Winchester Guide

Surrounded by water meadows and the willow-lined River Itchen, historic Winchester is dominated by its magical cathedral. This is a city of cosy pubs, cobbled streets, roaring fires and chic boutiques, filled with the sound of chiming bells and the scent of lime trees.

See Anthony Gormley's Sound II sculpture in the oft-flooded crypt of Winchester Cathedral and marvel over the 12th-century ruins of Wolvesey Castle. Seek out Jane Austen's House on College Street, where the writer spent her final days penning Persuasion, then head to Marwell Wildlife to stroke the snow leopards.

The chic boutiques on Parchment Street are perfect for gorgeous gifts, while Middle Brook Street market specialises in fresh flowers and the adjacent King's Walk offers antique curiosities. Try the cheeses at Cadogan & James in The Square and pick up a Penguin Classic at P & G Wells on College Street.

Follow in the footsteps of John Keats, whose daily walks through Winchester's water meadows inspired his ode To Autumn. Relax in Abbey Gardens on Broadway, then meander through the willow-lined Weirs Walk running along the River Itchen. St Giles Hill is another magical spot, with panoramic vistas of the city.

During the summer months, the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral is often transformed into an Open Air Theatre with Shakespeare regularly on the menu. The haunted Theatre Royal offers a wide-ranging cultural feast of theatre, comedy, dance and music, while the Tower Arts Centre is known for its innovative and experimental productions.

Drawing on its rural resources, Winchester is fast becoming famed for its local produce, reflected in the popularity of its twice monthly farmers' market – the largest in the UK. Local specialities, including trout and watercress pesto, can be sampled in the many gastro pubs around The Square, Kingsgate Street and Inner Close.

Take in Winchester Cathedral at high speed as you skate under the stars on the cathedral's winter ice rink.