Winchester
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By plane
Southampton Airport is a relatively small airport and serves destinations in the UK and Europe. It is about 8 miles drive from Winchester via the M3 (northbound). There is a direct rail service from Southampton Airport Parkway station, which is immediately adjacent to the airport terminal building, to Winchester; four trains an hour take about 10 minutes for the journey.
By taxi
There are couple of Winchester based taxi companies providing long distance transfers from major airports, towns, bus and rail stations to Winchester. Winchester Taxi Co, Winch Taxis Winchester, Airport Taxis Winchester and Winchester Taxi Link provide online cab/taxi booking facility.
By train
Winchester has a station on the main line from London to Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. It is also served by long-distance services from Reading, Oxford, Birmingham and places further north.
From London, trains to Winchester depart from London Waterloo; there are several trains an hour which take about one hour for the journey. A "cheap" day-return adult ticket between Winchester and London Waterloo is typically around. Train times (from any location) can be found on the National Rail Planner or from anywhere in the UK.
By car
The town is conveniently situated for the M3 motorway (US English: freeway) from London to Southampton. Winchester and its city centre are generally regarded as car-unfriendly; an excellent Park and Ride site National Park and Ride Directory is located just off junction 10 of the M3 (from M3 north, exit at junction 9 and follow the signs) and buses provide a link to the city centre every 10-15 mins taking under 10 mins for the journey.
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Dean Garnier Garden
Cathedral Close, open daylight hours, admission free - this garden lies on the site of the dormitory of the Benedictine Monastery and offers splendid views of the Cathedral. Pay special attention to the stonework, and how the medieval builders suffered from problems with subsidence.
City Centre
The old City Centre, with its narrow pedestrian streets and overhanging medieval buildings. Of especial interest are the Pentice, a group of old shops arcaded at the front, and the Butter Cross, dating back to the 15th century and built with a tax levied on people caught eating butter during Lent. Always open.
Winchester City Mill
Bridge Street, owned by the National Trust, this old water mill has been restored to working order and you can visit the working areas and a rather exciting walkway under the mill almost at river level. The building also houses a National Trust shop and the Winchester Youth Hostel (see 'Sleep'). Opening hours are very complex, but the mill is open Mar-Oct Sa-Su 11AM-4PM and much more often in summer; visit the web site or phone the number above for more details.
Wolvesey Castle
this palace was the chief residence of the Bishops of Winchester and its extensive ruins still reflect their importance and wealth. Open Apr-Sep 10AM-5PM.
St. Swithun's upon Kingsgate
This tiny church is perched atop the arch of the Kingsgate, one of the two surviving city gates. This was once a not uncommon position for a place of worship, but St. Swithun's is the only one remaining today. The interior is very plain, with whitewashed walls and an unadorned wooden ceiling. Sit for a moment in the simple wooden pews and it is hard not to feel a sense of peace. Open during daylight hours except for occasional services.
January - April
September - November
Information not available
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