Inspiration Wednesday – Winchester

The historic city of Winchester, in Hampshire, is our Inspiration Wednesday this week. A beautiful city with history dating back past the Roman times, Winchester is a vibrant and laid-back city these days.

Once a walled town, there is still much of Winchester’s past on show today, with the large cathedral, the Buttercross, the castle and several pretty, low roofed churches tucked away in the backstreets. You can also visit the home of Jane Austen before she died and there are a variety of walking tours about the author, if you want to step back in time for an afternoon.

The city offers much to its residents today too, though, with the university currently in the top 20 for student satisfaction and with a bustling high street. Nearby, you can visit Marwell Zoo, the Science Centre and Planetarium and the City Mill, which is now a National Trust property. The city has the UK’s largest Farmer’s Market, which you can find along the high street, and each winter there is an infamous German-style Christmas Market around the cathedral with unique locally produced gifts, food and drink and an ice-rink.

5 facts about Winchester

The cathedral has the longest nave in Europe. There is a sculpture of a man in wellies in the frequently flooded crypt, made by famous sculptor Anthony Gormley.

Jane Austen is buried here, even though she only lived here a few months before she died.

Actor Colin Firth is from Winchester.

In the castle sits ‘King Arthur’s Round Table’ which dates back to at least 1463.

Winchester is actually registered as a designated heritage city.

Property in Winchester

This two bedroom property sits only half a mile from the centre of the city. With an airy layout and feel, this home is an easy space to make your own. The balcony overlooking the green is a nice addition to the apartment, giving you somewhere to sit with friends in the summer evenings.

This three bedroom property in Kings Worthy, just outside of Winchester, is a lovely family home. With a cosy living room, open plan kitchen/ dining area and a long garden, this is a great choice, in a lovely location.

This stunning five bedroom home in Springvale Road sits in Kings Worthy too. With plenty of space, this is the perfect home for those with regularly visiting family and friends. There are five bedrooms and three bathrooms and the layout is light and spacious. The garden is gorgeous, with steps and flowerbeds built into the gradual slope. This is the ideal and cosy home for those who would like that extra bit of space.