Winchester Travel Guides

Winchester spotlight

Where to Stay in Winchester - Historic B&Bs and Old-Fashioned Comfort

Like so much of Winchester, places to stay in the city tend to be historic. If you're looking for characterful B&Bs, guesthouses attached to old pubs, or boutiques specializing in old-fashioned comfort, this is a great place to visit. It's worth remembering that Winchester is a tourist-driven economy, so availability plummets on weekends and during holiday periods. If you're travelling during these times, be sure to compare several properties to find the deal that suits you best.

View full guide

Shopping in Winchester - High Fashion and Hidden Treasure

Winchester's affluent local population and popularity with day-trippers makes for a thriving retail scene. There are a large number of independent stores stocking distinctive gifts, sophisticated clothing, and classic goods, from antiquarian books to vintage homewares. All the big British chains are here, too, in case you need to stock up on essentials. Most of the shopping is within a few blocks of the cathedral, but nearby villages offer treasures, too.

Top Winchester Attractions - From Grand Buildings to Quiet Corners

Visitors to Winchester are often surprised by how much there is to see and do in such a compact city with only 50,000 residents. The stand-out attraction is the cathedral, but there are numerous other significant buildings and institutions, such as Winchester College, with fascinating histories. The old city centre is another big draw, with its mix of shopping, dining, and period architecture.

The Essential Guide to Winchester for History Buffs and Nature Lovers

Rich in tradition and surrounded by fertile countryside, Winchester is the sort of small city that makes overseas visitors fall in love with England. It's full of meticulously preserved architecture, characterful places to eat and drink, and quirky cultural attractions that equally inform and entertain. Towering above it all is Winchester Cathedral, one of the UK's most significant religious buildings.

Nightlife in Winchester - Cozy Corners and Historic Venues

It may be a small city, but Winchester has after-dark activities to suit most visitors. There are charming pubs - most of which also serve food - and relaxed bars for a glass of wine or a cocktail. Live music happens in one form or another throughout the week, and there is a well-maintained cinema that screens a mix of blockbusters and artsy fare. Some of the summer festivals also offer evening social activities, so be sure to check their programs.

Family-Friendly Fun in Winchester - A Zoo, WaterMill, and Museums

Winchester offers a multitude of family-friendly activities to stretch both the mind and the legs. Children of all ages will find the city's many museums and historical sights fascinating, while youngsters with energy to burn will enjoy the area's activity centres and sporting facilities. However, the simplest way to entertain the kids during a trip to Winchester is to explore the surrounding countryside, which retains an enchanting, secluded feel despite its proximity to several population centres.

Arts and Culture in Winchester - From Modern Performance to Historical Artifacts

Winchester is a place where the past and present collide, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the city's arts venues. In a single day, you can watch a contemporary play in a 900-year-old building, view modern art in the grounds of an ancient church, and compare 21st-century warfare with centuries-old methods at a renowned museum. It's a thrilling, unpredictable place to absorb culture.

Where to Eat in Winchester - From Fine-Dining Fare to Low-Key Cafés

Winchester has a vibrant dining scene with plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. There are casual cafés geared toward students, acclaimed upmarket restaurants for affluent residents, and dozens of cozy pubs and taverns offering traditional menus bursting with local produce. Ethnic cuisine is well represented, too.

Good to Know - Travel Tips for an Easy Winchester Vacation

Winchester is dominated by its grand cathedral, which draws thousands of day-trippers and worshippers each year. But dig a little deeper and you'll find there's much more on offer in this ancient city. Excellent museums, fine British cuisine, mild weather, and seriously addictive shopping opportunities make this quiet corner of Hampshire the perfect place for an extended vacation.

Search for Winchester hotels

Explore our travel guides

North America

Europe

Caribbean

Asia

South America

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Mexico and Central America

Middle East

Africa and Indian Ocean

Cities near to Winchester