How to Spend 8hrs in Winchester

I recently spent a super quick 24 hours staying with Hayley in Winchester, but a lot of that was chilling at hers, taking blog photos and having a proper old school girlie sleepover with Laura and Kariss! We did, however, spend a good few hours taking in the sights of Winchester, so here are the places I would visit to spend 8 hours there when I head there again!

The Black Boy Pub, Wharf Hill

This is by far, the best pub I have ever been to decor wise. If I owned a pub, I feel like it would be filled with taxidermy, homewares and all the books I own which is exactly what The Black Boy is. There are a few open fires which we so welcoming on the cold, drizzly day we visited on and plenty of rooms to make yourself at home in. The bar menu is mainly focused on locally sourced ales which is 100% ok with me as I’m for trying new drinks whilst supporting the local area. But for me, the winning points were won by the signs outside; one stating no children after 8pm and another saying dogs always welcome, that’s totally my kinda place!

River Itchen

I have never seen a river so clear in all my life, seriously, it looked like filtered drinking water flowing by at high speeds! Once I’d gotten over how incredible the water was, I took in the surroundings and they were even better! The stunning houses, the mini waterfalls, the greenery and cute wooden bridges are all well worth a stroll by in the fresh air. There are also lots of pretty colleges and buildings along the way that are worth stopping at for a browse too.

Winchester Cathedral

It wouldn’t be a trip to Winchester without a visit to the Cathedral, would it!? This is one lush building that’s for sure! I was so impressed by the size and how imposing it is in the middle of town. It’s also where Jane Austen is bured too! If you purchase a ticket for £8 to go inside you’re entitled to a free guided tour of the Cathedral, Treasury and crypt, plus you’re able to pop out onto the roof to see the view over Winchester and your ticket is a year pass so you can visit as much as you want. I will be heading inside when I have more time when I return! Also, the gardens outside of the Cathedral would be amazing during summer for a picnic and it’s filled with people walking dogs too!

The Stable

I’m already a fan of The Stable in London, so when I heard there was one in Winchester too it was an obvious stop for lunch. They have the best pizza menu I have ever witnessed and we all cleared our plates so I think my buddies also enjoyed their meals there too. We sat upstairs where the huge windows flooded the area with light, the huge light fixings hanging from the vaulted ceiling looking really industrial and quirky and the tables were waited on as opposed to being bar service downstairs. The service was great, the food even better and I will always head to The Stable wherever I see one!

We spent the rest of the time we had wandering the stunning streets, oogling more stunning houses and window shopping from the lush stores that lined the cute streets. There are more than enough sights to fill your day with!