Winchester is within easy reach of the Hotel

An unspoilt cathedral city on the edge of the South Downs, Winchester is England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. Today, Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside.

Popular for its shopping streets and architecture, its floral summer season and quirky open air events, Winchester is most well known for its eleventh century cathedral and for the Great Hall which for over 600 years has housed the mysterious Round Table.Winchester College is the oldest continuously running school in the country, whilst the Hospital of St Cross - a medieval almshouse - still offers the Wayfarer's Dole to travellers as it has done for more than eight centuries.
Home of good food, birthplace of the modern game of cricket, resting place of author Jane Austen and inspiration to the many craft-makers and artists who live here, Winchester is truly a destination for all seasons. Winchester is also home to the Royal Green Jackets which has a very interesting museam

Did you know...Marwell Zoological Park is the only place in the UK where you can see the Coquerels Mouse Lemur and the Dorcas Gazelle? More unusual facts...
The settlement of Winchester begins in about 150BC when a large defended enclosure was created on the western slopes of the modern city, in the area of Oram's Arbour. Since that time, great kings and bishops have left lasting reminders of their presence. During Saxon times, Winchester was the capital of England - chosen by King Alfred (Alfred the Great) - and the city remained a Royal residence for centuries afterwards.

Iron Age | 150 BC Hill fort built on St Catherine's Hill and a Trading centre established on western side of modern city, near Oram's Arbour.

Romans | 70 AD Romans start to create a defended city Venta Belgarum - marketplace of the Belgae, a regional capital. 410 Romans depart, Venta disintegrates.

Dark Ages | 400 - 600 The era of the legendary warrior King Arthur. Was Winchester 'Caer Gwent', Camelot?