The best walks and hikes around Littleton And Harestock

The Royal Oak is a famously historic pub in Winchester, often claiming to be one of the oldest in England, with its origins reputedly tracing back to 1002 AD when the building served as the residence of the Anglo-Saxon Queen Emma. Tucked away in a narrow passage off the High Street, it exudes a traditional charm with its low ceiling beams and wood-panelled walls, and patrons can even venture into a cellar area said to contain remnants of the ancient structure. The pub's current name, which appeared in the 17th century, is believed to reference the Civil War and the Royalist support shown by its patrons, and today it remains a popular spot for enjoying classic pub food, cask ales, a weekly quiz, and a hearty Sunday roast.

Winchester High Street serves as the ancient, vibrant spine of the historic city, following a route established possibly in Roman times and later formalized in the Anglo-Saxon grid, running from the River Itchen and the statue of King Alfred the Great at the eastern end, up to the medieval Westgate at the west. It is a bustling thoroughfare that seamlessly blends centuries of architecture, featuring landmarks like the 15th-century Butter Cross, the Victorian Guildhall, and the area known as The Pentice, alongside a contemporary mix of independent boutiques, cafes, pubs, and major retail chains. The upper section of the High Street is pedestrianized, enhancing its role as a central hub for shopping, dining, and cultural life in Winchester.

St Peter's Church in Winchester is a Grade II listed Roman Catholic church, built in the Gothic Revival style by architect Frederick Walters and opened in 1926. It stands as a continuation of a significant Catholic presence on St Peter's Street dating back to the Reformation, notably replacing a former chapel—known today as Milner Hall—that was consecrated in 1792 and holds the distinction of being the first Catholic church consecrated in England after the Reformation. Constructed primarily of ironstone rubble with Bath stone dressings, the church features a prominent northeast tower and a wide nave, serving as the central worship space for the Parish of St Peter and the Winchester Martyrs.

The Buttercross is a magnificent, many-pinnacled, 15th-century stone market cross located prominently on Winchester's High Street. Originally known as the City Cross, it acquired the name "Buttercross" because its five octagonal steps and surrounding area were traditionally used by country people to sell dairy products, eggs, and other produce. The highly decorative Gothic structure features a tall central shaft, numerous smaller pinnacles, and twelve figures, including the Blessed Virgin, various saints, King Alfred the Great, and William of Wykeham (though many of the statues were added during an 1865 restoration by Sir George Gilbert Scott). The monument is also famous for a local "small riot" in 1770, when the citizens successfully prevented a local squire from dismantling and moving the historic cross to his private estate.

Restoration: The clock underwent extensive restoration, including regilding, in 2010. Why it's a landmark: It's a historic landmark in Winchester and a visible symbol of the Old Guildhall. The association with the curfew bell adds to its cultural significance. It is a notable example of a 19th-century clock.

The clock at Lloyds Bank in Winchester is a historic Victorian timepiece on the Old Guildhall, a building dating from 1713 that once housed the town's civic government. Located on the High Street, the ornate, gilded clock juts out over the street and is known for the tradition of its curfew bell ringing at 8 p.m. Building History: The building itself was originally the new Guildhall, completed in 1713. Clock Description: It is an ornate, Victorian-era clock on a great gilded timber bracket. Location: The clock is a prominent feature on the Lloyds Bank building on the High Street in Winchester. Curfew Bell: The clock is associated with a tradition where a curfew bell sounds at 8 p.m., a practice dating back to the Middle Ages.

The statue on Jewry Street in Winchester is a life-sized bronze sculpture of Licoricia of Winchester and her son, Asher. It is located outside The Arc. A prominent figure: Licoricia was a wealthy, educated, and successful Jewish businesswoman and moneylender who lived in the 13th century. Her clients included King Henry III and his wife. Sculptor: The statue was created by Ian Rank-Broadley, a renowned artist also known for sculpting the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II that appeared on UK and Commonwealth coins. Symbolism and purpose: The statue celebrates Winchester's medieval Jewish community and Licoricia's role in it. The project behind its creation aims to promote tolerance and diversity by teaching about this often-overlooked part of English history. Inscriptions: The plinth features the inscription "Love thy neighbour as thyself" in both English and Hebrew. It also includes the names of Licoricia and her son, Asher. Unveiling: The statue was unveiled in February 2022. It is particularly poignant because it stands in the historic center of Winchester's medieval Jewish quarter.

Milner Hall in Winchester is a building of significant historical and architectural importance, particularly in the context of Roman Catholicism in England. Original Use and Name: It was originally built as St Peter's Chapel on St Peter Street. ​Builder and Date: It was constructed in 1792 by the Reverend John Milner (later Bishop Milner), an eminent churchman, scholar, and historian. ​Post-Reformation Landmark: The chapel is considered highly significant as it is believed to be the first Roman Catholic church to be consecrated in England since the Reformation (1558).