Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Boodle Mart

The Legend of King Arthur and his Round Table

Only one hour away South of London is the bustling village of Winchester. The legend of King Arthur and his Round Table. Winchester Cathedral and the home where Jane Austin spent her last few days. There is also faded remnants of a Jewish history documented on a leaflet and located on Jewry Street. Tudor timber-framed homes and Thatched roof cottages. Winchester is the place to be if you are a fan of medieval history and architecture.

The Great Hall is a must-visit. This stunning building showcases the Round Table of legendary King Arthur and his knights dating back to the 13th century. The Great Hall in itself is a fine example of an aisled hall built between 1222 and 1235. The only remaining structure of Winchester Castle built by William the Conqueror in 1067. The Hall also showcases the steel gates that commemorated the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.

Winchester Cathedral is the longest in Europe and worth a visit. The intricate ribbed vaulted ceiling is quite striking. Pay attention to the floor tiles and simple floor tombstone marking Jane Austen’s burial place. Unfortunately, the Crypt was closed due to COVID-19, warranting another trip back!

Another worthy mention is to meander along the River Itchen towards Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishops Palace). Explore the remains of what was once the residential home to the powerful and wealthy Bishops of Winchester. (Free entrance, daily 10 am-5 pm, Apr-Oct and 10 am-4 pm during winter weekends).

Quintessential English Countryside

After spending the day visiting key sites, I hopped on the 67 bus towards Petersfield. I got off at Easton Lane to spend a relaxing afternoon and evening in the countryside. Only a 30-minute bus ride from Winchester, I fell in love with this location of peace and open space. “Quaint” and “lovely” definitely describe this area. I enjoyed a delicious late lunch at The Cricketers Inn watching the local villagers pop in and out. After that, I walked around the small village and even caught a cricket game.

The next day after enjoying a leisurely breakfast, I walked back to Winchester that took about an hour. Worth the walk, as I stopped to look at more thatched cottages. Quite a stunning collection of Tudor framed homes, the earliest dating back to 1450.

To conclude but not really as there is so much more to see in Winchester. I plan to go back.