There are so many places within easy reach of Winchester, it is difficult to recommend where to go. This is one of the reasons we make sure your weekends are free so that you can explore the surrounding countryside.
Winchester is a city rich in history, and there are museums and other attractions; the cathedral and King Arthur's round table are both in the city centre, and the water meadows on the banks of the River Itchen offer idyllic surroundings for walking or jogging.
The New Forest The New Forest is 37,500 hectares of open countryside created in 1079 by William the Conquerer as a royal hunting area. It was also used as a source of timber for shipbuilding; Nelson's flagship "HMS Victory" was built from New Forest timber. Now it is a mixture of ancient woodland, modern conifer plantations and open heath, on which local people are permitted to allow their farm animals to wander and graze.
The Isle of Wight
Just across Southampton Water is the Isle of Wight. You can travel from Southampton to Cowes on the Red Funnel ferry or high-speed catamaran. Alternatively, you can cross by Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde or from Lymington to Yarmouth. The island is only 37 by 21 km; there are buses to take you all over the island and you will find many interesting places to visit.
Salisbury and Stonehenge Salisbury is only 40 km from Winchester, and the spire of its medieval cathedral is the tallest in England. Nearby in the Chapter House one of the four remaining originals of the Magna Carta is exhibited.
Close to Salisbury is the ancient temple of Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument has fascinated visitors for thousands of years and is well worth seeing.
