One of southern England's most awe-inspiring buildings, 11th-century Winchester Cathedral boasts a fine Gothic facade, one of the longest medieval naves in Europe (164m) and a fascinating jumble of features from all eras. Other highlights include the intricately carved medieval choir stalls, which sport everything from mythical beasts to a mischievous green man. Look out too for Jane Austen's grave (near the entrance) – there's a brass plaque and a window commemorating the celebrated writer alongside.
Today's cathedral sits beside foundations that mark Winchester’s original 7th-century minster church. The cathedral was begun in 1070 and completed in 1093, and was subsequently entrusted with the bones of its patron saint, St Swithin (Bishop of Winchester from 852 to 862). He is best known for the proverb stating that if it rains on St Swithin's Day (15 July), it will rain for a further 40 days and 40 nights.
Soggy ground and poor construction spelled disaster for the early church. The original tower collapsed in 1107 and major restructuring continued until the mid-15th century. Look out for the monument at the far end of the building to diver William Walker, who saved the cathedral from collapse by delving repeatedly into its waterlogged underbelly from 1906 to 1912 to bolster rotting wooden foundations with vast quantities of concrete and brick.
Distancing regulations at the time of research may affect what you can see and do. Check the cathedral website for details of whether the Winchester Bible is on display. As the biggest, brightest and best-surviving 12th-century English Bible, the dazzling, four-volume tome has vivid illuminated pages. It was commissioned in 1160, possibly by the grandson of William the Conqueror. If the crypt is open it offers views of Sound II, an enigmatic life-size depiction of a contemplative man by Anthony Gormley.
If the Tower and Roof Tours (£6.50) are running they'll lead through narrow stairwells, up 213 steps, across an interior gallery high above the nave, through the bell chamber and out onto the roof. When operating, the highly informative, one-hour Cathedral Body Tours and the atmospheric Crypt Tours are included in the admission price.
Regular services include those on Sunday at 10am and Wednesday at noon.
The cathedral's tree-fringed lawns make for tranquil spots to take time out, especially on the quieter south side beyond the cloisters.
