Winchester
The beautiful city of Winchester is only an hour away from London which makes it the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the country’s capital by day and enjoy a more peaceful environment of an evening. It is an ancient city with lots of history beneath its streets. The city skyline is dominated by the cathedral which is well worth a visit and there are many award winning restaurants, cafes and bars in which to relax and enjoy a treat or two. The city centre is filled with all of the stores that you would expect as well as some unique independent stores you will not find elsewhere. Winchester is a city with medieval roots, surrounded by the beautiful rolling countryside and incredible scenery of the South Downs National Park.
Things to Do in the City Centre
There are plenty of places of interest that will entertain and amuse the whole family, whether you want to explore the history of the city or spend some time in one of the many peaceful green spaces the city has to offer. Winchester Cathedral has to be your first port of call. More than nine hundred years old the cathedral has many hidden treasures to find as well as the tomb of Jane Austen. The Great Hall is all that remains of the once impressive Winchester Castle and it is home to the striking Arthurian round table of legend. Stately Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously active school anywhere in the country and has seen some famous students walk through its doors. The city museum boasts many family friendly exhibits and the City Mill offers lots of interactive activities for all the family.
Around the Area
Pay a visit to the UK’s biggest planetarium and enjoy an out of this world experience. The INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium offers spectacular digital displays and presentations. Take a trip on a heritage steam train on the Mid Hants Railway and enjoy the fabulous scenery as you enjoy the ride. Marwell Wildlife Centre is a popular attraction and allows you to get up close and personal to many species of animals which need our help. The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson are a must for anyone with a love of military history as there are more than three hundred and fifty different historic guns out on display. Many people come to Winchester to visit the home of Jane Austen where she penned her novels. There are also National Trust properties such as the Hinton Ampner Gardens and many stately homes and gardens in which to spend some time. Motor enthusiasts will also enjoy the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Beaulieu Abbey is near to the Motor Museum and you will also find the unique village of Buckler’s Hard, set along the riverside where time has not moved on from the 18th century. Once you visit Winchester you will discover that there are a wealth of activities and attractions to enjoy.
