Some of the main claim to fames of this unspoilt cathedral city are that Jane Austen is buried here, modern cricket was born here and that it is home to King Arthur's mystifying Round Table, where it has stayed in the Great Hall for the past 600 years. Situated on the edge of the South Downs, Winchester was also the former seat of Alfred the Great, it was England's capital for 500 years and it has the 11th century Winchester Cathedral that houses the 12th century Winchester Bible.
With a commendable portion of historic buildings and its cathedral city status, Winchester is a great place to visit on escorted coach tour. It is also of interest to pilgrims as the starting point of the Pilgrim's Way, from which King Henry II allegedly journeyed on hearing of the murder of Thomas a Becket. Take a guided tour of the impressive cathedral and see the flower-flanked Jane Austen memorial and original medieval paintings. Another coach trip must-see is the Great Hall on the site of the castle, with its Purbeck stone columns, pointed arches and mysterious Round Table around which the names of 24 knights are written.
- For some peaceful time out, visit the Abbey Gardens by the River Itchen, once a part of the site of St Mary's Abbey.