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Welcome to Winchester

Hampshire Cricket

Recent headlines have put the spotlight on an indigenous Australian cricket tour of1868 that marked the lifting of previous restrictions on Aboriginal travel. The celebrated cricketers visited the Bat & Ball Inn in Hambledon as part of their itinerary - and by coincidence this weekend saw the launch of Hampshire's own cricket trail with the same institution at its heart.

To find out why the Hambledon era marked such a critical phase in the evolution of cricket and to trace the evolution of cricket in Hampshire for yourself, click on the link to view www.cricketingwinchester.co.uk.

To listen to the Today Programme article in full click follow the link.

Winchester: city of dreams

UK debut of Sir John Tavener's critically acclaimed "Towards Silence" will be the pinnacle of Winchester's Art and Mind Festival. The theme for this year's festival is "Dreams", and so, the enchanting four-star Lainston House Hotel in Winchester is offering a Dream package to tie in with the Tavener performance. Click here to find out more.

What the press are saying about Winchester

The Mail on Sunday picks out six things you must do in Winchester.

Ghurka glory celebrated in Winchester

Find out just what Joanna Lumley has been fighting for when you visit the Ghurkha Museum in Winchester with discounted accommodation at the four-star The Winchester Hotel throughout June.

Summer festival season kick starts in Winchester

Come and be a part of Winchester's fantastic array of exciting and very different festivals which thousands of local people and visitors to the city enjoy every year. Visit our festivals in Winchester website for a taste of what's coming to the city's streets and venues.

More for your money

If you're looking for ways to save money on days out in Hampshire, look no further than the Tourism South East 2 for 1 Hampshire promotion. The scheme offers unbeatable value for money on a range of attractions across the county. Click here to find out more

2009 Pocket Guide with money-off vouchers out now

Pick up your free copy with discount vouchers worth over £30 from the Tourist Information Centre or many other outlets across the city. You can also view the Pocket Guide here.

Help to keep Winchester special

Want to reduce the environmental impact of your visit? Book your accommodation with a member of our new Green Leaf Tourism Scheme, or check out our top ten tips for a greener stay.

An unspoilt cathedral city on the edge of the South Downs, Winchester is England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. Today, Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside. One hour from London, this is England as it ought to be.

Popular for its shopping streets and architecture, its floral summer season and quirky open air events, Winchester is most well known for its eleventh century cathedral and for the Great Hall which for over 600 years has housed the mysterious Round Table.Winchester College is the oldest continuously running school in the country, whilst the Hospital of St Cross - a medieval almshouse - still offers the Wayfarer's Dole to travellers as it has done for more than eight centuries.

Home of good food, birthplace of the modern game of cricket, resting place of author Jane Austen and inspiration to the many craft-makers and artists who live here, Winchester is truly a destination for all seasons.

Photo gallery

Take a look at our photo gallery for a sneak preview of some of Winchester's sights and attractions.

Send us images of people and places which you think sum up the city and surrounding area and email your image to: marketing@winchester.gov.uk

Search for hotels, B&Bs and self-catering in Winchester using the box on the right.