Easy hikes and walks around Littleton And Harestock

The Royal Oak is a famously historic pub in Winchester, often claiming to be one of the oldest in England, with its origins reputedly tracing back to 1002 AD when the building served as the residence of the Anglo-Saxon Queen Emma. Tucked away in a narrow passage off the High Street, it exudes a traditional charm with its low ceiling beams and wood-panelled walls, and patrons can even venture into a cellar area said to contain remnants of the ancient structure. The pub's current name, which appeared in the 17th century, is believed to reference the Civil War and the Royalist support shown by its patrons, and today it remains a popular spot for enjoying classic pub food, cask ales, a weekly quiz, and a hearty Sunday roast.

Winchester High Street serves as the ancient, vibrant spine of the historic city, following a route established possibly in Roman times and later formalized in the Anglo-Saxon grid, running from the River Itchen and the statue of King Alfred the Great at the eastern end, up to the medieval Westgate at the west. It is a bustling thoroughfare that seamlessly blends centuries of architecture, featuring landmarks like the 15th-century Butter Cross, the Victorian Guildhall, and the area known as The Pentice, alongside a contemporary mix of independent boutiques, cafes, pubs, and major retail chains. The upper section of the High Street is pedestrianized, enhancing its role as a central hub for shopping, dining, and cultural life in Winchester.

St Peter's Church in Winchester is a Grade II listed Roman Catholic church, built in the Gothic Revival style by architect Frederick Walters and opened in 1926. It stands as a continuation of a significant Catholic presence on St Peter's Street dating back to the Reformation, notably replacing a former chapel—known today as Milner Hall—that was consecrated in 1792 and holds the distinction of being the first Catholic church consecrated in England after the Reformation. Constructed primarily of ironstone rubble with Bath stone dressings, the church features a prominent northeast tower and a wide nave, serving as the central worship space for the Parish of St Peter and the Winchester Martyrs.

The Buttercross is a magnificent, many-pinnacled, 15th-century stone market cross located prominently on Winchester's High Street. Originally known as the City Cross, it acquired the name "Buttercross" because its five octagonal steps and surrounding area were traditionally used by country people to sell dairy products, eggs, and other produce. The highly decorative Gothic structure features a tall central shaft, numerous smaller pinnacles, and twelve figures, including the Blessed Virgin, various saints, King Alfred the Great, and William of Wykeham (though many of the statues were added during an 1865 restoration by Sir George Gilbert Scott). The monument is also famous for a local "small riot" in 1770, when the citizens successfully prevented a local squire from dismantling and moving the historic cross to his private estate.

Winchester Castle was one of the most important royal fortresses in England during the medieval period, though today, only a magnificent part of it remains.

The Round Table in Winchester's Great Hall is an iconic artifact often associated with the legend of King Arthur and his Knights. Location: It hangs on a wall in the Great Hall, which is the last remaining part of the medieval Winchester Castle. Actual Date: Despite the legend, carbon dating proves the table is a medieval creation, made from English oak between 1250 and 1280 AD. It was likely commissioned by King Edward I for an Arthurian-themed tournament or feast.

The Church of St Lawrence in the Square (or St Lawrence Church) is a small, historically significant church located right in the heart of Winchester, tucked away just off the High Street, near the Buttercross monument. Royal Chapel Site: St Lawrence Church is believed to be built upon the site of the Royal Chapel of William the Conqueror's Palace, which was constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest around 1069. Mother Church of Winchester: It is often referred to as the Mother Church of Winchester and is the only surviving parish church of Norman foundation within the city walls still in use. Bishop's First Stop: Due to its historic status, a new Bishop of Winchester traditionall makes their first public stop at St Lawrence Church to be presented to the Mayor, clergy, and citizens before proceeding to the Cathedral. The Square: Although its formal address is "The Square," it's easy to miss as it is mostly hidden by surrounding commercial buildings, reflecting its deep entanglement with the city's growth over the centuries.

Queen Eleanor's Garden: Outside the Hall is a tranquil recreated medieval garden, named after Eleanor of Provence (wife of Henry III) and Eleanor of Castile (wife of Edward I). The Westgate: The imposing Westgate, a surviving medieval fortified gate, is located nearby and was once the main entrance to the castle complex.