Just an hour south west of London, Winchester in Hampshire is a vibrant heritage destination with fabulous attractions and beautiful architecture including 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.

It’s not surprising that Winchester was voted best place to live by the Sunday Times in 2021 as 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.

Well connected

Winchester and the surrounding villages offer easy access by rail into London Waterloo and The City with the M3 motorway into London and the major London airports as well as Southampton and Bournemouth International airports. The A34 provides great access towards Oxford and the Midlands.

Local Attractions

Winchester has plenty to offer in the city and the surrounding region for all ages, including the regular Hampshire Farmers' Markets offering tempting local produce and the annual Hat Fair. At Christmas there is the ice rink, located against the stunning cathedral backdrop and Christmas Market. Throughout the year there are other events and attractions to keep residents and visitors occupied including the well-respected Marwell Zoo and the Intech Science Museum with observatory.

Pretty Village 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

Slightly further afield

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

Education, education, education

Winchester is also 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 for further education including Peter Symonds College and the University of Winchester (previously known as St Alfred’s College) comprising of 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.

Property choices to suit all needs

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 offers properties covering the whole residential property market and more. 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.

When you need help finding the perfect property, it's time to call in a buying agent. Because of Winchester’s popularity, properties move quickly, so being in expert hands is important. For more information about buying your next home, please contact Premier Property Search, Hampshire buying agent specialists, 01962 793100 or email enquiries@premier-propertysearch.co.uk