Where is it?

Winchester is in Hampshire and it was once the capital city of England!

How do I get there?

Only an hour outside of London by train, it’s amazing how green the surrounding countryside is. All of Winchester is accessible by foot so make sure you leave yourself a good few days to explore all its attractions. It is rather hilly though.

Top 5 things to do:

1. You can’t ignore history, visit the Great Hall to see the legendary Round Table which has been there for more than 600 years. Winchester is rich with historical artefacts and monuments and you certainly can’t miss the statuesque King Alfred in the middle of the road guarding the bus rank!

2. Winchester has six military museums scattered around the Peninsula barracks, which are fascinating and jam packed with information and my personal favourite…wax dummies!  Open everyday they’re worth doing and you’re likely to spend half the day there. A couple you have to pay for but the majority are free.

3. Winchester Cathedral stands proud in the middle of the city and attracts a lot of passers by. The grounds are packed with people basking in the sunshine and it’s a generally fine sight to take in. Here’s some trivia for you – Jane Austen is buried in the north aisle.

4. Wolvesey Castle is also but a short walk along the picturesque River Itchen and although largely in ruins it’s still worth seeing and traipsing across what were once the foundations of a fine structure.

5. The City Museum – step back in time and wander round the impressive free display of historical remnants. There are activities for children too – I embarrassed my boyfriend by having a brass rubbing moment, but was swiftly brought back to earth by the fact that I was no longer five years old…and the plain truth, that I just couldn’t get the hang of it!

Is it expensive?

Accommodation is moderately priced and the local buses are cheap considering the distance they travel. As for shops, well your usual run-of-the-mill high street chains.

What's the food like?

Nothing too impressive really, this is Britain! A few posh restaurants scattered amongst a large handful of fast food outlets.

What are the toilets like?

When we needed one on the first day we couldn’t find them for love nor money, but as the week went past they became more apparent! Generally clean and well maintained and none of the 20p for a slash malarkey!

What to wear:

Well you don’t need Trinny and Susannah to tell you what the weather is like in the UK, so pack for all extremes. It was September when we went and pleasantly warm and sunny.

Best time to visit:

I expect in the summer the volume of visitors to this pretty city increases but if you’re like me and prefer not to get caught up in throngs of people then the autumn is just as cheerful providing it’s not raining.

Don't miss:

The Great Hall. It’s size is incredible and to see a historical artefact that is 600 years old and counting is just breathtaking.

Most overrated thing:

The Brooks Experience museum. Described as an amazing free look at Roman and medieval life, it’s no more than a couple of wax dummies shoved behind some glass with a pre-recorded story playing in the background.  ocated in the poor excuse for a shopping centre, you needn’t worry if you miss it.

(4/5)

Photos: Mojo