Winchester is a vibrant heritage destination just an hour south west of London, with fabulous attractions and beautiful architecture. The city has a magnificent Cathedral, award-winning pubs and restaurants and a tempting array of independent shops. This culturally rich medieval city is surrounded by idyllic Hampshire villages and the fabulous rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park.
Dating from 150 BC, it was recently voted the country’s best place to live by the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide (March 2016), “Winchester has a fabulous mix of history, culture, shopping, countryside and accessibility that adds up to a highly-prized quality of life”, Stephen Godfrey, Winchester City Council Leader.
Great transport links
Winchester and the surrounding villages offer easy access into London Waterloo by rail and also the M3 motorway. The major London airports are therefore within striking distance, but there are also Southampton and Bournemouth International airports close by. The A34 provides great access towards Oxford and the Midlands.
Lots to do
There is plenty to do in Winchester and the surrounding region for all ages, including the regular Hampshire Farmers' Market – the largest in the UK - offering local produce fortnightly, and the annual Hat Fair in July.
At Christmas there is the Christmas Ice Rink and Christmas Market and throughout the year there are other attractions to keep residents and visitors occupied including the well-respected Marwell Zoo, the Intech Science Museum with observatory and the restored Edwardian Theatre Royal.
Pretty villages near Winchester
Some of the most interesting towns near Winchester include:
Alresford, home of Hampshire's watercress industry
Bishop's Waltham, with its ancient ruins
Wickham with its Georgian houses and medieval square
Surrounding Winchester there are some of Hampshire's prettiest villages including:
Chilbolton and the beautiful Longstock Water Gardens as a local attraction
Stockbridge with a plentiful supply of pubs and restaurants in a village atmosphere
Romsey and the famous Sir Harold Hillier Gardens on its doorstep as well as its own regular farmers’ markets
The Wallops in the Test Valley, benefiting from river views and attractive thatched houses
St Mary Bourne on the Test Way with beautiful old brick and flint houses
Wherwell in the Test Valley with its lovely timber-framed cottages
Cheriton with its picturesque village green and fine pub
All pretty villages and highly sought after by the discerning buyer.
Excellent education facilities
Winchester is privileged to have an excellent choice of both private and state schools for all children and ages; one of the oldest and well known is Winchester College right in the heart of the city.
There is also an excellent selection of further education including; Peter Symonds College sending a high number to attend Oxbridge Universities, and the University of Winchester (previously known as St Alfred’s College) comprising four faculties; the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Business, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Sparsholt College, just on the outskirts of Winchester, is the UK’s leading college for land-based industries with courses ranging from fishery studies, horticulture, equine studies and agriculture.
The educational facilities, together with Winchester hospital and nearby private hospitals, add to the appeal of this area.
Properties in Winchester and the surrounding villages
There is something for everyone in Winchester and this applies to the housing stock too. With a wide cross section and varied choice of properties in and around Winchester both to buy and rent, the area is able to provide a wide choice for prospective residents.
From the contemporary apartment or town house such as Peninsula Barracks, to family homes, both modern and period, to the very ancient historical dwellings, Winchester and the surrounding villages offer properties covering the whole residential spectrum. The price range is also very varied and is dependent on age, style and size of property; there are country houses and estates, equestrian properties and farms, village and city homes to select from when you move to Winchester.
For any further information or help, please contact us by email on enquiries@premier-propertysearch.co.uk or telephone us on + 44 (0)1962 793100
