Winchester Cathedral

Sightseeing

Discover the legends of King Arthur and other historic tales on a guided walking tour in Winchester. Explore William the Conqueror's Castle before strolling along the highstreet to Winchester Cathedral. Hear the echoes of John Keats' poetry as you wander along the banks of the River Itchen. Make your way to the West Gate to meet your friendly guide and group for the day. Enter Winchester Castle built by William the Conqueror and wander into the Great Hall. Listen to the legends of King Arthur and view the iconic Round Table. Walk along the high street to reach the world-famous Winchester Cathedral one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Admire the grounds and pay your respects to the English novelist Jane Austen who is buried here. Learn about King Alfred the Great and pass by his statue as you experience the beauty of the River Itchen. Stroll along the charming riverbank which inspired John Keats' poetry and see the ruins of Winchester Palace.

In this walking tour of Winchester you will travel through the centuries to unlock the history of this once powerful town. You will learn about the origins of the city and its apogee at the time of Alfred the Great and William the Conqueror as capital of the country. We will discover off the beaten path hidden gems, walk by impressive buildings such as the famous Winchester Cathedral, and learn about the serious impact the English Civil War had on this town. The trails and stories will take us up to Victorian times, and you will learn why this town was spared of bombing during the Second World War. Picturesque spots for pictures are guaranteed - and your guide will be happy to take them for you!

Day 1: You leave Manchester and head straight for the border of Wales. Your first stop of the day is Conwy. This little town deserves to win awards for most picture-perfect harbour town. There’s a castle perched by the sea, the ‘world’s smallest house’, and lots of little restaurants boasting the best fish and chips. After you’ve soaked up the sea air, you cross the world’s first modern day suspension bridge across the Menai Straits and onto Anglesey Island. Prior to its construction, cattle farmers would have to persuade their herd to swim across the Menai Straits on their way to market. We head for the most westerly point of North Wales to marvel at the South Stack Lighthouse, sea cliffs, and nature reserve. But that’s not all. You stop in the lovely seaside town of Beaumaris, and also visit the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for a quick photo stop. Then you travel back over the bridge and along the coastline to Llandudno, your overnight stop. Day 2: This morning when you head off, your first stop is to Betws-y-Coed. This beautiful little village is known as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. Next, sit back and watch Snowdonia’s mountains fly by as you continue onto Harlech Castle. This is one of our favourite castles in the whole of the UK. It boasts epic sea views and an amazingly war-torn history that involves a lot of dynamite. You then venture to one of the most charming and unique villages in Wales, Portmeirion. This town is the brainchild of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis. He wanted to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful location could be developed without spoiling it. The result is a stunning piece of the Mediterranean transported into North Wales. You have free time here to explore and grab a bite to eat. You head back to Llandudno for the evening. Day 3: After breakfast, your first stop is to the Llanberis Slate Museum*. The history of the second largest slate mine on the planet will stay in your memory for a long time. For your lunch stop today, we head to Llangollen. Situated along the River Dee, this little town will steal your heart. Next you’re off to one of England’s most historic towns, Chester. There’s a lot to do here, but we’d advise you just head to the Cathedral, you could spend a whole week in this fine building and not get bored. You arrive back in Manchester in the early evening.

What better way to experience Winchester, than a walk in the ghostly footsteps of King Alfred the Great? We will meet at the Buttercross, as darkness falls. Then see the site of the nation's last female public execution. Then we will see the haunted sites, and hear such grisly tales of Winchester's High Street and Cathedral. Including the dark tales of religious and poltical persecution. After we will visit the eerie ruins of Hyde Abbey, cemetery, and the actual resting place of England's first king.

Embarking on a journey through the historical, cultural, and heritage sites of the UK offers a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of English history. Royal Windsor Castle A major highlight of any exploration in this region is Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and a quintessential symbol of British royalty. The castle, which has been a residence for monarchs for nearly 1,000 years. Visitors can explore the lavish State Apartments, adorned with exquisite art and antiques, and the stunning St. George's Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that serves as the resting place for many British monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II. The beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the castle offer a serene escape, providing breathtaking views of the estate. Stonehenge Next on the itinerary is the enigmatic Stonehenge, one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in the world. Located on Salisbury Plain, this World Heritage Site has long captured the imagination of visitors and historians alike. The arrangement of massive stones, some weighing as much as 25 tons, continues to evoke questions about its purpose; theories range from it being a temple for sun worship to a burial ground or an astronomical calendar. Walking among these ancient stones, you can feel the profound sense of mystery and history that surrounds Stonehenge. Winchester Cathedral A short distance away, you'll find Winchester Cathedral, an architectural marvel that reflects over 1,400 years of English history. This magnificent structure is not only one of the longest Gothic cathedrals in Europe but also a site of royal significance, as it was once the seat of the Anglo-Saxon kings. The cathedral houses numerous chapels, stunning stained glass windows, and intricate tombs, including that of Jane Austen, making it a must-visit for literature enthusiasts. The surrounding city of Winchester is equally rich in history, with its winding streets and charming medieval buildings that invite exploration. Here, you can absorb the atmosphere of England’s past, from the Great Hall—home to the legendary Round Table of King Arthur—to the lush gardens and paths that trace the footsteps of time. Conclusion A personalized group tour of these iconic sites provides not just a chance to witness history, but also an opportunity for meaningful engagement with England’s cultural heritage. Whether gazing at the royal splendor of Windsor Castle, standing in awe of Stonehenge, or soaking in the tranquility of Winchester Cathedral, each destination invites you to experience the stories and legends that have shaped the nation. This immersive journey through the past promises to be both enlightening and unforgettable, making for an experience that resonates long after your visit concludes.

On the morning of your transfer your chauffeur will meet and greet you at your designated cruise terminal. From Southampton we will make our way to Salisbury Cathedral the home of the 1065 Magna Carta and home to the worlds first working mechanical clock.Enjoy this stunning cathdral with its hand carved spire which is the tallest in the UK and the second tallest in Europe. Moving on to Winchester Cathedral which was built in 1079 and finished in 1532 which has a tower height of 150ft (46m).Discover this cathedral with over 900 years of history .

Treat yourself to a day out in two beautiful cathedral towns that have yearly Christmas Markets getting a mix of seasonal cheer, history, and culture. Visit Salisbury Cathedral and Winchester Cathedral, and explore the Christmas markets in both towns. First, visit Salisbury Cathedral and see the beautifully restored Chapter House and the Magna Carta of 1215, a historic legal document. After this, you are free to explore the Christmas Markets at the nearby Guildhall and get some lunch. In the afternoon, head to the next historic Cathedral town, the capital of Anglo-Saxon England, Winchester. Drop off at the statue of King Alfred the Great and the markets are in the grounds of the beautiful Cathedral. Enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts, visit the Cathedral, and maybe visit the Great Hall. Finally, as the sunsets and the Christmas lights twinkle all around, make your way back to London.

Explore the literary heritage of Jane Austen with a guided tour starting from Southampton, visiting her home in Chawton where she penned her beloved novels, before continuing to her birthplace in Steventon, where you can see the site of the family rectory and the church her father served. The journey proceeds to Winchester, where Austen spent her final days, featuring lunch at a local eatery and a walking tour of the city, culminating in a visit to the stunning Winchester Cathedral, her final resting place, before returning you to Southampton. Meet your driver guide at Southampton Cruise Terminal or your Southampton Hotel and drive around 40 minutes to the pretty village of Chawton where Jane Austen spent most of her adult life and wrote her novels. This inspiring Hampshire cottage was Jane Austen’s home and the birthplace of her six beloved novels. From Chawton, drive 30 minutes through beautiful Hampshire countryside to Steventon the village where Jane Austen was born and grew up. Sadly the rectory in which the family lived was demolished in 1824, but visitors can see the site where it stood, marked by a lime tree that is said to have been planted by her brother James. See the stunning village and the church where her dad worked as a Rector. The next stop is the city of Winchester where Jane Austen spent the last days of her life. Stop for lunch in a local pub or café before enjoying a walking tour of the city. The final stop will be the spectacular Winchester Cathedral where you can see the final resting place of Jane Austen. From Winchester, travel back to Southampton where you will be dropped off at Southampton Cruise Terminal or your Southampton Hotel.

Enjoy a private transfer service between Southampton and London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, or nearby hotels. Travel in a spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned vehicle with at least 7 full-size seats and sufficient space for your luggage. Be picked up from your hotel, the airport, or the cruise terminal in Southampton. Choose to see your preferred attraction on the way like the Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, or Bath. After booking, the operator will contact you to confirm/clarify details, and special requirements. The driver will call/text you on arrival and guide you to the vehicle and help with the luggage. Baby or booster seats are available on request in advance. All parking fees, tolls, and drop-off charges are included, but attraction tickets need to be purchased separately.