Day Trip: Winchester

Do you think it is a good idea to let Facebook make your travel plans?  Probably not, but I just can't help myself.  It's that dreaded "Travel List Challenge."  I'm sure you've seen it, a list of 100 "Must-See" destinations.  You tick them off one by one and then compare your results.  The highest number among my friends is 52.  Let's just say my number is significantly less than that.

And so, when it came time to pick last weekend's adventure, I decided it was high time we visit Winchester Cathedral- which happens to be number 98 on the list.

Winchester is only about an hour and a half outside of London, making it an easy day trip.

Alfred the Great

It's is an ancient city which began around 150 BC.  During Saxon times it was the capitol of England and then served as a royal residence for centuries.

It is home to an 18th century mill, which still makes flour today.

Winchester College, founded in 1382,  is believed to be the oldest school in England and remains one of the top ten public* schools in the country.

In the Great Hall of the ruined Winchester Castle you can see the legendary Round Table of King Arthur which has been hanging there for 700 years.

The kids in front of the Round Table

And, of course, there's the cathedral.  It has been used as a place of worship for over 900 years.  One of the finest 12th century Bibles is housed here.  It is also the final resting place of several early English kings and writer Jane Austen.

We thoroughly enjoyed our day in Winchester.  There was plenty to see and do yet the town centre is very compact and pedestrian friendly.  A fun day out for the whole family- and one more "must-see" location crossed off my Facebook list.

My knight in shining armor

*Note:  In England "Public School" means private school that is not funded by the government.