Once the capital of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex, Winchester is a city drowning in history. It’s little wonder then, that it is a fantastic place to visit.
At a glance…
- Days To Spend: 1 or 2
- Get Around: Walk
- Get In and Out: By train
- Pay: With Pound Sterling, by cash or card
- Speak: the King’s English
- See: 878 Experience, Winchester Cathedral, Wolvesey Castle
- Should you go?: Yeah!
General Impressions
Winchester is at once charming and interesting, and provides the history buff with plenty of opportunities to learn about the long history of the city. It is also compact, walkable, and easily accessible, making it the quintessential day trip city.
Public Transport
Getting Around
Winchester is small enough that you should be able to walk everywhere without the need for a bus, though those are available if you need to leave the centre.
Getting In and Out
Winchester has a direct rail connection to Waterloo Station in London (taking just over an hour), as well as a very regular connection to the nearby port city of Southampton, from where one can connect to destinations all over South England. Getting to Winchester is easiest by train, bar none.
Money
As with most of England, card and cash payments are widely accepted, though occasionally you’ll run across shops that either only take card, or only take cash. Either way, you’ll be paying in Pounds.
Language
English is spoken here, which means you’ll likely have no trouble if you can read this blog.
Time
There’s a fair few things worth doing in Winchester, and you’ll easily fill up a whole day, and potentially even 2 if you like museums.
My Favourite Spots
878 Experience
An experience featuring live actors in the roles of the Saxon inhabitants of Winchester in the titular year. You can learn about Winchester and Anglo-Saxon culture here, as well as play medieval board games, or even mint your own coin (an optional, paid addition, that I highly recommend, though that might be just because I’m a coin buff!).
Winchester Cathedral
It’s hard to overlook Winchester’s most prominent church. It’s certainly big and impressive, and fans of churches will recognise the variety of different styles used in building this building. Be sure to check the website ahead of your visit, as they often alter the opening hours to accommodate special services and other events.
Wolvesey Castle
Not really a castle, but rather the remains of the Archbishop’s Palace. The ruins are free to explore and learn about the life of luxury led by the clergy.
Winchester College
A very old (still open) school, with a small but interesting museum containing their collection of historical memorabilia. There are also tours that show the college itself. Both of these are free, and worth consideration.
Spots That Might Be Good
St Giles Hill
An easily accessible hill featuring the best view of Winchester, it can easily be walked to from the city centre. It’s a nice view, though only worth the hike if you have the energy and desire.
Conclusion
Winchester is a fantastic little city, and the excellent rail connections make it a must on a South England itinerary or as a day trip from London.
We May Roam 