Once England’s capital, this pint-sized city packs plentiful history into a small space. Several buildings and architectural structures here are as much as 800-1000 years old. Strolling around Winchester, you can take in the city’s grand cathedral, ancient castles, and medieval cloisters. You could imagine yourself as an extra in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, if that sort of thing takes your fancy. Restaurants in Winchester certainly aren’t medieval, even though some of them are housed in historic buildings.
In fact, Winchester’s status as a well-heeled town that’s popular with tourists means that there’s a wide choice of elegant venues with gourmet menus. Cuisines are British and European, with some tempting Indian eateries, too. One such excellent Indian is Rimjihm, just minutes on foot from Winchester Rail Station. On the menu, look out for contemporary takes on traditional Indian restaurant favourites, such as venison tikka and Goan fish curry.
Coming highly recommended is the Wyekham Arms, winner of the Good Pub Guide’s Town Pub of the Year for 2013. Inside, the Wykeham is tasteful yet unique, adorned as it is with eclectic art prints, antiques, and curios. Food is locally sourced and beautifully presented, modern British with a touch of character.
