Famous Writers and Winchester

Winchester is a literary treasure trove, having inspired the likes of Jane Austen and John Keats. The picturesque town is a fascinating place to visit, packed with beautiful landmarks, including the famous Gothic cathedral that is one of the largest in Europe and Jane Austen’s final resting place. To stay just steps away from the centre of town, check into our Winchester hotel, which offers stylish 4-star accommodation and perfect cathedral views.

Winchester’s literary heritage

From William Makepeace Thackeray’s Henry Esmond to Barchester by Anthony Trollope, Winchester has featured in some of Britain’s greatest works. It’s even said Wintoncester in Hardy’s Tess of the d’Ubervilles is set on a fictional version of the town. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle also featured the city in The Adventure of Copper Beeches in 1892. But it’s probably Jane Austen, who lived locally, and John Keats, who wrote his Ode to Autumn here in 1819, who covered Winchester in literary glory. Keats is said to have enjoyed daily walks though Cathedral Close and the water meadows to St Cross.

Starring the Cathedral

First built in 1079, its claim to fame is as the longest cathedral in Europe. As well as Jane Austen, King Canute and William Rufus are buried here, and it is also home to the shrine of Saint Swithun. It appears across time in fiction, such as in James Herbert's horror novel The Fog, while the siege of Winchester in 1141 is a key element of the Brother Cadfael stories by Ellis Peters. Ken Follett’s epic The Pillars of the Earth is also partly set in Winchester (as Kingsbridge), with particular reference to the cathedral made throughout.

Guided tours and trails

Winchester offers plenty of guided walks and trails for literary fans to follow in the footsteps of Flora Thompson, William Cobbett, W.H. Hudson, Gilbert White, Edward Thomas or Jane Austen. If you prefer your history without a guide, take the Tudor Trail to learn about Arthur’s Round Table in the Great Hall, Winchester Castle and Henry VIII, and Queen Mary’s Cathedral wedding. To recharge your batteries, make time for a cup of tea and cakes at Ginger Two in St Thomas Street, or try Raymond Blanc’s Maison Blanc on the High Street.

Jane Austen, Winchester’s best-loved heroine

Jane Austen lived in Chawton village with her mother and sister, 18 miles out of Winchester, from 1809 to 1817. The red brick house, now a museum, is where she wrote favourites such as Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion. Fans can visit the Georgian home, see her desks and some first editions, as well as personal mementoes such as a handkerchief embroidered for her sister. You can get to the museum with a 45-minute bus ride (64) and 800-meter walk. In town, look out for the plaque marking another of her homes, and you can always pay your respects at her burial site in the Cathedral.

Getting from A to B

Whether you want to shop the High Street or see the sights such as the 12th-century Wolvesey Castle, Winchester is compact and ideal for walking. The bus system is also efficient, while those who wish to go green should try the eco-friendly Bikeabout Scheme (at Winchester Tourist Information), hiring a bike for just £10 daily. Remember to bring along proof of identity and a £50 refundable cash deposit.