i keep forgetting to go 🙂 the nice pics remind me that i can’t miss it,now i will definitively going in the next couple of weeks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to comment on my post. I do hope that you get an opportunity to visit Winchester soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What fabulous places you visit Marion. I love the city mill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sue. Winchester is a beautiful city with some interesting museums and a gorgeous shopping centre in the historic buildings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Travel Inspire Connect.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m now tempted to visit Winchester after reading this. Loved the way you described it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your words. Winchester is certainly worth a visit and I do hope you have an opportunity to visit soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
your photos took me in a virtual tour of the place……these are so beautiful…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sudhir, Winchester is a beautiful city. I do hope that you have an opportunity to visit one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, I never knew Winchester was so beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Winchester is absolutely beautiful with so many interesting museums and characterful old buildings. Thank you for your much appreciated comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
absolutely beautiful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
We loved our visit to Winchester, so much to see and do. Hopefully we will be able to return and take in more of its sights. Thank you for your much appreciated comments.
LikeLike