The best cycling routes around Olivers Battery

The Hockley Viaduct, near Winchester, Hampshire, is a historic railway structure built in the 1880s as part of the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway (DNSR). Spanning the River Itchen and its floodplain, the viaduct is about 1,250 feet (380 metres) long and consists of 33 arches, made mainly of brick with some concrete sections added during later repairs. It carried trains between Winchester and Southampton until the line closed to passengers in 1960 and to freight in 1966. After falling into disrepair, it was restored in 2013 as part of the National Cycle Network (Route 23), linking Winchester with Southampton for cyclists and walkers. Today, the Hockley Viaduct is valued both as a piece of Victorian engineering heritage and as a scenic pedestrian and cycling route, offering fine views across the Itchen Valley and the South Downs.

St Catherine's Hill is a prominent chalk downland hill on the outskirts of Winchester, notable for its layered historical and ecological importance. Now a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed as a nature reserve, its summit is ringed by the impressive earthworks of a univallate Iron Age hillfort dating back over 2,000 years. The top is marked by a distinctive copse of beech trees, known as 'The Clump', which contains the scant ruins of the 12th-century St Catherine's Chapel, while the hillside features a turf-cut labyrinth known as the Miz-Maze; the entire site provides spectacular views over the city, the Itchen Valley, and supports a rich variety of wildflowers and butterflies, including the protected Chalkhill Blue.

Ancient Origins: The earliest surviving structure of the gate is of Anglo-Saxon character, though it was rebuilt in the 12th century and later modified in the 13th and 14th centuries. ​Military Features: The 14th-century modifications included a portcullis in the western façade and two inverted-keyhole gunports (for hand-held cannon), which are considered some of the earliest in the country. Today, the structure houses the Westgate Museum, which is operated by the Hampshire Cultural Trust.

The Westgate in Winchester is one of the city's most significant and iconic historical landmarks. It is a fortified medieval gateway that stands prominently at the upper end of the High Street, close to the Great Hall of Winchester Castle. Key Facts and History ​Surviving Gate: It is one of only two fortified medieval gateways that survive in Winchester (the other being Kingsgate), the rest having been demolished in the 18th century.

a warm welcome from Simone

A cozy pub with good food and a large beer garden.

Winchester Cathedral in southern England is an impressive building steeped in history. Its Gothic architecture and intricate details make a visit a fascinating experience. Particularly impressive are the high vaults and the historic artworks that adorn the church. The interior exudes a serene and dignified atmosphere, inviting you to linger. The cathedral is a significant cultural and religious center, reflecting both history and spirituality. Overall, it is a worthwhile destination for visitors interested in architecture, history, and art.

There is a small museum in the Westgate, which also leads to the roof terrace with views over the High Street.