St Catherines HillThe breath taking walk that is rewarded by a breath taking view. Follow the river Itchen southwestwards from the Bishops Palace till you see a sign for St Catherine's hill. You will take a step hike up the hill or up a stepped trail. Either way it's a good work out but the views from the top are magnificent.
South-west of the city centre – follow the River Itchen – the copse-topped peak of St Catherine’s Hill is the perfect place for a picnic on a soft summer’s evening. It’s a 20-minute climb to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with tremendous views over the water meadows and the Hospital of St Cross and across the cathedral rooftop to the city beyond. It is only a short route and well worth it, especially if you become fed up of busy summer streets. Wander to this little spot of countryside on the most western tip of the South Downs National Park and enjoy the wonderful setting of this historic tow |
Wolvesey Castle - The Old Bishops PalaceSituated behind Winchester Cathedral, Wolvesey Castle was one of the greatest medieval buildings in England – the palace of the powerful and wealthy bishops of Winchester. 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.
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Farley MountFamous monument to a horse, named "Beware Chalk Pit", which carried its owner to a racing victory in 1734, a year after having fallen into a chalk pit whilst out fox-hunting. The Clarendon Way long distance footpath runs through the site and at the highest point there is a pyramid shaped folly that gives the park its name
Nearby you will find Farley Mount Country park with the ancient Crab Wood and lots to entertain children. |
Farley Mount Country ParkOn the downs a few miles west of Winchester lies Farley Mount Country Park, a nature reserves with a large area of open country and woods, including Crabwood an ancient woodland and Local Nature Reserve. There is an extensive system of all types of Rights of Way that surround the area. Crab Wood is a fine example of Ancient Woodland. It is a popular place to relax and view woodland wildlife with plenty of fun wooden obstacles and play equipment for the children to explore.
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www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/Pages/Category/Furzey-Gardensfurzy Fairy GardensWatch your children's imagination light up as you explore all the secret fairy homes at the magical Furzy gardens in Minstead, The New Forest
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Hillier's GardensStunning gardens with café, gift shop, tours and events.
Photograph by Caroline Jenkins Photography |