Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Winchester has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Winchester.
Here you can find hotels in the area of Winchester
Just type in your destination and get many different suggestions.
Sights in Winchester
Winchester, in the south of England, is a historic cathedral city and the former capital of Wessex. Winchester’s history dates back over 1,000 years and the city has many interesting sights to see. The most famous sight in Winchester is its cathedral, which is one of the largest in Europe. Other notable sights include Winchester Castle, the Great Hall, and the Round Table.
Winchester Cathedral
The construction of Winchester Cathedral began in 1079 and was completed in 1093. The cathedral is built of stone from Caen in Normandy and is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, with a length of 524 feet and a width of 233 feet. The cathedral is home to the tombs of several English kings, including William the Conqueror, and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
Winchester Castle
Winchester Castle is a Norman castle built in 1067 by William the Conqueror. The castle was built on the site of an earlier Saxon fort and has been used as a royal palace, a prison, and a courthouse. The castle’s Great Hall is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England and is now used as a museum.
The Round Table
The Round Table is a large wooden table in the Great Hall of Winchester Castle. The table is said to have been built for King Arthur and his knights and has been a popular tourist attraction since the 19th century.
History of Winchester
Winchester is a historic cathedral city in southern England. It is the county town of Hampshire and sits at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government district which also includes parts of the neighbouring counties of Dorset and Wiltshire. Winchester city centre has a largely unspoilt medieval street plan and a notable selection of buildings, a legacy of its preeminent role in medieval england.
The origins of the city of Winchester date back to the founding of a small settlement by the Romans in around AD 70. The settlement, known as Venta Belgarum, was located at a strategic crossing point of the River Itchen and served as a commercial and administrative centre for the local area. The town grew in importance over the following centuries, especially after the construction of a new timber bridge across the river in around Saxon times.
By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, Winchester was one of the largest and most prosperous towns in England. It was chosen as the site of the new royal palace of the Kings of England and became the capital of the country for a short time during the reign of King William II (10871100). The royal palace was later replaced by a castle, which played an important role in the civil wars of the 12th and 13th centuries.
Winchester Cathedral, begun in 1079, became one of the largest and most famous churches in England. It was home to the scandalous Winchester Bible, the largest and most lavish manuscript ever produced in England, and to a revered shrine to the Saxon king, Edward the Confessor.
Despite its rich history and heritage, Winchester has not been immune to the effects of change and urbanisation. In the 19th century, the city expanded rapidly as it became a popular residential area for the growing middle class. This expansion continued into the 20th century and the city was significantly redeveloped in the years after World War II.
Today, Winchester is a vibrant, thriving city which is proud of its past and looks confidently to the future. It is a popular tourist destination and is home to a number of outstanding museums, galleries and historic buildings.
Vacation in Winchester
Winchester is a historic city in southern England. It is the capital of Hampshire County and the district of Winchester. The city is located near the borders of Berkshire and Wiltshire, about 60 miles (97 km) southwest of London. Winchester is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.
The city has a long and rich history. It was founded by the Romans in AD 43 as Venta Belgarum. When the Romans left Britain in the 5th century, the city was taken over by the AngloSaxons. They named it Wintanceastre, which means “fortress on the River Itchen”. The city was the capital of Wessex from AD 519 to Edmund I’s death in 946. It then served as the capital of England until the Norman Conquest in 1066. Winchester was once again the capital of England from 12th to 14th centuries.
Winchester is home to many historic landmarks. The most famous is Winchester Cathedral, which was built in 1079. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and is one of the oldest buildings in the world. Other notable landmarks include the Great Hall, Winchester Castle, and the Round Table.
The city is also home to many museums and art galleries, such as the Winchester City Museum, Wessex Gallery, and the Hampshire County Museum.
Winchester is a great place to visit for its history, culture, and attractions. There are many hotels and Bed & Breakfasts in the city, as well as a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes.
Other vacation destinations in England: