Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, Hampshire
Winchester has the longest medieval cathedral in Europe and not only that, it showcases all the main phases of English church architecture from the 11th to the 16th century. There’s plenty of medieval stuff to see – floor tiles, wall paintings and misericords, and the headless and armless sculpture that was dug up in the cathedral grounds. There’s so much of note but in particular, you should see the huge vaulted Norman crypt where Antony Gormleys Sound II sculpture stands knee deep in water when the crypt floods, and the seven chantry chapels standing as testament to the beauty Renaissance architecture. See the 12th century Winchester Bible, find Jane Austen’s grave, and if you look up, you’ll notice the staggering number of roof bosses, some painted; there are over a thousand of them. There’s a Children’s Trail, and of course, you can have a guided tour; if you have ahead for heights book a Tower Tour where you’ll see the ginormous cathedral bells, the ringing chamber and the massive wooden beams of the nave. All to marvel at, all to marvel at.
The best way to round off a visit to Winchester Cathedral is by going to the Refectory for a cup of tea, a cake or light lunch; the contemporary style is quite a surprise, to sit out on the terrace or in the gardens on a warm day is a delight – and that’s something else – if you have time, and if they’re open, go and have a peek at the small but tranquil Dean Garnier Gardens on the site of the monks’ dormitory off the Inner Close.
There are discounts for groups of 10 or more
Open Mon-Sat 9.30 am-5.00 pm Sun 12.30 pm-3.00 pm
T: 01962 857200 All information correct at the time of writing