The Square, full of quaint shops and cafes in medieval Winchester (Image: Getty)
Long before became capital city, there was another much quieter little city that held that prestigious title.
With its ancient medieval buildings, magnificent Cathedral and Castle, Roman Walls, top schools, and prime Geographical position, it is easy to see how this charming little city could have once had such major historical significance.
Even though it lost the title of capital city over 1,000 years ago, it remains one of th most expensive and affluent areas in the UK.
In 871 at the tender age of 21, Alfred was crowned King of Wessex and established Winchester as his capital and despite the growing importance of London, it remained so until the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The Cathedral city in Hampshire lies at the western end of the South Downs National Park, on the River Itchen.
Winchester developed from the Roman town of Venta Belgarum which in turn developed from an Iron Age oppidum.
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Winchester Cathedral, built in the Gothic style from 1079 to 1532 (Image: Getty)
But houses in this historic city don’t come cheap. The average price of a home bought with a in Winchester was £501,000 in December 2024 compared to an average of £268,000 across the UK.
The city’s major landmark is Winchester Cathedral, which boasts the longest medieval nave in Europe, and contains numerous ancient monarchs of Wessex and Wincheste. The city is also home to the University of Winchester and Winchester College, the oldest public school in the country still using its original buildings.
The City Museum, located on the corner of Great Minster Street and The Square, contains much information on the history of Winchester. The museum was one of the first purpose-built museums to be constructed outside London.
Since 1974, Winchester has hosted the annual Hat Fair, a celebration of street theatre that includes performances, workshops, and gatherings at several venues around the city.
A series of 24 bollards on the corner of Great Minster Street and The Square were painted in the style of famous artists, or with topical scenes, by The Colour Factory between 2005 and 2012 at the behest of Winchester City Counci
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Winchester is also the home of Blue Apple Theatre, a theatre company that supports performers with learning disabilities to develop theatre, dance and film productions. It won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2012.
The city hosts one of the UK’s larger farmers’ markets with about 100 stalls. The market takes place on the second and last Sunday of the month in the city centre. It also hosts the annual Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market which runs from mid-November to just before Christmas.
Around 4.6 million tourists flock to Winchester every year compared to today’s capital London which receives 30 million.
A spokesperson for Visit Winchester said: “From world class attractions and architecture, unrivalled shopping and delicious dining, to countryside trails for walking and cycling – there’s plenty to do in and around Winchester.
“Explore the medieval streets of Winchester and admire the history of Winchester Cathedral, Wolvesey Castle and Winchester City Mill before strolling along the River Itchen to The Hospital of St Cross. Why not end your day with an evening of comedy, theatre, ballet or opera at one of Winchester’s entertainment venues in the cultural quarter of the city?
“You could also hire a bike or simply take a stroll through the South Downs National Park, taking in some of the most breath-taking views across Hampshire.”