Visit Winchester, a vibrant, ancient and cultured city in the county of Hampshire. Formally England’s capital city, Winchester is a city steeped in history, offering rich pickings for visitors looking to uncover Britain’s past.
Visit Winchester, a vibrant, ancient and cultured city in the county of Hampshire. Known for its medieval cathedral, Winchester is a spectacular location and a UK must-visit.
Begin your ideal day with a short climb up St Giles’ Hill for an overview of the city’s heritage; from the top, you can trace the sweep of medieval and Georgian buildings, laid out according to the original Saxon street plan.
Make the most of your visit to Winchester by stopping for a delicious lunch at one of the many wonderful restaurants, pubs or cafes. From traditional British pub fare to international cuisine, there is something for everyone. Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a tasty meal in one of the charming eateries that this historic city has to offer.
Hosted by an expert tour guide, you will embark on a walking tour of Winchester and learn more about the history and anecdotes of Jane Austen.
Your tour will include a visit to the impressive Cathedral where your tour guide will share their expert knowledge and insights into Jane Austen’s later life and resting place within the Cathedral cemetery.
Make sure to bring your camera so you can take some incredible photos of the birds-eye views of the city from the Cathedral tower.
Depending on the season when you visit Winchester, you may be lucky enough to witness the spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the city's stunning landscape. During the festive season, you can experience the magical transformation of the city into a winter wonderland with twinkling Christmas lights adorning the streets and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
While you are in Winchester, expand your Jane Austen knowledge further by taking a 20-minute drive to Chawton House, the most treasured Austen sight and the house where Jane Austen lived, revised, wrote and published all six of her treasured novels.
Today you can step back in time to 1816 and follow in Jane’s footsteps as she composed her books and created her timeless characters. Explore her home, discover her belongings and wander in the enchanting cottage garden.
Jane lived in what is now Jane Austen’s House for the last eight years of her life. She moved here in 1809 with her mother, sister Cassandra and friend Martha Lloyd after a period spent living in lodgings. The house was owned by Jane’s brother Edward, who had been named heir to the wealthy Knight family and had since inherited the Chawton Estate. The house – a 17th-century building – was offered to the women rent-free for life.