Once the capital of Wessex, Winchester developed from the Roman town of Venta Belgarum, which in turn developed from an Iron Age oppidum. Winchester was one of the most important cities in England until the Norman conquest in the eleventh century.

It now offers great shopping, food and drink in its winding medieval streets, as well as the majestic Cathedral. This features parts from each great Norman and Gothic building periods, so can act as a one-building introduction to medieval architecture.