The heart of Winchester and a true architectural treasure is Winchester Cathedral. This majestic church, which is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, impresses with its monumental Gothic structure and rich history dating back to the 7th century. Winchester Cathedral is not only a place of worship, but a true museum of English history. Stepping inside, one is surrounded by the atmosphere of the centuries - from Norman arches to Victorian stained glass windows. Of particular note is the longest nave in Europe, which seems to reach for the sky. For families with children, the cathedral offers special educational programs and quests so that even the youngest can learn about the history of the place in an interesting way. Of note is the grave of Jane Austen, the famous writer who found her resting place here. The cathedral is open to the public daily, and admission tickets (£10 for adults, children under 16 free) are valid for a full year from the date of purchase, allowing for multiple visits. This is ideal for those planning an extended stay in Winchester.

Right next to the cathedral is The Great Hall - the only surviving part of Winchester Castle, which hides a true legend. It is here that we can see the famous 'King Arthur's Round Table'. Although the table actually dates back to the 13th century and was decorated for Henry VIII, its presence here makes the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table come to life. The Great Hall is not only an attraction for lovers of Arthurian legends, but also a great place to learn about the history of medieval England. Children can try on replicas of medieval costumes and take souvenir photos. Admission to the Great Hall costs £4 for adults, making this attraction affordable for families.

Comparing the two attractions, Winchester Cathedral offers a more expansive experience with a richer history and greater architectural variety. It is ideal for those interested in sacred art and Church of England history. The Great Hall, on the other hand, focuses on a particular aspect of history - Arthurian legends and medieval royalty. This is a place that will especially appeal to children because of its interactive elements and legends. Both attractions are close to each other, making it easy to visit in one day.

Winchester City Museum is the next stop on our tour of medieval Winchester. It's a place where the city's history comes to life through its extensive collections and interactive exhibitions. The museum, located in the heart of the city, offers a fascinating journey through the ages - from Roman times, through the Anglo-Saxon period, to the present day. Each of the museum's three floors is dedicated to a different period in Winchester's history, allowing visitors to explore the city's history chronologically.

On the first floor of the museum we can find an exhibition dedicated to the Roman city of Venta Belgarum, which gave rise to today's Winchester. Here we can see an impressive Iron Age model of the city and numerous artifacts from archaeological excavations. The second floor takes us back to Anglo-Saxon and medieval times, when Winchester was the capital of England. Here we can admire replicas of Anglo-Saxon houses, and learn about the history of King Alfred the Great, who made Winchester his headquarters. The last floor is dedicated to the period from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, showing how the city has changed over the past centuries.

Winchester City Museum is especially family-friendly for families with children. It offers many interactive elements, such as the opportunity to try on costumes from different eras or build miniature castles. Children can also take part in special workshops and quests organized by the museum. Admission to the museum is relatively inexpensive - adults pay £6, and children under 16 are admitted free. What's more, the ticket is valid all year round, allowing for multiple visits.

Comparing the Winchester City Museum with the previously discussed attractions, it's worth noting that it offers the most comprehensive look at the city's history. While the Cathedral focuses mainly on religious aspects and The Great Hall on Arthurian legends, the museum presents a full cross-section of Winchester's history. It is ideal for those who want to understand how the city has changed over the centuries. The museum is also more interactive than the other attractions, making it especially attractive for families with children.

Another fascinating place to visit in Winchester is the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, also known as Old Bishop's Palace. This medieval castle, though now in ruins, still impresses with its grandeur and reminds us of the power of the Bishops of Winchester. Wolvesey Castle, located in close proximity to the cathedral, was once one of the most important residences in medieval England. Today, we can walk through the extensive ruins, imagining the former splendor of the place.

Our tour of medieval Winchester would not be complete without a visit to Winchester City Mill. This historic watermill, managed by the National Trust, is a living example of medieval engineering that is still in operation and producing flour. Located on the scenic River Itchen, the mill offers a unique experience combining history and practice.

Winchester City Mill has a history of more than 1,000 years and is one of the oldest operating water mills in the country. Visitors can see how a traditional mill mechanism works and even purchase freshly milled flour. This is a great opportunity to understand how important mills were in medieval economy and daily life. For children, there are special interactive exhibits that explain the principles of the mill in an accessible way.

The mill also offers beautiful views of the Itchen River and is a great place to observe wildlife. You can see trout and even otters, which occasionally appear in the area. It's the perfect place for a relaxing stroll after a busy city tour.

Admission to the mill is relatively inexpensive - adults pay about £5 and children £2.5. The National Trust also offers family tickets, making this attraction affordable for families. The mill is open year-round, but it's worth checking opening hours, which can change depending on the season.

When comparing Winchester City Mill to other attractions in the city, it's worth noting that it offers a unique hands-on experience. While the Cathedral and The Great Hall focus on 'high' history and legends, and the Winchester City Museum presents a broad cross-section of the city's history, the mill shows the daily life and technology of the Middle Ages. It is a place where history literally 'works' before our eyes.

Winchester, with its rich history and perfectly preserved monuments, offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. From the majestic cathedral, to legendary sites like The Great Hall, to the educational Winchester City Museum and the hands-on Winchester City Mill, each site tells a different part of the city's fascinating history. England's medieval capital is truly at your fingertips, offering a journey through time that will delight adults and children alike. When planning a visit to Winchester, consider purchasing combination tickets or membership cards from organizations such as English Heritage or the National Trust, which can significantly reduce the cost of your visit. Whether you're a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for an interesting place for a family outing, Winchester is sure to meet your expectations, offering a unique combination of history, culture and picturesque English countryside.