Winchester

The statue of King Arthur in Winchester, Hampshire is perhaps the city’s best known icon – and his famous Round Table of course that hangs in Winchester Castle.  For something a bit different, head outside the city to the popular Marwell Zoo.

You can see King Arthur’s legendary Round Table high on the wall of the Great Hall in Winchester Castle.  It’s not the real thing, merely a 13^th century fake.  Winchester Castle is all that remains of a castle built by William the Conqueror.

Not far from Winchester Castle is the Gurkha Museum.  There are a number of military museums in Winchester; The Light Infantry Museum, the King’s Royal Hussars Museum, the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum and the Royal Green Jackets Museum.

There are many ancient buildings in Winchester.  Dominating the city is Winchester Cathedral which dates from 1070.  It’s a magnificent building, have a look inside and hear the amazing story of William Walker, the diver who saved the Cathedral from sinking into the marshy ground on which it had been built.  You can also see the grave of Jane Austen who died in Winchester.

Shopping in Winchester is special because many of the shops are in ancient buildings.  You’ll find all the big names plus some wonderful specialist shops including second-hand book shops.

From historic buildings to a futuresque building – the INTECH Science Centre and Planetarium is a hands-on interactive science and technology centre on the outskirts of Winchester.

Marwell Zoo is also just outside the city.  Marwell Zoo is big on the conservation of wildlife, there’s lots to see including giraffes, tigers, penguins and meerkats, none of which you would expect to see in Winchester.