THE WINCHESTER GUIDE to
As a Winchester student, there are no 30-minute bus rides to the nearest civilisation, it’s 10 minutes to walk into the centre of the city. We’re in the unique position of being a campus university on the edge of the city centre. That means the city is a big part of our identity, and it’s going to be a big part of your time here. Right now, you may know nothing about the city, and that’s why we created this.
If this whets your appetite, come and explore Winchester for yourself. See you around the city soon.
THE A RC
We’re starting with the Arc, it’s the newest cultural hub in the city, recently refurbished to add in even more ways to experience the arts. Used for a variety of different purposes throughout its history (corn exchange/roller skating rink/theatre/dance hall/library), for awhile now this space has been the library of the city, and that’s still a strong reason to visit the Arc. Naturally, every book you need is already on campus, but the Arc does stock a whole list of interesting other options, such as magazines, audiobooks and cookbooks. It’s worth getting a membership for the digital access alone.
Since the refurb, the Arc also hosts regular comedy and music gigs, a digital lab with regular workshops, art gallery, café and films. In fact, the Arc is a pretty good way to see classic films at very reasonable prices. It’s always worth keeping an eye on the programme, as there’s usually something of interest happening soon. Being the library, also means it’s got study spaces, if you’re ever stuck on assignment a walk down to the city and working in a different study space might just provide the inspiration you need to get it finished.
BOOMTOWN FESTIVAL
Without strolling into the clichés, Boomtown really is unlike any other festival in the UK. It’s not so much a set of stages to go and watch artists perform, as a much as a living city with a cast of residents and its own unique history. In fact, the concept of stages doesn’t really exist at the festival, performers can pop up in any place from the ‘streets’ of the city to parties hidden deep in the ‘forests’.
The overall experience is so strong that the organisers no longer release the line up before the festival starts, you just turn up, have a great time and a discover the artists
along the way. In the past, the heavy focus has been on reggae and every type of electronic music, with space for folk, world, metal and punk too. Headline sets in recent years have come from Gorillaz, Kool and the Gang, De La Soul, Four Tet and Chase & Status. This is something that you should really make time to visit at least once during your time here, it’s something you won’t forget.
Picture: Boomtown by Jody Hartley
C AFÉS
Honestly, you don’t need to go to Italy or France for café culture; it’s right here in Winchester. There’s a range of cafés for you to meet with friends or just have some time to yourself. The Square is the best place to start your café adventure in Winchester, with Honey + Harvey, The General Store, Café Monde and the Orangery all spilling out onto the streets here.
Behind the Square, Academy on Little Minster Street offers specialty coffees from around the world and is the spot for anyone serious about coffee. If you fancy a bit of cake with your drink, then Frieda’s Tearoom is a must-visit. For something more substantial, Josie’s is a perennial favourite amongst locals and has the most extensive brunch menu in the city. If you want a bit of nature with your coffee, head out to the Handlebar Café on the edge of the city.
You know, we’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg here. We’ll leave it to you to find the other great spots around the city.
ODIT!
With an entire city to explore, there’s so much to do that you just need to do it!
Paddleboarding on the river? We’ve got that. Spotting a meerkat or two? Marwell Zoo makes a great day trip. Hiking with your friends? We’re on the edge of the South Downs National Park, with routes that stretch all the way to Brighton. Nature and the outdoors is part of Winchester life, whether you hire a bike and explore King Alfred’s Way cycle path, take a picnic and weave your way along the Pilgrim’s Trail or visit the coast for the day with your flatmates.
You can go on gin tours at Winchester Distillery, learn to make awesome coffee on a Winchester Coffee School course, or you can visit one of the many foody festivals – a favourite is the popular Cheese and Chilli Festival.
Or there’s the Planetarium showing incredible star shows, classic films or Science Lates events that include live science demos, a silent disco, a board game café, fully stocked bar with themed cocktail specials and much more.
Picture: by Harvey Mills
EVERYTHING ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Sprawling university campuses, with each bit miles and miles away from each other. That’s a chore.
Maybe you’ve visited them, maybe your friends go to them, maybe you’ve heard a Student Ambassador claim how ‘easy/fun/ not bad really once you do it’ it is to climb on four different buses to get to all parts of them.
Here in Winchester, the city centre is a ten minute walk from campus so you can easily pop down for a coffee and a chill out at the Cathedral grounds in between lectures.
The uni has a distinct, lovely campus, but it’s not isolated at all. Your accommodation can be minutes from your seminar room, your workshop a short walk from working out at the gym, part-time job a stroll from your favourite place for lunch. Everything across Winchester is super walkable.
FOOD
Winchester’s food scene is diverse and thriving. Your favourites are already here, but there’s always something new to discover. In the mood for tacos and craft beer? Try Overdraft. Want giant sharing pizzas? Head to Pi. Craving sourdough pizza? Three Joes has got you covered. How about with cider? The Stable has you sorted. Fancy pie and mash? Visit Piecaramba! Burgers your thing? Try Burpin’ Rons or the Dispensary Kitchen. If you’re in the mood for Malaysian street food, Lucky Lychee is a must-visit. For incredible sushi, bao, or kimbap, check out Bento Factory, Anita’s Kitchen, and Kyoto Kitchen. For a curry, try Rimjhim Indian, or
Gurkha’s Inn and Gurkha Spice, reflecting Winchester’s long friendship with Nepal. Along Jewry Street, you’ll find a whole street of restaurants including Bangkok Bistro and Dim T. For authentic Greek food, head around the corner to Yiayia’s Kitchen. For a kebab that’s a cut above, check out Since 1988. If you’re after pub grub, the Old Vine, The Willow Tree, and The Wykeham Arms are great starting places.
There are many more places for you to discover, and if you prefer to stay in, many of these places will deliver directly to your door.
G AINING PERSPECTIVE
As much as it’s great to be in the middle of Winchester, sometimes it’s great to get some space and inspiration from looking over the city.
There are two great hills on either side of the city – St Catherine’s Hill and St Giles Hill.
The top of St Catherine’s Hill is a gorgeous 30 minute walk from the Cathedral. You might need to catch your breath when you get to the top – both because of the stunning view and the steep climbs. There’s even an old mizmaze to walk around too.
St Giles Hill offers a great view of the city centre but it’s also a chilled green space to relax and watch the world go by. Head to the viewpoint to spot many of the city’s historic
buildings from a new viewpoint. It’s a great spot to see the sun go down and watch the city light up.
And not quite so high – but also a good shout – climb the narrow stairs (mind your head) to the top of the Westgate and you’ll have a great view looking down the High Street.
H AT FAIR
Hat Fair, the wonderful, quirky and free festival, takes over the city every year, and as it approaches its 50th anniversary, it’s the UK’s longest-running Outdoor Arts festival. The city buzzes with street performers, art, and culture that spread from the high street to the Busket Yard, the Cathedral grounds, and the popular green space of Abbey Gardens at the bottom of the city centre.
Hat Fair is an excellent opportunity to just relax and hang out with friends while enjoying the performances by some of the most talented local and international performers. From a kilt-wearing juggler
scaling a 3-metre, free-standing ladder with knives to Eko the Sea Giant, a giant puppet controlled by five puppeteers and flanked by contemporary dancers, it’s not a regular picnic in the park.
Picture credit: Hat Fair
I NDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
It’s been said by wise and very lovely people* that ‘independent businesses are the backbone of Winchester’. We couldn’t agree more**. Up and down the High Street and nestled along Winchester’s picturesque side streets, you’ll find a treasure trove of proudly independent businesses, offering you a plethora of shopping, eating, and drinking opportunities. Yeah, Winchester has names you’ll recognise, but break free of the chains (see what we did there?!) for the passion and uniqueness that comes with independents.
Vintage sportswear – tick (99 Vintage). Sushi – tick (Anita’s Kitchen, 21 Sushi). Flowers – tick (The Original Flower Stall, Catkin and Pussywillow). Delis – tick (Basil Leaf Deli). Gifty bits – tick (H&B Style, Warren and Son). Aspirational lifestyle store – tick (The Hambledon) Pie shop – big tick (Piecaramba) Bevs – tick (Overdraft, Incognito, Greens, Hyde Tavern, St James Tavern) Cafés for days – all tickedy boo here (General Store, Projects, Winchester Bakery, Cabinet Rooms, Academy).
* Okay, full disclosure it’s been said by us, in a
really great blog post on Winchester’s independent businesses that you totally should go read.
** Of course we couldn’t agree more, we’re agreeing with ourselves. Good thing this isn’t an assignment, definitely dodgy defence of an argument going on here.
J UST HANGING OUT
Winchester is the perfect city in which to loaf, lounge and generally hang out. In the Spring and Summer, or as soon as the sun makes an appearance, Winchester students congregate to have their lunch on the Cathedral green, slap bang in the centre of the city. For your picnic lunch, there is an abundance of coffee stops (see the Cafés entry in this guide), bubble tea shops, meal deals and takeaway venues. These range from good old-fashioned bakeries (trust us, there’s plenty of choice), Sushi or Bao from the Bento Factory and fish and chips from Shoal under the Guildhall.
For a giant cookie and a coffee, the appropriately-named Flat Whites coffee pod is conveniently parked up in Market Street, right by the Cathedral green is a favourite amongst the locals.
Other hanging out haunts include Oram’s Arbour near the uni, by the waterside in River Park, at the foot of town in Abbey Gardens and for those prepared for the lung-busting ascent, the top of St Catherine’s Hill.
K INGS WALK
Kings Walk is just one small area of the city, but it’s range of independent businesses mean that it leaves a big impression. It’s an easy place to spend an afternoon in the city. First up is the Elephant Independent Record Store, this is a great place for the latest indie releases and deep cuts. They don’t run a website, which means that it’s a great place to pick up those limited releases that sell out instantly online. Next is Design Junction, which is a creativity space with regular workshops and events. Their speciality is their rug making workshops, where you learn to tuft and get to take home your work, life drawing is another regular.
Opposite the shops is the Nutshell, which is a performing arts space with regular events. Lastly, it wouldn’t be a street in Winchester without cafés, two of the best are on Kings Walk. Open House Deli has a menu of incredible, local, environmentally conscious food and is the place to get a salad in town, they even have a shop if you want to treat your pantry. South Downs Social is the city’s bike café and a great place for watching races live, cycling talks, cycling training events and getting something great to eat or drink.
L EGENDS
In a city that’s stood for as long as Winchester has, there’s lots of legends and history to explore. Perhaps the most famous of the legends is that of King Arthur, it’s claimed his court was based in Winchester and there is a copy of his mythical round table hanging in the Great Hall.
Another famous king, Alfred the Great, made Winchester the capital of his kingdom and he’s still present in statue-form overlooking the Broadway, in the east of the city. Of course, we have a King Alfred pub too, with a fab garden in leafy Hyde.
And don’t forget William Walker (also a pub!), the diver who saved the Cathedral, which was sinking, by spending 6 years working in pitch black conditions shoring up the rapidly disappearing foundations of the cathedral. You’ll find statues and nods to him around the city, or a local who’s happy to tell you the story.
Lastly, Jane Austen is buried in the Cathedral and in nearby College Street you can see the house where she spent the last few months of her life.
M USIC
Winchester is a small city, what does that mean for the music scene? A few things really, making the Railway Inn your local haunt is a great way to see the acts of the future before they break out. It also means you have the chance to see some of the most legendary acts in the history of music, if you’re willing to settle for the tribute acts.
There’s something authentic about the acts you can see in Winchester, these are the people that are doing it for the love of doing it rather than contractual obligations. You may not recognise the names all the time but it’s always worth giving someone new a shot, it’s part of what University is about.
Part of the reason the music scene is so unique in Winchester is that we are so close to Southampton, which means that the big touring acts are just a short journey away. And for the mega acts? Well, the O2 arena is just over an hour away by train.
Picture credit: Railway Inn
N IGHTS
What’s the nightlife like in Winchester?
That’s a question we get a lot here and for us it’s the perfect combination of laidback socialising, locally sourced drinks, craft cocktails, as well as the chance to let loose and have a boogie on the dance floor. This is a city of bars and pubs so whether it’s the start of the night, or just the whole night, there’s going to be a spot that has the right vibes, the right drinks and is close enough to become your regular spot.
Taking it up a step, we’re also known for cocktail hangouts check out Incognito
for the most mind-bending cocktail presentation or the cabinet rooms for a full cocktail menu and evening events such as film & book clubs. If you’re dancing, Alfie’s, O’Neill’s and The Broadway have the space and the songs you know, if you’re looking for something different Overdraft is vinyl only covering Soul, Hip Hop, DnB and even an open deck night if you’re brave enough.
O N SCREEN
The city might already be familiar to you, even if you’re not aware of it. Take a wander around the cobbled streets of Winchester and you might recognise a few things –streets, buildings, monuments, that have slipped through to popular culture. The majestic Winchester Cathedral features in many a television show and film, including Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Ron Howard’s The Da Vinci Code, BBC’s Wolf Hall and Netflix’s The Crown.
Winchester also disguises itself as the streets of Paris during the Revolution in Tom
Hooper’s Les Misérables and Winchester College stands in for Oxford in Lone Scherfig’s The Riot Club. Many well known performers from Hugh Jackman to Claire Foy have walked the streets of Winchester, so you’re in good company.
And just to bring the examples up to the modern day, Josie’s cafe – (the ultimate pancake stacks in the city) is mentioned a few times in Beth O’Leary’s romantic novel The No-Show
PART-TIME JOB
Regardless of what position you’re starting University in, it’s likely that’ll you’ll need some extra money to keep living your best life. Obviously improving the cash flow is the biggest benefit of getting a part-time job as a student, but from our own experiences and speaking to others, there are a range of other benefits too, such as, professional development you can put on your CV, the chance to network and meet new people and it can help build your confidence, as you’ll be in a new place with new challenges to meet.
Luckily Winchester is a great city to find part-time jobs; the wide range of bars, restaurants, pubs and tourist attractions mean there’s always something going. The careers team have also set up an online jobs board that makes it easy to find something that suits you. Another benefit of being a Winchester student is the extensive range of on-campus jobs only for students, these combine a great rate of pay with flexibility that prioritises your studies.
Q UENCH
If you are looking for something different to the usual tea or coffee, then there is also plenty to offer in the city. We have one of the most unique drinks shop in the country in Proudfoot and co. They are dedicated to producing local, ingredients are foraged from just outside the city and drinks from recipes that had almost been lost to time. There’s something incredible about the passion of the owner, and the ingredients are wild, there’s syrups and oils from nuts and herbs you’ve never heard of before.
If you are completely over coffee then visit Chococo, a ‘chocolate house’ serving a wide range of single origin hot chocolate, who knows, it could be your next indulgence.
Finally, for those with a thirst for novelty, Bento Factory proffers an array of Japanese sodas and drinks. Conversely, tucked away like a hidden gem, the River Mini Market offers a variety of imported American & world drinks. I’m still surprised it hasn’t gone viral on TikTok yet.
RIVER ITCHEN
The Itchen is the chalk river which flows right through the city’s Winnall Moors Nature Reserve. You can walk alongside the river on the Itchen Way all the way to Eastleigh or Southampton which you can do in a day – it’s then just a short 10-minute train ride back to Winchester. The river is incredibly clear which is great for spotting nature, on your walks keep an eye out for brown trout, dragonflies, kingfishers and herons and if you’re lucky, water voles and otters.
For a shorter walk, follow the circular riverside route along the foot of
St Catherine’s Hill, perhaps stopping at the Handlebar Cafe. One option is then to head straight on to the Hockley Viaduct which used to be a trainline but is now pedestrianised and has fantastic views from the top. Your other option is to turn right at the signposts and head past the medieval almshouse, the Hospital of St Cross, and then on to Garnier Road possibly stopping for a toastie or mac & cheese bites at the Garden Café at the Pump House.
S PORT
We like to play ball . . . and swim. And run. Oh, and cheer!
Whether there’s a particular sport you’re passionate about or you want to try something new, we have loads of options for you to choose from.
The Team Winchester sports teams are run by the Student Union and everybody is welcome to take part. You’re going to want to too, because the facilities are first-class. As well as our on-campus gym, sports hall, fitness suite and multi-use games area, we have a floodlit eight-lane athletic track and all-weather pitches. And don’t take our word for it – England’s throwing athletes
use Winchester Sports Stadium as their preferred training location in the south. Winchester’s sport and leisure centre also offers an amazing spot for all your sporty pursuits, whether in the 50 metre pool, up the climbing wall or in a fitness class..
There are over 30 different university sports teams for you to join, including football, rugby, hockey, American football, cheerleading, and cricket to name a few.
Sport at Winchester is a great way to look after your mind and body, whilst also meeting new people.
TRAVEL
Winchester’s strategic location as the former capital of England has made it an ideal hub for travellers, and that still stands today. With just an hour’s train ride, you can reach the bustling heart of London and be part of any event or occasion. Southampton, our nearest major city, is a mere 15-minute train ride away and provides you with all the amenities you could wish for in a city.
With Southampton Airport being only eight minutes away by train, it’s simple to catch a flight and explore abroad, including the new 1 hour 20 minute flight to Paris.
If you’re looking for a trip to the seaside,
Bournemouth is an hour away by train and offers a beautiful beach, as well as the typical attractions.
Alternatively, you can make a stop in the incredible New Forest, halfway between Winchester and Bournemouth, and explore the natural beauty of the area. If you get the time, you’ll find it easy to get anywhere from Winchester.
U NION
Give it a go, that’s what everyone says about University, and you know what? It’s completely true. This is one of those no risk periods in life where you can try out a whole range of sports or societies. You can try something you’ve always wanted to do, something you’ve been scared to do, something you’ve always loved. Of course, that doesn’t mean you might be nervous to just turn to turn up in the first place, but everyone is in the same boat and the SU is there to support you.
It’s not just societies and sports though, the Union run the Vault, which is essentially a nightclub on campus. It’s the place to go for student nights, and they cover a range of genres and vibes, though for most people
BOP on Wednesday night, following sports and societies, is the big one. It’s not all club nights though, the Union also ran a variety of events such as film screenings, pub quizzes, wellbeing cafés, bingo, sporting events, Yoga and student election debates. Trust me, the debates can get very interesting.
VOLUNTEERING
The University has loads of volunteering opportunities for you to get stuck into. From one off beach cleans or litter picking events, to being trained to become a Student Listener, there are lots of ways for you to give back.
Volunteering can also open doors. Events such as these can be precious opportunities to network with other participants, make connections, and talk with likeminded people, which is a great opportunity when you’re new to a city and a university.
It’s one of the best ways to boost your CV as well, all the experience you gain can you help you get noticed and then gives you well rounded experience to impress an employer with during the interview, you’ll be a step ahead of others.
Joining a University of Winchester society that’s founded in compassion and philanthropy, such as Action for Refugees, Feminism Society, or our society that supports CoppaFeel!, Uni Boob, are also brilliant ways to learn about issues and support causes you believe in.
WATCH
If you’re a film fanatic, Everyman Winchester is a must-visit venue. Located at the former Military Barracks chapel, this Grade 2 listed building boasts a rich history dating back to 1852. They’ve even got a classic billboard out the front, which just adds the cherry on top of the cinema experience.
For sports enthusiasts, Winchester has a lot to offer. The city is home to the Winchester Rugby Club and Winchester Football Club, both of which host a range of exciting fixtures throughout the season providing a great chance to experience lower league fandom. If you’re looking for a good laugh, check out the many comedy gigs happening in Winchester. With a variety of venues hosting regular stand-up nights, you’re sure to find something to tickle you.
For something truly unique, try the 878AD experience. This interactive historical attraction takes you on a journey through Anglo-Saxon Winchester, using the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla game engine and live performance to complete the immersion.
X MAS MARKET
Not to be dramatic, but we think most Christmas songs are basically singing about Winchester’s festively bustling Christmas market:
• ‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire’. We got ‘em.
• ‘Making spirits bright.’ I mean if a cosy cup of hot chocolate/mulled wine, some carols, the strong smell of cinnamon, cloves and orange from one of those wreath things, and twinkly lights on little wooden huts don’t make your spirits bright, then, well, sorry to hear that.
• ‘I’ll have a blue Christmas without you.’
Poor Elvis, singing about how sad he
was at Christmas since he wasn’t at the Winchester Christmas market.
Snuggling up next to the Cathedral, the annual Christmas market really is lovely. A neat mix of stuff for sale including a bunch of vendors dedicated to handmade items, and an ever-increasing mix of food vendors (hellooo there raclette people. Yes I would like a disgustingly large blob of melted cheese on those potatoes before I then visit the chocolate cake guy) make this something Yule not want to miss.
YOUR VOICE
Ok, real talk. As a university student, you’re the expert on your experience and taking the opportunities to help shape the experience for you, your classmate, and the next bunch of Winchester students, is incredibly powerful.
That’s where Winchester Student Union comes in. Through the SU there are so many ways to be heard.
Winchester Student Union is run by elected student officers. At the very least, make sure you vote every year on who you want running YOUR events, activities, services, support and campaigns. Also, never count yourself out from running for office yourself.
There’s also the chance to be on StudentStaff Liaison Committee, where you can represent the views of your classmates in discussions with your lecturers. Or maybe you want to take on a leadership role in one of the representational networks, or within a society or sports team.
Feedback really does drive change. From longer library opening hours, to card machines in the Vault (yes, really, it used to just be cash!) the voices of past students have helped shape your student experience today.
Z ERO REGRETS
Look, we’ve said enough, here’s what the students think of Winchester:
‘Everything is literally a 20-minute walk away. The train station, the town, supermarkets, anything you need is only 20 minutes from you, which I have loved. The city has quite a community feel.’
ANNIE
‘Christmas market, number one! I think because Winchester is more like a big town you can get to know all of your fellow students and feel like part of a community. The city is beautiful. There is nothing better than on a crisp morning walking around town and through the Cathedral grounds and equally doing the same in the summer because that’s where the students hang out.’
SOPHIE
‘Winchester is very safe. I never worry about anything. There is a prominent student life here too and it is a very manageable city.’
JAKE
‘There’s so much history and natural beauty. There’s so much nature around – it’s really good for your wellbeing.’
BEX
This guide hasn’t been sponsored by any of the businesses included. Any inclusion or exclusion have been at the subjective discretion of the University of Winchester’s Content team for the purpose of giving an illustrative overview of the city. We encourage you to discover Winchester for yourself, including the vast array of excellent places not included here. A great place to find out more is visit winchester.co.uk
