City Breaks

Relax and unwind in luxury at the Winchester Royal, with tasteful individually decorated bedrooms, an award winning restaurant and friendly, helpful staff.

Winchester is popular for its shopping streets and architecture, including the spectacular Winchester Cathedral. Only 10 minutes drive from the M3, the naval and historic Cities of Southampton and Portsmouth are within reach.

Your weekend break in Winchester couldn't be better spent than with a stay at the Winchester Royal Hotel. Its luxurious surroundings and award winning restaurant will ease you into relaxation and prepare you for a short break in this historic, ancient capital.

Winchester has a long and varied history documented as far back as prehistoric times where it was a trading centre, but more modern times can be seen in the architecture and felt in the bustle of this small city. It is dominated by the beautiful cathedral which was built in the 11th Century, but saw the nave remodelled in the 14th century. The fan vaulting of the nave ceiling is really something to behold. It isn't the only beautiful building to marvel at, Winchester if full of them! Take a look at the Great Hall in Queen Eleanor's gardens which is the only surviving part of the great Winchester Castle which was home to the Doomsday Book, and centre of Royal Court and governmental life for over 600 years.

A short break in Winchester would not be complete without perusing the wonderful array of shops in the centre. Not only will you find some high street chain stores, but also a myriad of independent shops and boutiques, galleries and local produce on the renowned Farmers Market.

There are many attractions in and around Winchester which will keep you busy whether you are visiting on a weekend break or a longer stay. Discover culture and heritage of the city at Winchester Discovery Centre, marvel at the Intech Science Centre and planetarium with inspiring hands on activities to keep the children entertained. Not far away is the Watercress Line steam railway which is a wonderful experience for any steam enthusiast. You may find there is too much to pack into a short break in Winchester, so will need to come back time and again.