Winchester at the weekend

[smurfchops]

Well further to my previous thread we are off to Winchester for the weekend (yes I have seen the weather forecast ... ) so what can we do apart from the cathedral?

[Buenchico]

A good starting point:
http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/

[VHG]

There is a lot of history in Winchester.

It used to be the capital of England and all our Kings were crowned their until it moved to Westminster Abbey.

It was also one of the richest towns in England at the time.

It is fairly small, and has a pedestrianised high st. Things to see include the cathedral, the grounds, the great hall, the "round table", the famous school etc.

There is also some nice old streets and buildings.

There is a large hill overlooking the town which is well worth a stroll up for a great view over the town.

[VHG]

Whenever I visit a new town or city I ALWAYS go to the Tourist Information Centre first. Every decent sized town or city (and tourist area) has them.

They will have loads of maps and guides and can advice on things to do.

They will often have a free "street guide" to help you understand the layout of the town or city.

30 minutes or so spent in a Tourist Information Centre can "make" a visit if it helps you find things to do.

See here to download a map of where the TIC is in Winchester (in fact it is a decent street map of the whole town).

http://www.visitwinch...e/tourist-information

[VHG]

You dont say if you are going by car or not.

But note Winchester, being a historic town, has a narrow winding street system.

Due to lack of space in the surrounding area it also has no by pass so all the traffic goes through the town.

They have built a one way system round the town but if you dont know where you are going you can finish up going round and round it.

Also of course parking is at a premium so it may be worth studying the map and making a note of where the car parks are if you want to go to a particular part of the town.

[smurfchops]

Thanks everyone we are looking forward to it - going by car, hopefully will find the hotel OK and can park there.

[DTCwordfan]

Hope you are staying (or eat) at the original Hotel Du Vin........very nice

[smurfchops]

Had late breakfast at Forte ... brilliant, would thoroughly recommend.