An immensely popular, 102 mile national trail, that takes you from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex, via the most stunning countryside that the UK has to offer.
We took a three-day cycle on mountain bikes (with front suspension), though the route is suitable for any bike. A mixture of flat country-lanes and more difficult mountain slopes takes in a route used by traders for centuries. If the water-taps along the way do not suit your tastes, there are a number of rider-friendly pubs. Likewise, there are at least six bed and breakfast's for you to choose from before you finish at Beachy Head, which overlooks the English Channel.
The walk John Keats took when he was inspired to write his ode "To Autumn".
What better time than now to follow the route Keats took one autumn Sunday in 1819? You start out in the High Street where he lodged and end up at the Hospital of St. Cross which still doles out alms to the needy. It not only takes in many of Winchester's places of interest: the Cathedral (burial place of Jane Austen), Wolvesey Palace, Winchester College - but also passes along the beautiful banks of the River Itchen, which Keats described as "most beautifully clear". He also described the air as "worth sixpence a pint" - not sure how that rates after inflation!
www.visitwinchester.co.uk/site/keats-walk-introduction
Google map: bit.ly/nkMdDA
It is a beautiful Christmas market full of great gifts. It also has an outdoor ice rink and food stalls so you really feel like you have entered into the Christmas spirit right next to the beautiful Winchester Cathedral.
Winchester Cathedral
1 The Close, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LS
Google map: bit.ly/dI0e8I
The Chesil Rectory is a beautiful restaurant in the lovely centre of Winchester. Although the prices put it in the "special occasion" category, the menu is incredibly well put together and the food tasty and locally sourced. The restaurant itself is in an old tudor building.
www.chesilrectory.co.uk
Near the statue of King Alfred and Guild Hall in Winchester city centre
Google map: tinyurl.com/25t5mbo
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Winchester basics
- Population:
- 40,000
- Currency:
- UK Pound (£)
- Time zone:
- GMT
- Dialling code:
- +44 (0) 1962
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