Forget London! This smaller British town has medieval charm and authentic British culture

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There are many reasons why tourists flock to London, and as beautiful as it may be, with its iconic red telephone boxes and stunning Victorian-era architecture, be under no illusions: being the global metropolis that it is, it is anything but unmistakably British at the core.

Don’t get us wrong. We love London for its diverse food scene and vibrant culture, but if you’re looking for old England, with its half-timbered cafes and quaint lamp-lit streets, you certainly won’t find it here.

On the other hand, this smaller town nearby has all the medieval allure and authentic British charm you dream of, and what you might not know, it was even the capital of the country for London took up that mantle:

See Winchester, the ancient capital of England

A picturesque Hampshire city just 67 miles southwest of London, Winchester has to be one of England’s most underrated cultural getaways.

Although it is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals and a well-preserved historic center that has seen few major changes to its cityscape since the Middle Ages, it receives only a small part of tourism other larger English cities do.

Winchester was formerly the capital of England, before London overtook it, and once the seat of King Alfred the Great, who went down in history as a fierce defender of England against the Vikings. Winchester has plenty to keep the culture vulture in you entertained.

Needless to say, the main landmark is here Winchester Cathedrala monumental structure that alone is worth the transatlantic crossing:

One of the most monumental medieval cathedrals in Europe

Founded as early as 1079 by the Normans on the site of a much older Saxon church, it was continually rebuilt and expanded well into the 15th century, when it reached its final form:

Imagine a huge Gothic nave, one of the longest in Europe, a beautiful Great Screen, which stands behind the main altar, and rows and rows of choir stalls, delicately carved from ancient Norwegian oak.

Fan of realistic novels? Jane Austin is buried herewith her memorial stone found in the north aisle of the nave, as did a long succession of kings and queens. Famous names include King Æthelwulf, father of Alfred the Great, King Edmund I and Queen Emma.

Before Westminster superseded it in importance in London, Winchester was also the coronation site of English kings, and the city itself the country’s center of power:

A beautiful historic center

Remnants of Winchester’s glorious past can still be seen throughout the Old Town.

In The Great Hall, the best preserved part of the once great Winchester Castle, you will find the iconic ‘Round Table‘, associated with the legend of King Arthursolemn rooms with vaulted ceilings and beautiful courtyards.

Situated on the edge of the old town, Westgate is another must-see: it used to be part of the Winchester city walls, which have since suffered damage, although the gate itself is in a good state of preservation and even houses a medieval history museum.

Wolvesey Castle is located on the River Itchen, within walking distance of the cathedral itself. It is a picturesque ruin of a fortress known as the medieval residence of the Bishops of Winchester.

For lively pubs and souvenir shops, take a stroll down central Jewry Street, and for that hidden gem that tourists often miss: Cheyney Court, a half-timbered court near the cathedral. perfectly preserved from the Middle AgesS.

Pub culture like no other in Britain

Something we Love As well as the beautiful architecture, there’s also the pub scene in Winchester, which can honestly rival that of London’s (in)famously busy Shoreditch.

The black boy is a local favorite, for its quirky, eclectic decor that never seems to stick to one theme, its backstreet feel and its affordable beers.

Overlooking the Itchen and housed in a Grade II listed 19th century red brick building. The bishop on the bridge serves your usual pub fare, from beer-battered fish and chips to half-roasted BBQ chicken, and the prices aren’t that high in London (a main course and a drink cost $22-24).

For hearty British food in a homely environment, The Royal Oak is another strong candidate: it claims to be one of the oldest pubs in England, and although we haven’t been able to verify that claim, it is supported by wooden pillars, has low medieval-style ceilings and an Old World atmosphere.

To Winchester this season

The easiest way to reach Winchester is to first fly to London and take a day trip.

Trains to Winchester usually depart from London Waterloo Station and the journey takes around an hour. As for fares, off-peak tickets start from around $22 one-way traffic.

For those staying overnight in Winchester, rooms in the voco Winchester Hotel & Spa by IHG start from just $83 per night (2 adults).

Looking for other unusual, yet-to-be-destroyed English places? Check out this little coastal town in Cornwall that tourists have yet to discover.