It is said that if there is one place
that lies at the centre of English history and embodies
the romantic vision of the English heartland, it is
Winchester. Steeped in history dating back to the 9th
century when Egbert was crowned first king of England
here, Winchester, offers a fascinating insight into
old England.
Your guided tour starts at The Great Hall where you
can see King Arthur’s legendary Round Table and
learn about this wonderful legend. From here, walk down
through the City passing by Winchester College, the
country’s oldest public school. Continuing on
you can see the tiny church of St Swithun upon Kingsgate
perched above the gate that leads into the peaceful
and pictureseque Cathedral Close.
Enter Winchester Cathedral, the city’s greatest
monument housing some of the world’s best surviving
examples of Norman architecture. See the magnificent
choir stalls, the spectacular 15th -century stone reredos,
and beautiful stained glass windows. Among the famous
people buried here are William the Conqueror’s
son Rufus, and the author Jane Austen. Your guide will
show you the treasures that this beautiful building
has to offer the visitor before retiring to the Cathedral’s
award-winning Refectory for lunch overlooking lovely
gardens and of course the Cathedral itself.
After a leisurely lunch and some free time, re-join
your guide and coach for the transfer to Winchester.
|
