Winchester is best known for Winchester Cathedral, dating back to 1079 when building works began. It contains much fine architecture spanning the 11th to the 16th century. An interesting fact is that the Cathedral was built on rafts floating on a peat marsh. For 800 years the raft was able to carry the weight but, by the 19th century, the Cathedral was in danger of collapse and the foundations were rebuilt by a diver working under water.

The Cathedral Close contains a number of historic buildings from the time when the cathedral was also a priory. Of particular note are the Deanery which dated back to the thirteenth century and it was originally the Prior's house. Not far away is Cheyney Court, a mid fifteen century timber framed house incorporating the Porter's Lodge for the Priory Gate. The earliest hammer-beamed building still standing in England is also situated in the Cathedral Close, next to the Dean's garden. It is known as the Pilgrim's Hall.

Winchester is also well known for the Great Hall, the only remaining part of Winchester Castle built in the 12th century. The Great Hall is famous for King Arthur's Round Table, which has hung in the hall from at least 1463. The table actually dates from the 13th century. The table to be seen in the hall today is thought to be a fake commissioned by Henry VIII in 1522.

The Old City Center of Winchester, with its narrow pedestrian streets and overhanging medieval buildings is also worth visiting. Of special interest are the Pentice, a group of old shops arcaded at the front, and the Butter Cross, dating back to the 15th century and built with a tax levied on people caught eating butter during Lent. The City Center also has several water mills driven by the various channels of the River Itchen that run through the city center.

About a mile south of city center is the Hospital of St Cross, which was founded in the 1130's. The chapel is an unspoiled example of the period during which Norman architecture changed into Gothic. The Hospital has a long tradition of hospitality and now offers refreshments to visitors in the restored Hundred Men's Hall.

From London, trains to Winchester depart from London Waterloo station; there are several trains an hour and the journey takes about one hour.