UK Travel Guide - Where to Stay in Winchester

11th December 2008 - by Arthur Townlands

Where to Stay in Winchester

The cathedral city of Winchester is located in the very heart of Southern England and tourists swarm to it like bees to the honey each year. Although some people only come for the day many, actually prefer to stay longer to really take in all that this city has to offer. When it comes to where to stay in Winchester this town because of it being such a major tourist venue has many types of accommodation.

The range of accommodation that this city offers will suit not only everyone's own particular tastes but their budgets as well. Certainly, a large proportion of visitors to the city are young people or backpackers and so money for them is often tight. Unfortunately, for them the nearest hostels run by the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) are located in Burley, Salisbury and Portsmouth but can be easily reached by public transport.

However, if the distance is a little too far and you are still looking for cheap accommodation then on the outskirts of the town is a camping site. This is known as Morn Hill Caravan Club Site and is within easy reach of the city centre by bus, or if you feel up to it, you could walk.

For those whose accommodation budget can actually stretch a little further then the city has various different guesthouses and bed and breakfasts that one can stay in. The vast majority are located in the city centre as well as in the surrounding suburbs. But you are sure to find one that has a price to suit your budget.

Because the city is such a major tourist attraction with visitors from around the globe coming to it, the city offers some very excellent hotel accommodation as well. One of the most popular is the Winchester Royal Hotel, which is located in the centre of the city and has 75 bedrooms available. The building in which the hotel is housed dates back to the 1530's and offers you old world charm during your stay.

If however you are looking for hotels that offer more modern and up to date accommodation then the Winchester Hotel or the Macdonald Wessex Hotel may be the better options. Both again are located within the centre of the city and offer you easy access to all the city's attractions and amenities.

For those that have travelled to Winchester in a car and only spending a few days exploring the city and would like real luxury then staying at the Lainston House Hotel is worth considering. It is actually located in the village of Sparsholt, which is on the outskirts of the city and is housed in an elegant William and Mary house that was built back in the 17th Century. But along with luxury beautiful accommodation the views across the 63 acres of parkland really make time in this hotel even more special.

When it comes to where to stay in Winchester you will find that you are spoilt for choice. Certainly, the only thing that will restrict where you will stay is just how much you are willing to pay for your accommodation.