The historic cathedral city of Winchester, once England’s ancient capital, is a vibrant city situated just one hour by fast rail service to London Waterloo and within easy reach of the south coast. This culturally rich medieval city has been consistently voted one of the best places to live in the UK. With its wide choice of high achieving schools – both state and private, award-winning pubs and restaurants, an interesting array of independent shops, historic architecture and tranquil green spaces - all surrounded by idyllic countryside – it is not hard to see why. For sports enthusiasts there are golf, running, athletics, football, rugby and tennis clubs as well as a popular Leisure Centre and numerous private gyms. For those keen on cycling, the South Downs Way, which runs from Winchester to Eastbourne, is literally on the doorstep. Keen sailors are well placed to join the many sailing clubs in Chichester and Southampton whilst horse riders are equally well catered for with a plethora of equestrian centres nearby and stunning countryside to ride out in.
As well as Winchester Cathedral, cultural enthusiasts will delight in the magnificent Great Hall which houses King Arthur's Round table, Wolvesey Palace, the Old Bishop's Palace and Winchester College – one of England’s oldest public schools which was founded in the fourteenth century by William of Wykeham.
A beautiful city, Winchester has been used as one of the locations for filming both the Da Vinci Code and Les Miserables. Some of England’s greatest Kings and Queens, Bishops, Saints and literary giants such as Jane Austin are buried in Winchester and visitors from around the world arrive to pay their respects. Military history abounds in the city too with several museums within the old Penninsula Barracks, where you can fire a Baker Rifle or find out more about the various regiments of the British Army. The city is also home to the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium - the south of England's hands-on interactive science and technology centre which provides an outstanding educational resource supporting learning in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Winchester residents can experience an abundance of entertainment throughout the year including the summer Hat Fair, held in July, which is Britain’s longest running festival of street theatre and outdoor arts with artists and entertainers from all over the world.
In November, the spectacular annual bonfire and firework event, organised by Winchester Round Table for over 50 years, begins with entertainment on the Broadway followed by a torch light procession through the high street to the North Walls Recreation Ground.
At Christmas, Winchester is transformed into a magical place with the Christmas Market, now recognised as one of the best in Europe. Renown for its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere, visitors to the market can also take a turn at skating on the outdoor ice rink under the stars with family and friends, with the cathedral providing a stunning backdrop.
An enchanting candle lit lantern parade sets off the festivities in late November with all the magnificent and brightly coloured lanterns having been made by the local children and their families prior to the event.
Residents and visitors alike can listen to the angelic sounds of the Winchester Choristers singing carols by candlelight in the cathedral followed by a glass or two of festive spirit at the infamous Wykeham Arms, tucked away in the conservation area just a short stroll from the cathedral. The pub is an 18th century coaching inn of immense charm and character with a well established culinary reputation where visitors are invited to sit at old Winchester College desks – complete with inkwells and initials engraved by old Wykehamists. One desk even bears the school motto carved into the wood – ‘Manners Maketh Man’ – whilst curiosities adorn the walls and windowsills.
The villages surrounding Winchester are some of the most picturesque in the country. Easton and Sparsholt are firm favourites – being both a short drive from Winchester city centre yet providing friendly village communities with cricket clubs, village pubs and churches – as well as far reaching views over rolling fields and the hills beyond. Compton and Shawford provide a village setting and share an excellent school and numerous sporting opportunities yet are within very easy access of both the city centre and motorway to London and the cities of the south coast.
The villages of the Meon Valley as well as the Georgian market towns of Wickham and Petersfield are quintessentially English and very popular not only with commuters to London but also with those working in the Portsmouth, Winchester and Southampton areas. The pretty market towns of Stockbridge to the west of Winchester and Alresford to the East are also very popular places to live and are surrounded by many more beautiful and friendly villages – Houghton, Broughton, Cheriton, Kilmeston, Ovington, Avington – to name but a few.
Although concentrating mostly on finding properties in Winchester and Petersfield and the surrounding areas – Mulberry Homesearch would be very happy to consider searches slightly further afield within Hampshire such as the New Forest and Sandbanks in Dorset – both popular choices for holiday homes within a convenient drive of the capital.