Steeped in history and anchored by its magnificent cathedral, Winchester celebrates its regal past alongside modern art and cultural attractions, a dizzying array of shops, award-winning food and drink, and a fair few festivals. No wonder it's one of the UK's best-loved cities, says Paul Murphy
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Winchester City Council supplied all images for this article. |
According to a recent Channel 4 Homes survey, Winchester is the best place to live in Britain. It was once the capital of England, King Arthur's legendary Round Table hangs in the Great Hall, Jane Austen lived here and, of course, there's the famous public school. But its colourful history is only a part of the city. We've taken a look at a few of its lesser-known attractions, and asked the locals why they like their home town so much. We also recommend places to eat, drink and sleep. So, pack your bags, and travel to Winchester with us—even if it's only for the day.
St Swithun, King Canute and the Vatican connection
Remember the song "Winchester Cathedral, you're bringin' me down..."? It could have been written for St Swithun (the tutor of King Alfred, according to some). When the saint's remains were moved against his dying wishes from the grounds of the cathedral to the inner sanctum, it's said he took such umbrage that it rained for 40 days and nights. Even now, if it rains on St Swithun's Day (15 July), legend has it that there are another 39 rainy days to come.
If that's hardly a good reason to visit Winchester, the cathedral most certainly is—and not just for its historic or religious interest. Its beautiful, grassy grounds host all sorts of activities throughout the year, from summer picnics to a Christmas ice rink and market. Step inside the atmospheric 900-year-old building to enjoy outstanding works of art alongside the tombs of Jane Austen, Izaak Walton, St Swithun and early English kings, such as the legendary King Canute. Last year, it had a walk-on part in the opening scenes of The Da Vinci Code (its north transept doubling as the Vatican). Don't miss the crypt, home to a piece of world-class modern sculpture, and enjoy a cuppa in the delightful walled garden of the Cathedral Cafe (voted one of the UK's top tea rooms by the Times).
Ostrich meat, free beer and our daily bread
Winchester is renowned for the quality of its food and drink. Its farmers' market, which takes place on the second and last Sunday of each month, is not only the largest in Britain, with 95 stalls, but has been voted best in the country by Observer Food Monthly. Rick Stein is a big fan. Tasty treats include locally reared ostrich and water buffalo steaks, Itchen Valley ales and wonderful watercress from picture-postcard Alresford (see Top Days Out on page 32). In fact, the town hosts an entire festival dedicated to it on Sunday 13 May with celebrity cookery demonstrations, music and a farmers' market.
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