Winchester

Winchester, once the capital of England, is a historic city in the south. There is a tremendous number of things to do for the tourist, and many of them are free.

Once an Iron age fort during the Roman times, Winchester is best known for the Great Hall, which was built in the 12th century and is the only surviving portion of Winchester Castle. The Great Hall is the first and finest of all 13th centuary halls and has housed King Arthur's Round Table since 1463. The Great Hall was the first of its kind to be built in the 'lighter and more comfortably furnished' style of the 1400's. It has huge stone columns with painted arches and plate windows. It is unusually colorful compared to other comaprably aged castles of English Gothic architecture. And at the end of the Great Hall, hangs the legendry King Arthur's Round Table. Just outside of the south door of The Great Hall is Queen Eleanor's Garden, a beautifully manictured garden with bay hedges, fountain and a tunnel arbour. It is a great place for a walk or an afternoon picnic. The price to enter Winchester castle is free, though donations are gratefully accepted. Opening times are from 10AM to 5PM in the summer and 10AM to 4PM during winter months.

Winchester Cathedral is another tourist attraction you won't want to miss. The Cathedral was begun in 1079 and has the longest cathedral nave in the purpendicular Gothic style. It is also one of the largest cathedrals in England and has a crypt from the early 12th centuary. It is said the remains of Saxon Kings are housed there dating from before the founding of the cathedral. The crypt itself is nothing what you'd think a crypt to be: on the contrary, it is a beautiful arched structure, with a statue standing woefully in water at one of it. The cathedral itself has grand entrances and vast spaces. The carvings along the walls are intricate completely opposite the simple, primitive paintings of various bishops. Winchester Cathedral is open every day of the year from 8:30 AM to 6PM. Guided tours are Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 3PM and tickets are £4 for those over 18 years of age.

The old City Centre is another landmark to enjoy. It features narrow streets closed to motor traffic and overhanging mediaeval buildings. You'll want to find the Pentice, a group of old shops and the Butter Cross which was built in the 15th century with the taxes collected from people caught eating butter during the holy holiday of Lent.

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See a Map of Winchester