Latest news with #WinchesterCathedral
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
One of the UK's biggest cathedrals to open for overnight stays for the first time ever
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. 5 5 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 5 5 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.
The Independent
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Independent
One of UK's ‘most historically important residences' turned into holiday let
Winchester Cathedral has opened its deanery for short-term holiday lets for the first time, with prices starting at £4,500 per week. The historic 16th-century property, which accommodates up to 10 people, will be available for a limited period until a new dean takes residence next year. Money generated from the bookings will directly support the maintenance and daily operation of Winchester Cathedral, which costs £14,000 per day. Guests will stay within the Inner Cathedral Close, experiencing its historical features, including a 70-foot gallery and a Roman mosaic. Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom, a company that aided in the renovation, described The Deanery as 'one of the most historically and architecturally important residences in the country'.
The Independent
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Independent
You can now rent Winchester Cathedral's Deanery for a holiday stay
Winchester Cathedral has opened its deanery for short-term holiday lets for the first time, priced at £4,500 per week. The home to the deans of Winchester is available to book for a limited time until the new dean takes residence next year. The accommodation sleeps up to 10 people in five bedrooms, and has four bathrooms (including two ensuites) and a large modern kitchen. The money raised will go towards maintaining and operating Winchester Cathedral, which has a daily running cost of £14,000. Set within the inner Cathedral Close, among the residencies of priests and vergers, the 16th century house boasts a 70-foot-long gallery, which once entertained King Charles II, and a Roman mosaic in the porch. Historical artefacts, including typical ecclesiastical vestments, a 14th-century sculpture and artwork by a former dean decorate the property. Inside, there is a plaque commemorating a meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and former prime minister Sir Anthony Eden in 1956 and a library of antiquarian books. Tucked in the Cathedral estate, guests will experience the nightly ritual of being locked behind the imposing gates of the Inner Close (although they will have their own keys, too). The whole property, including the Lower Deanery Garden, costs £4,500 per week but jumps to £5,500 per week over Christmas and New Year period. While shorter stays are possible, bookings must be over three days. An American family, with the surname Winchester, are the first to rent The Deanery, having booked it for 10 weeks for a family reunion. Alasdair Akass, director of development at Winchester Cathedral, said: 'This is a quintessential British home that has been brought bang up to date with the support of many valued suppliers. 'Renting the Deanery is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and we look forward to welcoming families to enjoy its tranquil and beautiful setting.' Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom, a company that aided in the renovation, said: 'As one of the most historically and architecturally important residences in the country, [The Deanery] provides a unique setting that perfectly complements the timeless and enduring spirit of our designs. 'By booking a stay at The Deanery at Winchester Cathedral, guests are directly supporting the maintenance and operation of the Cathedral. 'Their stay will help to preserve this extraordinary place of wonder, beauty and inspiration for generations to come, and we are honoured to play a role in this.'
Telegraph
04-08-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Winchester Cathedral's unlikely conversion – into a £4,500 holiday let
A cathedral has opened up its deanery to short-term holiday lets at the rate of £4,500 per week. The residence at Winchester Cathedral dates back to the reign of Henry VIII and features a large gallery created to entertain King Charles II. The five-bedroom home in Hampshire has been made available to tourists for the first time until the new dean takes residence next year. Customers will be able to live in the property for £4,500 a week, although the fee rises to £5,500 per week during the Christmas period. Money raised from the rental will be put towards the preservation and development of the 11th century cathedral. Catherine Ogle, who was dean of Winchester Cathedral from 2017, retired in May, and a new dean will be appointed next year. The 16th century house sleeps up to 10 people, but while there is no dean in residence, the property is available to book for three nights or longer. An American family, who have the surname Winchester, have already booked it out for 10 weeks for a family reunion. The house, situated in the inner close of the cathedral, has several historic features, including a 70-foot-long gallery and a Roman mosaic in the porch. Other artefacts include a regal coat of arms overlooking a fifteenth-century archway, artworks from former deans and a fourteenth-century sculpture. There is also a plaque which commemorates a meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and Anthony Eden that took place in 1956. Alasdair Akass, director of development at Winchester Cathedral, said: 'This is a quintessential British home that has been brought bang up to date with the support of many valued suppliers. 'Renting the deanery is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming families to enjoy its tranquil and beautiful setting.' Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director at French Bedroom, who helped work on the house, said: 'Being invited to contribute to the styling of the Deanery at Winchester Cathedral is both a creative privilege and a personal joy. 'As one of the most historically and architecturally important residences in the country, it provides a unique setting that perfectly complements the timeless and enduring spirit of our designs. Most importantly, this collaboration is about purpose. 'By booking a stay at the Deanery at Winchester Cathedral, guests are directly supporting the maintenance and operation of the cathedral. 'Their stay will help to preserve this extraordinary place of wonder, beauty and inspiration for generations to come, and we are honoured to play a role in this.'
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How to spend 48 hours following the trial of Jane Austen in Winchester - plus where to stay and what to eat
I've been a Jane Austen obsessive since university, when I spent a whole happy term immersed in her novels (much more enjoyable than the term spent trying to decipher Middle English). So, in recognition of the 250th year since her birth, I leapt at the chance to visit the city she often visited (and where she is now buried in the cathedral): Winchester. SATURDAY 10am My first stop is City Museum, where I learn the story of England's ancient capital, once seat of Alfred the Great. I also gaze at a silk coat once worn by Winchester's other famous resident, Jane Austen. The city is all over her 250th birthday (£8, 11.45am I walk to local favourite Open House Deli. Pancakes with banana and hazelnut chocolate (above, £9.75) are tempting, but I opt for the virtuous yet delicious hummus, poached eggs and feta bowl with chickpeas, chilli and kale (£11.95, 1pm Winchester's Regency women were super-stylish, and the city is still full of excellent shops. I visit The Well Worn, which does a great line in ethical ruffly blouses; Sass & Edge (above), for brands such as Ba&sh and The Consortium, where I unleash my inner trinket magpie. 3pm Winchester College opened in 1382 as a feeder school for New College, Oxford, and I feel an Oxbridge vibe as I cross cobbles and quads to its museum. I'm here for the Austen highlights, which include first editions (above, free, 2-4pm daily, 4pm For this summer only, Winchester College has opened No 8 College Street, where Austen died aged 41. Tickets are sold out, but sign up for returns at I'm moved to see the simple window view she contemplated as she passed her final days. 5pm Time to check in to the centrally located Winchester Royal Hotel (from £125 for a garden-view double, The staff are attentive and it has a lovely large garden. My no-frills room has everything I need: a kettle for tea and a comfy bed. 7pm The Old Vine is an 18th-century inn near Winchester Cathedral. Its menu focuses on pub classics such as sausage and mash, done to perfection. I'm charmed both by my waiter and the mac-and-cheese dinner I scoff (£15.50, 10.30am After the hotel buffet breakfast, it's time for a Sunday walk. I stroll the 2.6-mile Viaduct Way, a who's who of the city's historic sights. The Victorian Guildhall, King Alfred's statue, the Winchester City Mill and the 1891 Hockley Viaduct (above) are all en route. 12.30pm To Winchester Cathedral, where an exhibition explores the friendship between Austen and Anne Lefroy (until 19 Oct, free with a £13 annual pass, Finally, I say farewell to the author at her grave within the cathedral walls (above).
