King Alfred's Statue, St.Cross Hospital, The Great Hall, Wolvesy Castle, Jane Austen's Home ... The history is rich and must not be missed.
Winchester is an ancient city oozing with architectural beauty and deep history that has had a huge impact on the moulding of Britain. Winchester preserves the signs of history throughout the city so take a moment to look around and notice date placards on stone buildings and old clocks on towers. You'll be surprised at how the history of the city is merged in with the 21st century lifestyle.
Wolvesy Castle
Now owned by English Heritage, Wolvesy Castle is, 'One of the most important Norman palaces in England, it was built during a period when Winchester was second only to London as a royal and ecclesiastical centre. The palace remained in use until the 1680s, when Bishop George Morley decided to build a new palace nearby.'
Wolvesy Castle is free to visit and open 10am - 5pm from April through to November. The ground can get muddy around these ancient ruins so be prepared with good shoes if it has recently been raining.
Wolvesy Castle is free to visit and open 10am - 5pm from April through to November. The ground can get muddy around these ancient ruins so be prepared with good shoes if it has recently been raining.
The Great Hall
“One of the finest surviving aisled halls of the 13th century”. The Great Hall is home to the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table, and is all that now remains of Winchester Castle. The iconic Round Table of Arthurian legend has dominated Winchester’s ancient Great Hall for centuries. Built by William The Conqueror, the Winchester Castle is one of the finest surviving examples of a 13th century aisled hall.
The Great Hall is open 10am - 5pm all year round but due to private functions it can sometimes be closed to the public for the day.
The Great Hall is open 10am - 5pm all year round but due to private functions it can sometimes be closed to the public for the day.
St. Cross Hospital
The St.Cross Hospital is a group of stunning grade I listed buildings dating from 1132 and was home to 25 charitable brothers. You can admire the medieval architecture, absorb the quiet calm in the fine transitional Norman church, explore the beautiful flower gardens and experience the Wayfarer’s Dole, which is a small beaker of beer and a morsel of bread. The hospital was one of Britain's first charitable public institutes with 25 brothers feeding the poor and elderly out of the kindness of their hearts.
The hospital is £4.50 entry for adults and is open April - October, 9:30am - 5pm and November - March, 10:30am - 3:30pm.
The hospital is £4.50 entry for adults and is open April - October, 9:30am - 5pm and November - March, 10:30am - 3:30pm.
King Alfred's Statue
Alfred the Great was King of Wessex between 871 and 886 who rounded England's history with many great victories against the Vikings. He won a decisive victory in the Battle of Edington in 878 and made an agreement with the Vikings, creating what was known as Danelaw in the North of England. He successfully defended his kingdom against the Viking leader Guthrum who attempt at conquest, and he became the dominant ruler in England.
King Alfred's statue stands tall outside Winchester's Guild Hall and will be first spotted if you catch the coach to Winchester. The South Downs 100 mile walking way starts from the statue.
King Alfred's statue stands tall outside Winchester's Guild Hall and will be first spotted if you catch the coach to Winchester. The South Downs 100 mile walking way starts from the statue.
Jane Austen's Home
Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton is the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world and it was in this cottage that Jane flourished. Here she wrote, revised and had published all her major works, including the timeless Pride and Prejudice.
Jane Austen's House is a beautiful place to visit on a summers day with gorgeous gardens to sit and reflect on some of the most loved literature written. The opening times throughout the year are as follows:
January: Closed
February - May: 10.30 - 16.30
June - August: 10.00 - 17.00
September - December*: 10.30 - 16.30
Jane Austen's House is a beautiful place to visit on a summers day with gorgeous gardens to sit and reflect on some of the most loved literature written. The opening times throughout the year are as follows:
January: Closed
February - May: 10.30 - 16.30
June - August: 10.00 - 17.00
September - December*: 10.30 - 16.30
Stay in The Designer Town House
To book our 3 bedroom family home for your Winchester holiday enquire using the form below.