
One of the UK's biggest cathedrals to open for overnight stays for the first time ever
CITY BREAK One of the UK's biggest cathedrals to open for overnight stays for the first time ever
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THERE are certain stays in the UK that have an added touch of grandeur - including this one at Winchester Cathedral.
For the first time ever, visitors can stay on the site of Winchester Cathedral in a house with plush velvet sofas, huge bathrooms and a secret English garden.
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The holiday let at Winchester Cathedral makes for a very luxurious stay
Credit: winchester-cathedral.org
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Guests can stay at the neighbouring house called The Deanery
Credit: Getty
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For the first time ever, Winchester Cathedral will welcome tourists for short-term holiday lets.
The home to the deans of Winchester, aptly called The Deanery, is available to book for a memorable city break.
The house sleeps up to 10 people across five bedrooms, and has four bathrooms, including two ensuites, some with double sinks.
There's a large modern kitchen as well as a large gallery that was first created to entertain King Charles II.
The house is filled with antique furniture and there's a huge library full of antique books.
Outside is a huge English garden where guests are welcome to play some lawn games, eat outside and of course, take in the view of the impressive cathedral.
There's also a secret garden, called the Lower Deanery Garden which is not open to the public.
It's described as being a "charming riverside retreat" and is guaranteed to be a peaceful spot away from any other visitors.
It's pretty costly coming in at £4,500 per week, which jumps up to £5,500 per week over Christmas and New Year.
The Pigsty in Winchester tops the list of most lusted after Airbnb homes by Brits
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The rooms are light and airy and filled with antique books
Credit: winchester-cathedral.org
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There's a piano inside and gardens to explore outside
Credit: winchester-cathedral.org
The money raised will go towards maintaining and operating Winchester Cathedral.
And anyone wanting to stay will need to book sooner rather than later as the house is only available for a limited time until the new dean moves in next year.
There's plenty to do around the city too, Sun writer Mia Lyndon, took a trip to Winchester earlier this year where she embarked on a 90-minute walking tour down the UK's oldest high street and gazed into the Itchen River.
She also discovered cobbled backstreets and local boutiques like The Hambledon as well as P&G Wells, a 296-year-old bookshop with thousands of vintage novels.
Another popular spot nearby is the village of Chawton, where you can visit Jane Austen's house where she worked on her novels, including Pride And Prejudice.
You can take a look at her writing desk and ponder over her handwritten letters - entry costs £15 per person.
Winchester Cathedral itself is the main attraction of the city and tickets to go inside cost £13 for adults and £5 for children.
And here's a top travel destination in the UK that's often overlooked but has great secret spots and new attractions.
Plus, check out Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore.

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