Winchester: The secrets of our city
In the side streets and quiet corners of our city, there are many hidden delights. If you live or study in this city for three years without discovering some of these lesser known places, you will be missing some gems. Whether you have not yet heard of these places or have simply not noticed them, they’re all worth exploring. Here are some of our favourites.....
Cafés and restaurants
Winchester is a super walkable city which has a thriving independent coffee shop and cafe scene. In recent years it has also become a foodies destination. Read on for our recommendations to bypass the chains.
Coffee Lab Academy Little Minster Street ☕
They take their coffee seriously here and are always full. Pastries = gargantuan.
Piecaramba Parchment Street 🥧
Pies and comic books? Why not! Piecaramba sell pies for everyone (including veggie, vegan and gluten-free) in a relaxed, geeky atmosphere. We're in.
Overdraft Jewry Street 🌮
You had us at Mexican street food, craft beers and DJ sets. Oh - and Taco Tuesdays.
5 Boroughs Jewry Street 🍕
Also on Jewry Street, aka Restaurant Street, is our favourite pizza-by-the-slice spot. Take out, eat in. Up to you.
Rost Stockbridge Road 🥣
Community-minded Rost is small in size but big of heart. Handmade organic flatbreads? Yes. Wholesome soup? Also yes. Giant cinnamon buns? We rest our case.
The Stable The Square 🍕
Rather than heading to the usual pizza chains, try The Stable for fresh sourdough pizza with a side speciality of West Country ciders and craft beers. And they usually have a daily special pizza at a student-friendly price.
Independent stores
Vintage and independent stores abound in Winchester. Some of them have excellent deals, whereas others are slightly out of our student budgets. Here we’ve listed some reasonable stores, with some aspirational if you feel like treating yourself.
Winchester Bookshop St George’s Street 📖
Three floors of antique and vintage books. Texts from £5 to beautiful antiquarian copies for quite a bit more.....
Deanery Bookstall Winchester Cathedral 📖
Run by volunteers, with all profits donated to the cathedral choirs.
Projects Store & Kitchen Middle Brook Street 🖼️
More than twenty independent local traders focusing on vintage and handmade. A student must visit for clothes, homewares, vinyl and zero waste storecupboard refills.
The Hambledon The Square 🏢
Slightly upmarket if you usually buy your home decor from Ikea, but super special and perfect for gifts or for making your student house feel more like a home.
Catkin and Pussywillow Railway Station 💐
You’ve probably seen this florist on the way to Winchester train station. Beautiful flowers and gifts for all fancier occasions (or apologies...).
Gardens, historical sites and green spaces
There are so many historic places in Winchester, including the Hospital of St Cross and the Round Table.
Winnall Moors Nature Reserve North Walls 🌲
With the River Itchen flowing right through it, this place feels like you’re in the middle of the countryside without even leaving the city.
Great Hall The Castle by Westgate 🏰
Worth it for the Round Table of Arthurian legend alone.
Close to the cathedral, this medieval castle is in ruins but still impressive.
St Catherine's Hill Garnier Road ⛰️
Not quite a secret but bear with us as it is absolutely worth a mention. Don’t be put off by the steep climb. With panoramic views of the city, and even as far as the coast on a clear day, the view more than rewards your effort.
Hospital of St Cross St Cross Road 🌳
The hospital started in the Middle Ages as a charitable almshouse to feed and house the impoverished. Now this very special tranquil spot is open (entry fee) for you to view the Norman chapel, peaceful gardens and lovely tea room.
And more........
Clue Capers the Broadway 🧩
Inside and outside escape room puzzling fun. Bring your smartest friends.
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium Telegraph Way 🌟
UK’s largest standalone planetarium. They even show themed movies on their vast screen at different times of the year. Think Hocus Pocus at Hallowe'en and Elf at Christmas.
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