3 Best Hotels in Winchester, The South

The 63 acres surrounding this elegant 17th-century country-house hotel retain many original features, including the walls of the kitchen garden (still in use), the apple trees in the former orchard, and a mile-long avenue of linden trees, the longest in the United Kingdom. The house itself is similarly rich in period details such as a baronial staircase, wood paneling with carvings by Grinling Gibbons in the bar, and two fireplaces surrounded by hand-painted Delft tiles (all the rage when the house was built during the reign of William and Mary). Rooms may have original wood shutters and ceiling molding, but the bathrooms have up-to-date electronics and underfloor heating. Smaller, less pricey rooms in one of five extensions are more modern and less distinguished. Don't miss the falconry displays featuring the resident owls and falcons. The hotel is 2½ miles northwest of Winchester.

Ideally located opposite the cathedral, this 18th-century inn, now a gastropub with rooms, has received a smart, modern makeover without losing any of its character. Each of the guest rooms is named for a noted fabric designer, such as Nina Campbell or Zoffany, with textiles that pay tribute to their style, and the furnishings include traditional touches like sleigh beds. Few rooms have actual cathedral views, though the top-floor Design House suite is an outstanding exception. A two-bedroom apartment in an annex uses Designers Guild fabrics, and another self-contained apartment is ideal for families. The gastropub below serves superb food and drink, with warming open fires in winter and tables on the terrace in summer. Permits are issued for street parking nearby. 

A watering hole since 1755, this pub with rooms near the cathedral and the college wears its Britishness proudly, with depictions of national heroes like Nelson and Churchill, military artifacts, and an assortment of pewter mugs hanging from the ceiling. The individually decorated rooms are comfortable and characterful, if on the small side, with freestanding baths and good modern showers. The seven rooms in an annex across the street are more modern. A well-regarded wine list sets off the Modern British dishes at the restaurant, which is popular with locals.