Location: Winchester
Top Things to do in Winchester
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What to do and see in Winchester, England: The Best Free Things to do
Winchester is a city and the county town of Hampshire, England. The city lies at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government district, and is located at the western end of the South Downs National Park, along the course of the River Itchen. It is situated 61 miles (98 km) south-west of London and 13.6 miles (21.9 km) from Southampton, its closest city. At the time of the 2011 Census, Winchester had a population of 45,184. The wider City of Winchester district which includes towns such as Alresford and Bishop's Waltham has a population of 116,800.
Restaurants in Winchester
1. Old Winchester Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By myrab666 - Southampton, United Kingdom
We enjoyed a very hot walk recently around Old Winchester Hill, if you like flora and fauna then this is the place especially in August as the wild flowers and butterflies were amazing. Car park near top and gentle walk to the top. The views are excellent too but be warned no picnics allowed within the site which was a shame so we had to delay our lunch until much later. We then drove onto Beacon Hill and enjoyed different views. Can thoroughly recommend but perhaps not on quite such a hot day!
2. Incognito
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 768 reviews
Opened in May 2018 and already winner of ‘Best bar in Hampshire’ A victorian parlour serving exquisite cocktails, bottomless brunches & a bastion of over 50 gins each served with a complimenting botanical and garnish. Reservations highly recommended to avoid disappointment
Reviewed By Mintyhoad
Fantastic service and all the staff are professional and friendly An amazing cocktail experience that we won’t forgot It felt like we were in an exclusive club The atmosphere was so lovely
3. South Downs Way
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By Highway272 - Brighton, United Kingdom
Hard to believe when you're walking this path that you are in one of the most densely populated parts of England. The rolling downlands are relaxing, at times breathtaking - the views of the the high weald and north Downs, the sea to the south. The path goes through three counties, Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex, comes ever closer to the sea until the the South Downs way becomes a coastal path from Cuckmere Haven onwards. Start at Winchester finish at Eastbourne. This way you are more likely to to have the wind on your back as well as saving the best till last. With a few exceptions it's easy walking, very few steep gradients and for long stretches softly undulating. The first few miles from Winchester pleasant enough but things don't really get going until the Meon valley, and the view from Beacon Hill is spectacular. The classic Downland structure is not evident until entering West Sussex and Harting down. From here you are aware of being on the edge of the escarpment pretty much as far as Alfriston. Much of the West Sussex section is forested, some of it rather sterile conifer plantation which also removes the views. In my opinion the East Sussex section is the most varied, beautiful and rewarding with the Seven Sisters the jewel in The crown. There are also villages on the route such as Exton, Amberley and Alfriston, beautiful villages in themselves but also offering refreshment. Between Butser hill, the highest point on the Downs, and Amberley there is nowhere are on the path to get refreshments; the same is also true from Amberley to Devil's Dyke so there are large stretches of the West Sussex path where you either need to to bring your own provisions or come down off the path. By contrast the East Sussex section has many great stop off points for coffee and and lunch. At Alfriston the the South Downs way splits into two, the northern section as far as Jevington is very rewarding but the final part to Eastbourne is fairly dismal. The southern route is thus highly recommended although the Seven Sistersisters can be the most demanding part of the whole walk. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. The following are the points where the path can be picked up using public transport: Meon valley, South Harting, Cocking, Amberley (train station) Bramber, Devil's Dyke and Ditchling beacon at weekends, Southease (train station) Alfriston and Cuckmere Haven Highlights: Meon valley Butser hill Harting down Amberley Chanctonbury ring Devil's Dyke Ditchling beacon Firle beacon Alfriston Cuckmere valley Seven sisters.
4. The Great Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,201 reviews
The Great Hall is one of the finest surviving medieval aisled halls of the 13th century and is all that remains of Winchester Castle. The Great Hall is open daily to the public offering a unique historical experience and the chance to see the greatest symbol of medieval mythology: King Arthur's Round Table. Visitors can also see Queen Eleanor's garden, a recreation of an enclosed medieval garden, providing an injection of nature. Entry charges apply, please visit our website for further details.
Reviewed By Stylish60 - Folkestone, United Kingdom
The Great Hall was stunning. The Table was very interesting but so were the stained glass windows. Lovely adjacent medieval garden and the Long Gallery was informative although it jumped around chronologically!
5. Saint Lawrence Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By paultX473WT - Winchester, United Kingdom
Small church just near the Buttercross. Sort of Georgian feel to it, although it is much older. Contains a memorial to Dr Lyford who tended Jane Austen prior to her death. Also an etched glass entrance screen by Tracey Shepherd (local world renowned artist). This church is where the new Bishops go to be dressed in all their regalia before processing to the cathedral to be enthroned.
6. Winnall Moors Nature Reserve
7. Winchester Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
A cultural centre in the heart of Winchester with 3 galleries, hireable spaces, performances, music, comedy, a public library, cafe, wifi and public access computers and printing.
Reviewed By futtock21 - London, United Kingdom
Situated in the old Corn Exchange building the Discovery Centre houses a bright spacious and airy public library on the ground floor with room for a temporary exhibition space as well as a bookshop and cafe. I've seen a number of exhibitions here featuring works by local artists all of a high quality. But it's on the first floor that major exhibitions are held, currently Jane Austen; last year a splendid exhibition of prints by 20th century British artists.
8. St Mary's Church
9. The Queen Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By elizw86 - London, United Kingdom
We stopped for an un-planned lunch after a nice walk along the water meadows. We didn’t realise they did roasts before we arrived, as it wasn’t on the menu online (as far as we could see!) however thankfully they did! We sat outside in the sun, the service was very friendly and efficient - all members of staff were helpful and my roast was delicious! The lamb was lovey, the roast potatoes were perfect, there were fun extras like creamed leeks and Yorkshire pudding and overall it was a very pleasant stop-off! My husband had the steak pie and also enjoyed it thoroughly!
10. St James Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
The St. James Tavern, or the SJT as we are known to our locals and regulars, is a proper pub with traditional cask marque recognised beers and proper pub food. We're all about the 'proper'. Mix in some interesting bits and bobs, some funky lighting and some groovy tunes, and hopefully you'll like it lots and become SJT "regulars"... we want to provide you with the best a "proper" pub can offer. We are a pub who are proud to be just that, a pub. We are a great little boozer with scrummy food and well kept ales to keep your whiskers wet and your belly full! We welcome your little tots and furry friends (the well behaved ones of course!). We don't have any high chairs, nor do we offer a children's menu, though feel free to come down and enjoy an adult beverage and scrumptious lunch or dinner with your family - be it a little one or your canine friend. We have a quiz night on a Tuesday that could rival Mensa, a delicious brunch menu for a lazy Saturday morning, and regular pie nights and curry nights. Told you we were "proper"!
Reviewed By JonathanB6191
As a regular air bnb visitor to Winchester with work I eventually found the SJT.. What a great place.. I must have now eaten 30 plus meals here.. Not one of these has been anything but excellent.. The staff, the drinks are all great.. A brilliant quiz night every Tuesday, burger night on Mondays with 7/8 different incredibly tasty offerings, Wednesday is pie night all served with a fantastic selection of seasonal vegetables.. The prices are very reasonable for Winchester and the locals very welcoming too.. Thank you James, Ben, Seb, Gabriel, Beth, Debs and the mighty kitchen team.. Well done, keep doing what you are doing!!
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