Excursion Historic winchester tour at Southampton

Discover the history of Winchester and its legendary sights during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Southampton, Central Winchester

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1 hour drive to central Winchester. Upon arrival, take a short, guided stroll to the entrance of Winchester Cathedral and proceed for a guided walking tour. Learn about the history of Winchester and King Alfred the Great, who united the Kingdom of Wessex and made Winchester its capital in the late-9th-century, and ordered the building of Winchester Cathedral and Winchester Castle. See the unchanged parts of this original Romanesque building, as well as the fabulous Gothic Nave, which was modernised in the 14th century.

Burial Place of Jane Austen, Great West Window, Winchester Cathedral Tour

Next, visit the burial place of Jane Austen, author of Pride and Prejudice, and admire the Great West Window, which was smashed by soldiers during the 17th-century Civil War and later repaired with medieval glass after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. Learn about William Walker, the diver who is credited with saving Winchester Cathedral in the early-20th-century, and walk on floor tiles dating from the 13th century.

Free Time, Shops and Cafés

Following your guided tour, some free time is made available to explore the shops and cafés of Winchester's High Street at your leisure.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Central Winchester, Burial Place of Jane Austen, Great West Window, Winchester Cathedral Tour, Free Time, Shops and Cafés

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and steep inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and up to 32 steps at the sites visited. Walking in Winchester is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket or coat from the ship. Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The tour sequence may vary. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled. If the Cathedral is not open to visitors due to services or private cerimonies, the visit will be conducted from the exterior and an additional visit to Wolvesey Castle will be arranged.