10 Best Things to Do in Winchester

Exploring Winchester Cathedral is like diving headfirst into more than 1,000 years of English history. Built next to the foundations of a 7th-century church, the cathedral itself dates to 1093, though only fragments of that original structure survive.

The building that stands today took shape bit by bit between the 12th and 15th centuries, and its interior features – like the expertly carved choir stalls – are from that time. There are 3 popular guided tours on offer, as well as daily evensong and Sunday services.

Kingsgate is a quiet corner of central Winchester, close to Winchester College. Home to one of the city’s 2 surviving fortified gates in the city, it’s believed to be where the Romans erected a city gate around 2,000 years ago.

Atop the structure is a tranquil, diminutive church – St. Swithun-upon-Kingsgate. Nearby, The Wykeham Arms is a cosy spot for those looking to enjoy local ales. There are also bookshops, including P&G Wells, which has been trading for over 250 years.

Start your day in The Square, home to some of Winchester's most welcoming cafés (many with outdoor seating) as well as several charming and popular stores. The Hambledon stocks men's and women's clothing, primarily by British designers, along with a range of homewares, books, and trinkets that are perfect for gift-giving.

Cadogan has an eclectic selection of men's and women's fashion, spread across 4 levels. The shop is a magnet for wealthy locals and for celebrities visiting the area (actor Colin Firth has popped in several times).

Winchester College is one of just a handful of educational institutions in England that offer guided tours of its grounds. Founded in the 14th century by the Bishop of Winchester at the time, the school is still one of the top learning centres in the nation.

Significant historical buildings include the 14th-century gothic chapel and a large 17th-century hall used for exams to this day. The architecture is impressive, but the most fascinating aspect of the tour is seeing how the school balances centuries of tradition with the demands of modern-day learning.

The Minster Gallery is a small but popular art centre on Great Minster Street, just opposite Winchester Cathedral. This independent venue collaborates with various British "core artists" who continuously bring in new works for exhibitions in its galleries. You can find paintings and sculptures with figurative, semi-abstract and abstract themes.

There are also one-off exhibitions by international practitioners and emerging British talent. You can enjoy a private tour of the Minster Gallery by making an appointment via phone or email.

The Museum of The King's Royal Hussars traces Britain’s history of mounted regiments over 300 years. The building, also called Horsepower, is just half a mile northwest of Winchester Cathedral.

Your visit starts with an audio-visual display introducing you to the museum. Afterwards, you’ll find intricate life-size models of both man and beast, plus carefully preserved uniforms, medals, and weaponry. The historical photographs are particularly illuminating. There’s also a diorama depicting the aftermath of the ill-fated Charge of the Light Brigade, which took place during the Battle of Balaclava in 1854.

Parchment Street is a low-key shopping strip, just off the High Street. This area has a high concentration of Winchester's most tempting – and priciest – independent boutiques. At Justice, you'll discover jewellery from among Britain's most revered designers, with an emphasis on exotic styles and unusual materials.

At the nearby Bell Fine Art, you can peruse original paintings and limited-edition prints by local artists, as well as sculptures, ceramics, glassware, and jewellery. Drop by a delicatessen for European delicacies or a lingerie store if you're feeling sultry.

The South Downs Way is a long-distance footpath and bridleway in southern England. Winchester's location at the western end of the South Downs National Park makes it an ideal base for those interested in exploring the English countryside.

The 110-mile-long South Downs Way begins in the city and travels through 5 National Nature Reserves and dozens of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Whether you’re choosing to explore on foot, bicycle, or horseback, you’ll be able to take in splendid views across the English Channel, Isle of Wight, and Weald.

The Winchester City Mill is a restored watermill on the River Itchen, close to the Abbey Gardens in Winchester. It dates to the 18^th century, making it one of the oldest operating watermills in the UK. It produces traditional stoneground wholemeal flour using the river water for power.

You can see this in action during the summer months when volunteer millers supply flour milling demonstrations on Wednesdays and weekends. The Winchester City Mill is also a wonderful place for spotting various wild animals, including trout, water voles, kingfishers, and otters.

Theatre Royal Winchester is Winchester's biggest performance venue. The restored Edwardian building has an auditorium that holds up to 400 people per show, as well as a café-bar serving light bites, cakes, coffee, and tea. The theatre is busy throughout the year, hosting drama, dance, children's entertainment, and comedy, as well as occasional live music.

Theatre Royal Winchester is part of Play to the Crowd, an arts and education charity that runs Winchester’s annual Hat Fair. This family-friendly festival usually takes place on the first weekend of July.