Hotel du Vin Winchester
Local restaurants
The Black Boy is a paraphernalia-decked pub serving good, hearty British food on Wharf Hill (+44 (0)1962 861754). Good for lunch or dinner, the Chesil Rectory on Chesil Street dates from 1450 (+44 (0)1962 851555), and serves modern European food. The Wykeham Arms is a traditional pub on Kingsgate Street (+44 (0)1962 853834), near the cathedral, whose owner collects hats; go for a pint and see.
Worth getting out of bed for
For panoramic views of the city, walk up to the top of St Giles’ Hill, especially pretty at sunset. Fishing for trout and other species on the River Itchen at the Weirs, or fly-fishing at Ovington. Wine tasting at Danebury (www.danebury.com) or Wickham vineyards (www.wickhamvineyard.co.uk). Clay- pigeon shooting, abseiling, quad biking and more at Marwell Activity Centre (www.marwellactivitycentre.co.uk).
