A short stay in Winchester
If you only have a few hours to explore the most beautiful parts of Winchester and its greatest treasure there's no place better to start than Wolvesey View B&B. Just a stone's throw from the luscious riverside walk, the ruins of Wolvesey, and a couple of minutes walk from the cathedral you will be surrounded by history from the mment you arrive.
Here's my suggestion for a wonderful short walk and a great evening in town.
Start the Riverside walk along the 'Weirs' from the "Bishop on the Bridge" (good for a pub lunch). The river is so pure that otters swim here every night passing through the city.
On your right is the well preserved wall of Wolvesey Castle.From Easter to October the ruins are open.
Along College Street is the medieval gateway of the ancient school. and after the enormous house of the headmaster a yellow painted building is wher Jane Austen died in 1817 (18 July). Around a corner is Kingsgate Street possibly one of the finest streets in Britain, with one of our finest pubs too: The Wykeham Arms.
Passing through two superb historic gates brings you into the classic cathdral close and to the Cathedral where you can easily wander, or better still join a tour, but expect to take two hours for a good explore.
If time allows head for the High Street to make your way up to the Great Hall to see the Round Table made as a showpiece for a medieval tournament, not for the mythical 'once and future king' Arthur.
Returning down the pedestrianised High Street - the most ancient street north of the Alps - to the magnificent statue of King Alfred, you will be ready for tea and a rest at the B&B just round the corner, off Colebrook Street.
Click images to enlarge
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