park – the fourth side is called the cathedral square, and is a lawn of grass and trees. In summer, you’ll find visitors and residents alike, picnicking in the park with the cathedral as a backdrop. If you’re planning on going inside the cathedral your best bet is to go on one of the officialWinchester is arguably one of England’s most beautiful cities. Its beautiful old buildings, pedestrian-friendly streets and parks are delightfully set in the gentle Hampshire countryside. Its beauty and place in history captivates, and many visitors return again and again.

No one comes to Winchester without paying a visit to its cathedral. The cathedral is thought by many to be England’s finest. The cathedral has its origins in the 7th century when a Christian place of worship was built by the newly converted Saxon chieftains – many parts of Britain being under the control of Viking Kings. The construction of the present cathedral was begun in 1079 and was built in the Romanesque style. The cathedral stands in what was once the heart of King Alfred the Great’s Wessex Kingdom – the Saxon King who ‘saved’ the southern half of England from Viking overlord-ship. Many important figures from history are buried inside the building, from kings, noblemen, saints as well as ‘worthy’ laymen; the most famous being Jane Austen, the novelist, who lived her last days in the city.

The setting of the cathedral is exquisite, being surrounded on three sides by a park – the fourth side is called the cathedral square, and is a lawn of grass and trees. In summer, you’ll find visitors and residents alike, picnicking in the park with the cathedral as a backdrop. If you’re planning on going inside the cathedral your best bet is to go on one of the official

to Winchester without paying a visit to its cathedral. The cathedral is thought by many to be England’s finest. The cathedral has its origins in the 7th century when a Christian place of worship was built by the newly converted Saxon chieftains – many parts of Britain being under the control of Viking Kings. The construction of the present cathedral was begun in 1079 and was built in the Romanesque style. The cathedral stands in what was once the heart of King Alfred the Great’s Wessex Kingdom – the Saxon King who ‘saved’ the southern half of England from Viking overlord-ship. Many important figures from history are buried inside the building, from kings, noblemen, saints as well as ‘worthy’ laymen; the most famous being Jane Austen, the novelist, who lived her last days in the city.

The setting of the cathedral is exquisite, being surrounded on three sides by a park – the fourth side is called the cathedral square, and is a lawn of grass and trees. In summer, you’ll find visitors and residents alike, picnicking in the park with the cathedral as a backdrop. If you’re planning on going inside the cathedral your best bet is to go on one of the official

f Viking Kings. The construction of the present cathedral was begun in 1079 and was built in the Romanesque style. The cathedral stands in what was once the heart of King Alfred the Great’s Wessex Kingdom – the Saxon King who ‘saved’ the southern half of England from Viking overlord-ship. Many important figures from history are buried inside the building, from kings, noblemen, saints as well as ‘worthy’ laymen; the most famous being Jane Austen, the novelist, who lived her last days in the city.

The setting of the cathedral is exquisite, being surrounded on three sides by a park – the fourth side is called the cathedral square, and is a lawn of grass and trees. In summer, you’ll find visitors and residents alike, picnicking in the park with the cathedral as a backdrop. If you’re planning on going inside the cathedral your best bet is to go on one of the official

y important figures from history are buried inside the building, from kings, noblemen, saints as well as ‘worthy’ laymen; the most famous being Jane Austen, the novelist, who lived her last days in the city.

The setting of the cathedral is exquisite, being surrounded on three sides by a park – the fourth side is called the cathedral square, and is a lawn of grass and trees. In summer, you’ll find visitors and residents alike, picnicking in the park with the cathedral as a backdrop. If you’re planning on going inside the cathedral your best bet is to go on one of the official

park – the fourth side is called the cathedral square, and is a lawn of grass and trees. In summer, you’ll find visitors and residents alike, picnicking in the park with the cathedral as a backdrop. If you’re planning on going inside the cathedral your best bet is to go on one of the official tours. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and will be able to answer any questions you may have. Just outside the cathedral there is a souvenir shop and a restaurant, called the Refectory; both discreetly hidden from view of the cathedral.

One must also go for a walk around the ancient heart of Winchester. There are many walks but I would advise the visitor to undertake the ‘Winchester College and Weirs’ walk. It is about a mile in length. The walk starts from the cathedral and proceeds to some fine Elizabethan houses that used to be home to the Bishops of Winchester. You then proceed through one of the ancient city gates called ‘Westgate’. Once through the gate you are on College Street. On theis street you’ll pass the house in which Jane Austen died. You’ll also pass by the Porter’s Lodge to the private and ancient Winchester College. Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, the college is the oldest private boys’ school in England. The walk also takes you passed Wolvesey Castle, present-day residence of the Bishop of Winchester. Finally, the walk will take you along the banks of the river Itchen. The river is shallow and exceptionally clear. It’