Valentines Day originated as a Christian Feast day honouring an early Christian martyr named Saint Valentine and has become a significant celebration of romance and love…where lovers express their feelings with verse and gifts!
Winchester is the perfect place to spend a very memorable Valentine’s Day with your loved one, with it’s beautiful walks, stunning architecture, fabulous choice of restaurants, coffee shops and very browsable independent shops (such as ourselves!) alongside it’s incredible history….all waiting to be enjoyed and explored.
There is also some stunning scenery and countryside around Winchester (including St.Catherine’s Hill) that would be worth a Valentines Day visit before coming into and exploring the city itself.
If the weather allows take a walk to the stunning Cathedral and wander around it’s beautiful grounds admiring the spring flowers starting to appear. My recommendation would be to grab a takeaway coffee from one of the independent cafes, take a seat nearby and just people watch!
Wander to Kingsgate (one of two medieval gates in Winchester) where you will see the famous Wykeham Arms pub and Jane’s Austen’s house, she of course was quite rightly considered the ‘queen of romantic novels’ in the 19th century!
From there walk past Winchester College and the Bishops Palace to the beautiful river path which has some very pretty seating areas where you can both relax and take in the scenery.
Why not stop off at the Bishop on the Bridge for a restorative drink before admiring King Alfred’s Statue…the perfect place for a couples selfie!
Walk past the gardens (with the fabulous Inn the Park a must for wine and memorable food fans) and the Guildhall on The Broadway and you will see why Winchester has inspired romantic writers past and present.
The gothic build style Guildhall completed in 1873 is also a beautiful building to get married in!
Walk up the high street past Winchester’s shops, including some beautiful jewellery stores that have plenty of sparkle...maybe a perfect Valentines gift!?
In the nearby Square where we are found, the fascinating Winchester Museum is also located which is an interesting way to while away the time before a very romantic dinner or cocktail at one of the independent restaurants or coffee shops dotted around the street.
Around The Square and the streets nearby are located some beautiful independent shops which are perfect to explore and have a lazy browse around, including our unique shop Eclectic Hound where we have many beautiful gifts and ideas that are perfect for treating each other on such a romantic day!
We think Valentines Day with it’s tradition of love and romance goes perfectly hand in hand with our beautiful city of Winchester and it’s unique and fascinating history.
We look forward to seeing you on your next visit!
