History and beauty around every corner…
Stories of kings, legends and literary greats…
A gorgeous natural environment…
Winchester is an enchanting setting for a summer or year-round junior programme (and for those at our main school in Southampton, it’s just 20 minutes away by train). Here, we list six reasons why should visit this wonderful city.
1. It’s England’s Beautiful Former Capital
Winchester was the seat of Anglo-Saxon kings before London became England’s capital. This is evident in the magnificent architecture, from the 11th-century Winchester Cathedral, the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe, to its gorgeous High Street with enticing shops. It’s easy to see why 4 million people visit every year.
2. The Famous Round Table
The Round Table connected with the legend of King Arthur has hung in the Great Hall – the only surviving part of Winchester Castle – for over 700 years. It’s an imitation believed to be made in the 13th century. Students love dressing up in medieval costumes and imagining they’ve travelled back in time.
3. Surrounded by Natural Beauty
Stunning landscapes surround the city. Students take the footpath through the picturesque Water Meadows and up St Catherine’s Hill for breath-taking views of the city (and a game of orienteering!). The walk along the crystal-clear River Itchen to Winchester City Mill is another highlight.
4. Jane Austen
Winchester is also the final resting place of beloved author Jane Austen, who spent her last years here (in the house pictured below*) and is buried in the cathedral. The 250th anniversary of her birth (2025) is a great time to visit, with events celebrating her life and work.
5. Only 1 Hour from London
The centre of London is just a 60-minute train ride away – ideal for day trips, as students can maximise their time among the iconic sights of the capital.
6. Compact, Safe and Convenient
With a population of 50,000, Winchester is small, safe and easily navigable. Our base at the University of Winchester is just a 15-minute walk from the city centre (above), offering a peaceful environment with residential accommodation and excellent facilities for our exciting junior programmes. It’s an ideal location in this inspiring city.
Watch our video below to explore further or visit our Winchester Junior Summer Centre page for details of our programmes.
*Photo of Jane Austen’s house by Peter Trimming, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90929345
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