How to get out Winchester (England)
The area around Winchester contains some very attractive scenery and some interesting attractions. Use of a car (or a bicycle) is a near necessity for exploring most of these, although with patience and careful use of a bus timetable some are accessible by public transport.
The Hospital of St Cross, St Cross Road, Winchester (1 mile south of city centre; grid reference SU476277), telephone 878218, [ . The Hospital of St Cross was founded in the 1130´s by Bishop Henry of Blois to accommodate thirteen poor men and is still home to 25 Brothers, whose apartments form one side of the historic quadrangle. The chapel is an unspoiled example of the period during which Norman architecture transitions into Gothic. The Hospital has a long tradition of hospitality and now offers refreshment to visitors in the restored Hundred Men's Hall. The traditional Wayfarer's Dole is still given at the Porter's Gate to all travellers who request it. Accessible by road, by a half-hour walk along the River Itchen (from City Mill; signposted), or by Solent Blue Line bus 47 (buses run twice per hour M-Sa and once per hour on Su; see Get around above for bus company details; alight at the Bell Inn). Open any reasonable hour. Free.
Mid-Hants Railway, The Railway Station, Alresford (5 miles east of Winchester on the A31; grid reference SU587324), telephone 733810, . Often known as the Watercress Line, this preserved steam railway follows the route of an old line from Alresford to Alton which was abandoned in the 1970s. The stations and trains are carefully restored to bring back the atmosphere of a Southern Railway journey in the first decades of the twentieth century. Accessible by road or by Stagecoach buses 64 and X64 (buses run twice per hour M-Sa and every two hours on Su; see Get around above for bus company details; alight at the Swan Hotel, New Alresford). Operates on Sa and Su from Apr-Oct, and some weekdays May-Sep; See their website or telephone the number above for details. £10 (adults); £9 (seniors); £5 (children).
Marwell Zoological Park, Colden Common (6 miles south-east of Winchester on the B2177; grid reference SU506217), telephone 07626-943163 from within the UK, . The Park has over 200 rare and endangered species of animals. The Marwell Preservation Trust is dedicated to conservation and increased knowledge of all living creatures. Accessible by road or by Stagecoach bus 69 (4 buses on Su only; see Get around above for bus company details). Open Apr-Oct M-Su 10AM-6PM; Nov-Mar M-Su 10AM-4PM; last admission 90 minutes before close; closed Dec 25th. £11.50 (adult); £9.50 (senior or student); £8 (child).
Twyford Waterworks, Twyford, Winchester, telephone 714 716, . A preserved Edwardian water pumping station open on selected dates throughout the year where visitors can see how water was pumped by steam, diesel and electrically powered engines. There is also a set of lime kilns, water softening works, industrial railway and an extensive nature trail. Adults £4.00, children free.
INTECH Science and Technology Centre, Morn Hill, Winchester, telephone 863 791, . An interactive family museum with regular activities and events. Daily 10AM-4PM. Admission charge.
Visit the New Forest, about half an hours drive or a short through train journey away.
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Winchester (England)
