Winchester is an attractive cathedral city on the River Itchen, it was England's ancient capital and the former seat of King Alfred the Great. A striking bronze statue of King Alfred dominates the Broadway. The Bus Station is ¾ mile from the Rail Station.
TI Guildhall, High Street. Tel. 01962 840500.
A recommended route from the station to the City Centre and most attractions is highlighted on the map below. It is slightly uphill at first and not immediately obvious as you leave the station.
Accommodation in Winchester (with distance from station):
The Westgate (¼ mile) Hotel du Vin (½ mile) The Old Vine (½ mile) Royal Hotel (½ mile)
Winchester, River Itchen
The only surviving part of Winchester Castle, once home to the Domesday Book. On a wall in this
13th century hall hangs the Round Table closely associated with the legendary King Arthur. Displays
explain the history of the Great Hall and Castle. Queen Eleanor's Garden behind the Great Hall is a
recreation of an enclosed medieval garden. Admission free, donations welcome.
Open Daily 1000-1700 but occasionally closed for events.
www.hants.gov.uk/greathall
The museum is housed in the fortified medieval gateway which was a debtors prison
for 150 years. Prisoners' graffiti can be seen on the walls. Admission free.
Open Mar-Oct, SSu 1100-1600.
www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
A gallery space hosting a programme of exhibitions.
Admission free.
Open M-S 1000-1700, Sun 1130-1700.
www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
There are six museums and a Visitor Centre in the historic setting of the Peninsular Barracks. The museums are:
Adjutant General's Corps Museum,
Guardroom Museum,
Gurkha Museum,
HorsePower,
Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum and
Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum.
Café in Visitor Centre.
Open please see the website as each museum has its own opening arrangements.
www.winchestersmilitaryquarter.org
Three galleries tell the story of Winchester from the Iron Age to the present day.
Features include mosaics, reconstructed Victorian shops and activities for children. Admission free, donations welcome.
Open TWThFS 1000-1600, Sun 1100-1600.
www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
One of the largest cathedrals in England with over 1000 years of history, faith and worship.
Features include the 12th century Winchester Bible and the grave of Jane Austen.
Visitors' Centre with Refectory.
Open M-S 0900-1700, Sun 1230-1500. Times may vary for services and events.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
A fully restored working watermill built in 1743 on the fast-flowing River Itchen.
Displays explain the milling process and highlight wildlife to be seen along the river.
Milling demonstrations on selected days.
Open WThFSSu 1000-1700 (1600 Nov-Mar).
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winchestercitymill
An important residence of the wealthy and powerful bishops of Winchester since
Anglo-Saxon times. The extensive ruins of the palace date largely from the 12th century. Admission free.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1000-1800 (1600 Oct). Nov-Mar, SSu 1000-1600.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Reedbeds and water meadows beside the River Itchen. Water voles and wetland flowers may
be seen along the circular trail. During the summer sedge warblers and reed warblers can be
heard in the reedbeds. Paths are unsurfaced and may be muddy in wet weather.
Open Daily during daylight, best visited May-July.
www.hiwwt.org.uk
Founded in 1132, the Hospital is home to 25 Brothers and continues to provide refreshment
for the traveller during the summer months, including the traditional Wayfarer's Dole.
Open Apr-Oct, M-S 0930-1700, Sun 1300-1700. Nov-Mar, M-S 1030-1530.
www.hospitalofstcross.co.uk
A pleasant 1 mile level walk south from Winchester College
through picturesque water meadows beside the River Itchen.
An extensive garden with a wide range of trees, shrubs and other plants - there is something of interest
in all seasons. Features include the Himalayan Valley, Magnolia Avenue, Hydrangea Walk, Azalea Woodland and Winter Garden.
Play areas and children's activities. Restaurant, Tearoom and picnic tables. Events programme.
Open Daily 1000-1700 (1800 Apr-Oct).
www.hilliergardens.org.uk
Bus 66 from near Rail Station (also Bus Station) to opposite entrance, 24 minutes journey.
Daily, hourly. Note that there are two routes for bus 66 - only journeys via Cutforth Way pass the entrance.
Operated by Stagecoach.
Buses also operate from Romsey.
A 12 acre garden with magnificent views over parkland and rolling countryside. The House contains Regency furniture,
Italian paintings and hardstone items.
Open Garden Daily 1000-1700 (1600 Nov-Mar). House see website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bus 67 from City Road near Rail Station (also Bus Station)
to opposite entrance (shortly after Cheriton), 40 minutes journey, M-S every 2-4 hours.
Some journeys do not operate every day M-S so check the timetable carefully.
Operated by Stagecoach.
Buses also operate from Petersfield.
The historic market town of Bishop's Waltham has some remarkably well preserved medieval buildings
in the High Street housing a range of independent shops.
www.lovebishopswaltham.com
Bus 69 from Bus Station (¾ mile from Rail Station) to Bishop's Waltham Square,
about 45 minutes journey, M-S hourly, Sun & BH infrequent. Operated by Stagecoach.
Buses also operate from Botley and Fareham.
The impressive ruins of a medieval palace used by the bishops of Winchester, set in attractive grounds.
The lodging range became a farmhouse and now houses the town's museum. Admission free.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1000-1800. Nov-Mar, see website.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus see above.
Situated in the attractive grounds of Bishop's Waltham Palace the museum covers the social history of the town
plus displays by English Heritage about the Palace. Admission free, donations welcomed.
Open May-Sep, SSu & BH 1200-1600.
www.bishopswalthammuseum.com
Bus see above.
