Winchester Hotels

History

Winchester is a cathedral city with a long heritage, reaching as far back as prehistoric times and taking in Gaulish tribes, Romans and Anglo-Saxons along the way. The most prominent historical building is Winchester Cathedral, which dominates the heart of the city. The cathedral is one of the largest in the country and boasts the greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Work on the cathedral began in 1079 and was built over the ensuing centuries until the 16th century. The cathedral is the burial site of many famous figures, including several Anglo-Saxon monarchs and the author Jane Austen, and is the starting point on the ancient Pilgrims' Way that ends in Canterbury Cathedral.

Beside the cathedral are the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, erected by the Bishop of Winchester Henry of Blois between 1130 and 1140 and destroyed by roundheads during the English Civil War in 1646. Winchester Castle is another important medieval structure in the city, originally founded in 1067. Only the Great Hall survives to this day, which was built in the 13th century by King Henry III. If you visit the castle, make sure you look out for the Winchester Round table, a trophy made for King Henry VIII that echoes the Arthurian legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round table.

Based in picturesque surroundings beside the River Itchen is The Hospital of St Cross, a medieval almshouse that dates from between 1133 and 1136 and is the oldest charitable institution in the United Kingdom. It is also the largest medieval almshouse in Britain, and there is plenty to explore during your visit, including a 13th-century church and the 14th-century Brethren's Hall.

Culture and shops

Aside from Winchester's historical buildings, the city has a vibrant contemporary cultural scene. One of the best places to get to grips with the current artistic output of Winchester is to visit the Winchester Discovery Centre. Here you'll find a variety of exhibition and gallery spaces, as well as a regular line-up of talks, workshops and other events. The Theatre Royal Winchester is a fantastic place to go if you're looking to watch live drama, comedy or dance, and there are a number of literary trails to follow, including the Jane Austen Trail, which encompasses the author's house in Chawton and her final resting place in Winchester Cathedral.

Winchester is an excellent place to indulge in a spot of retail therapy. Make your way to the city centre, and you'll find an impressive selection of big-name brands and eclectic boutique stores. The city is also home to various Farmers' Markets and Arts and Craft Markets throughout the year.

Countryside

Winchester teeters on the western tip of the vast South Downs National Park. The best way to enjoy this area of natural beauty is to follow one of the many walking and cycling trails. The South Downs Way runs the entire length of the national park, the Pilgrims' Trail traces the ancient path followed by medieval pilgrims, and the St Swithun's Way runs from Winchester to Farnham.

Best places to stay near the popular attractions in Winchester

Winchester city centre is compact, and you’ll find hotels in all budgets rubbing shoulders with the key attractions, like the Christmas markets, the cathedral and high streets. You’ll also find more budget options on the outskirts of Winchester, near the university and even right next to the Science Centre and Planetarium. For a more countryside-focussed getaway but still with easy access to the city shops and sights, head to a nearby village like Littleton, Sparsholt or Hursley. To be first in line for the Watercress Line steam railway, you could also stay in New Alresford.

Where to stay with your family in Winchester

The city centre is a great option for families looking to enjoy a weekend away shopping, exploring the cathedral and delving into the museums. If you’re planning on visiting Marwell Zoo, you can make the experience even more exciting by staying at Marwell Hotel. The hotel is right in the countryside, next door to the zoo, with a lush garden and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. It has large rooms geared up to accommodate the whole family on a cosy trip, and you can enjoy the on-site restaurant and pool too.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Solo travellers to Winchester will probably want to be right in the heart of the action. For often less than £100/night, you can stay almost in the Cathedral’s back garden at the Mercure Winchester Wessex Hotel. The comfortable and modern space has sleek rooms with an executive feel. For something more classic, try The Old Vine. It’s a lovely Georgian pub with grand rooms, floral wallpaper and charming original features. The main draw for solo travellers is the cosy atmosphere, especially when the fire’s roaring in the dining room.

Where to find cheap hotels in Winchester

Despite the many luxurious hotels in Winchester centre, there are still some fantastic, budget-friendly options to be found. The King Alfred is a four-star pub with hotel rooms close to the heart of Winchester, often with rooms for under £100. The classically decorated interior is cosy, with the traditional feel that you expect from pub rooms, but all the modern amenities. Slightly further out, though still just a mile from the city’s main thoroughfare, the Premier Inn Winchester is always a safe bet for budget-conscious travellers. The rooms are generous and comfortable, and the bathrooms are always fantastic quality – you can’t go wrong. The Running Horse, in the nearby village of Littleton, is a budget-friendly, yet delightful, pub stay with room for between £80 and £150/night. The pub has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with a fun, stable-yard theme downstairs and colourful decor in the rooms.

Hotels with Rooftop Bars

While Winchester doesn’t have any hotels featuring full rooftop bars, The Black Hole is a delightful boutique BnB with a secret…its secluded rooftop terrace. The terrace is tiny but offers a beautiful view over the historic Winchester centre. The unusual, narrow building has made for a quirky interior, and the rooms are individually decorated, giving the BnB a unique charm and fun feel. Sit on the sunny terrace with a cuppa and breakfast and enjoy the view of the red rooftops and Winchester Cathedral.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

The charming Georgian frontage of Hotel Du Vin & Bistro gives way to a gorgeous interior with sash windows, a walled garden and opulent decor. The rooms are thoughtfully decorated; original features and four-posters meet gloriously modern showers and luxurious roll-top baths. The Bistro Du Vin is elegant, and the menu is decadent. You can eat in the dining room or al fresco in summer and enjoy a tasting menu with perfectly paired wines or a-la-carte favourites like fillet steak, beef bourguignon or moules maison. There’s an afternoon tea menu, Sunday lunch special and vegan tasting menu too.

Spa hotels

Immerse yourself in serene luxury, just a stone’s throw from Winchester’s bustling high streets, in The Winchester Hotel & Spa. Luxury reigns inside, with spacious rooms, ultra-modern bathrooms and sink-into-me beds. A high-tech gym and relaxing spa zone features an indoor pool, topped by a glass roof, a plunge pool, steam room, sauna, hydro-pool and luxury treatment rooms for your facial or massage. Guests can also dine in Alfred’s Bar for light bites or Alfred’s Restaurant for beautifully presented European cuisine.

Luxury hotels

The five-star South Winchester Lodges are luxurious in more ways than one. The location, on a large golf course surrounded by countryside, allows for a luxuriously peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by trees and bluebells (in the right season). The log-cabin lodges are each uniquely designed, but all have Wi-Fi, parking, an enclosed balcony with a BBQ area, smart TV and Bluetooth speakers. Some have an indulgent private hot tub on the balcony too.