Winchester and Surrounds

A Historic City, The Round Table , Exquisite Country Homes and Gardens

There are English cities that exude history, you can feel yourself in time travel mode and imagine the people, places and historic events that unfolded there years ago. Winchester is such a city. As you walk through the town you get a sense of place and time. This is the city where William the Conqueror built one of his first English castles. The only surviving part of the Castle is the Great Hall, still there to view along with the legendary 13th century Round Table. A table tied to legends and myths. Another major attraction is the magnificent Winchester Cathedral dating back to 1079.

The town abounds with places to stop for tea and a meal and the architecture is picturesque. For the military enthusiast, Winchester includes 6 military museums, the Gurkas, the King's Royal Hussars, the Royal Hampshire Regiment, the Light Infantry, the Royal Green Jackets and the Adjutant General's Corp.
As you leave the city itself the surrounds offer much more for visitors interested in gardens, historic country homes, art and antiques. Two homes with colorful gardens and great walking tours around the grounds are Hinton Amper and Mottisfont Abbey. Mottisfont was the home of F. M. Halford, the father of modern day fly fishing. The clear spring spilling into the river Test running through the property is a sight to behold. As we visited, the daffodils and other spring flowers were in bloom creating a sea of color.

Both houses offer interesting architectural features, decorative art, fine art and antiques. The third house in the area is Broadlands, home of Lord Mountbatten, naval commander, statesman, Viceroy to India and cousin to the Queen. Here you will not only see a magnificently furnished home but gain insight into the life and history surrounding Lord Mountbatten in an interesting museum of his life, also on the property.

So, something for everyone, pick your sights of interest and enjoy a great day out. And remember, Don't Just See Europe, Experience It with The Savvy Traveler!