Two young people enjoying a coffee in Winchester High Street

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Welcome to Winchester

Party in the Park Drums in the 2012 Games

Winchester is joining communities across the UK to celebrate the handover from Beijing to London as the incoming host city for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Schools out...

Take advantage of the long summer holidays to discover Winchester! School term time can be so busy but now the holidays are here why not bring your children to Winchester to enjoy the great summer holiday activities on offer. There is plenty to entertain them whatever the weather.

Winchester's Year of Heroes Who's your hero?

During 2008, Winchester's Year of Heroes will be exploring some of the characters who have shaped the district over the centuries: find out how Winchester Cathedral was saved from catastrophic disaster - by a diver - and learn about some of Winchester's military heroes.

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.

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