Winchester's pubs named as the UK's best for medieval spots
This is according to the hospitality company Accor, which was looking to find the UK's best places to explore a bit of history.
They analysed Google search trends and review data to rank the UK's ten most well-preserved medieval destinations.
Accor added: "The results reveal where visitors can truly step back in time, from cobbled streets and Gothic cathedrals to atmospheric alehouses and ancient city walls."
Winchester's pubs named as the UK's best for medieval spots
Winchester ranked sixth in the overall list for the UK's most well-preserved medieval destinations:
One of the aspects analysed to determine this was the quality of its traditional pubs, from which they received a perfect 10/10 score.
As a result, Winchester was ranked the highest out of all the places in this category.
Speaking about this aspect, Accor said: "As England's former capital, it's no surprise that Winchester tops our list of traditional pubs with a score of 10.
"Once home to the first Anglo-Saxon king, Alfred the Great, this historic city is rich in heritage, boasting pubs like the Royal Oak, which dates back to 1002 AD.
"Enjoy classic ales and hearty meals amid the charming medieval ambience of pubs such as the Eclipse Inn and the Wykeham Arms."
What are Winchester's best traditional pubs?
If you're looking for historical and traditional pubs in Winchester, then the previously mentioned Royal Oak could be a good choice.
It has earned a 4.3/5 score on Google Reviews from 1,892 ratings and a 3.7/5 score on Tripadvisor from 746 reviews, with visitors praising the food and service.
One person wrote: "What a fantastic place to come on a Saturday. The food and service were fantastic. All very pub like. I recommend!"
Another shared: "Great food. Average price. Pet friendly. Good selection of Ales. Definitely worth a visit."
According to its website, the Royal Oak is considered to be one of England's oldest pubs, with some parts supposedly dating back to as far as 1002 AD, when Queen Emma was in residence.
It adds: "Hidden down a cobbled passage, the low ceiling beams and wood-panelled walls feel like a true celebration of the building's rich heritage."
Meanwhile, The Eclipse Inn in The Square is another historical option, which dates back to around 1540.
According to the CAMRA website, it is a Grade II-listed establishment which has an "impressive ancient ceiling and timber pillars" among its features.
Alongside that, The Wykeham Arms on Kingsgate Street is said to be a place surrounded by heritage, which also offers up quality food.
Its website adds: "Since 1755, when it was a coaching inn, there has been a pub on this site, quenching the thirst of travellers moving to and from the coast. Lord Nelson himself was said to have stayed here in his way to Portsmouth!"
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The site continues: "Perhaps better known now, the pub became a landmark thanks to the late Graeme Jameson, considered by many to be the perfect landlord.
"His astonishing collection of bric-a-brac still adorns the walls of the pub today."
Other historical options in the city include The Bishop on the Bridge, The William Walker and The Old Vine.
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