The UK is the perfect place for a medieval staycation, home to many towns and cities with rich history and cultures. Winchester and York are two top contenders, boasting ancient cathedrals and an abundance of old buildings waiting to be explored. But which city offers the best value for money?
Here we’ll compare some of the best, budget-friendly things to do in Winchester and York to find out which is the cheaper destination. Read on for an idea of what you could get up to during your trip.
Please note: all prices were correct as of September 2022. Prices are subject to change, please check websites for more information.
The best things to do in Winchester
Winchester is a stunning cathedral city and former Roman capital, located in South East England in Hampshire. Winchester train station sits conveniently at its centre, where you can find excellent public transport links from London and beyond.
The best indoor attractions in Winchester
The UK’s weather is known for being unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to have some indoor activities in your itinerary. But what are the best low-cost indoor activities in Winchester?
As one of the largest and most striking gothic cathedrals in the UK, Winchester Cathedral is well worth a visit. Discover over 1,000 years of history when you tour the majestic building, which includes the 17th-century Morley Library, the Winchester Bible and a Norman crypt. Ticket prices are shown below. Plus, visitors can enjoy 2FOR1 tickets when travelling by train!
All that remains of Winchester Castle is the magnificent Great Hall, and it’s certainly a sight to behold. The castle ruins date back to the 13th century. Today, they’re home to fascinating historical artefacts, including a significant symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table. Admire the many columns and stained-glass windows within the Great Hall, then have some fun taking photos at the executioner’s block.
You’ll find Winchester City Museum just a three-minute stroll away from Winchester Cathedral. Find out more about the city’s rich history, including stories and artefacts from the Iron Age and Angelo Saxon times, as well as famous historical figures like Jane Austen and King Alfred. There’s plenty to see and do with three galleries, a gift shop and a dressing-up area.
Winchester City Museum prices
Adults
£6.00
Concession
£4.75
Children
£3.00
Under 5s
Free
Family ticket
£16.75
The best outdoor attractions in Winchester
With its stunning architecture and scenery, Winchester can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Here are just a couple of things you can get up to out in the open.
Lovers of old classics will know what an influence the city of Winchester had on many celebrated novelists. What better way to immerse yourself in your favourite books than exploring the streets that inspired literary greats?
Begin by following the path down St Catherine’s Hill, turning left onto Garnier Road. You’ll soon come across a river path on your right, said to inspire Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and John Keats’ ode To Autumn. You can also explore Austen’s former home at an extra cost.
Literary Winchester experience prices: Free
Jewry Street and Winchester High Street
High Street, Winchester, SO23 9BL
Explore Winchester’s selection of independent shops located in the charming town centre. You’ll come across shops selling everything from vintage furniture to handmade jewellery. There’s even a farmers’ market for visitors to enjoy every so often.
Jewry Street and Winchester High Street prices: Free to visit
This world-famous arbortoreum and gardens in Ampfield is worth the 33-minute bus from Winchester. Discover over 42,000 trees and shrubs across the 180-acre site, including oaks, rhododendron, camellia and magnolia. For families visiting the gardens, there are various play areas and adventure trails suitable for all ages and abilities.
You’ll also find three cafes on site, serving tea, coffee, cake and home cooked meals made with seasonal ingredients, if you want to stop for a bite to eat during your visit.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens prices
Adults
£12.70
Children (age 5-16)
£3.60
Under 5s
Free
Family ticket
£30.00
Where to eat and drink on a budget in Winchester
All that exploring can soon work up an appetite. Good news! You can find plenty of places to refuel here. Where are the best places to eat in Winchester?
The cathedral city of the north, York’s fascinating Roman origins make it a fantastic place to visit. York train station is in the city centre, so getting here on public transport is easy.
The best indoor attractions in York
With so many ancient buildings to discover, there’s plenty to do indoors in York. Here are some unmissable options.
No trip to York is complete without a visit to the famous York Minster. One of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, the vast, 13th-century gothic cathedral stands proud in the centre of York. Inside its grand exterior, you can find plenty of stunning architecture and ancient artefacts, including stained glass windows, intricate carvings and an almost 2,000-year-old library collection.
Continue your discovery of York’s fascinating history with a trip to Clifford’s Tower. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1068, this mediaeval castle boasts impressive towers and turrets, an ancient garderobe and chapel and spectacular views over York’s skyline.
Clifford's Tower entry prices
Adults
£9.00
Children
£5.40
Under 5s
Free
York Castle Museum
yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
Tower St, York YO1 9RY
Museums are the best place to learn about a city’s history. York Castle Museum offers the perfect balance between education and entertainment. Immerse yourself in over 400 years of York’s past as you roam the Victorian street Kirkgate, meet prisoners locked in underground cells and embrace the swinging sixties!
York Castle Museum prices
Adults
£13.00
Children
£6.50
Under 5s
Free
The best outdoor attractions in York
Explore more of the city and enjoy some fresh air when you stroll around some of these outdoor attractions in York.
At Castle Howard, one of Yorkshire’s most iconic stately homes, you’ll find Yorkshire Arboretum. The parkland, lakes and ponds are home to over 6,000 species of trees, so there’s plenty of green space to explore here. Whether you’re planning a family day out, looking for a peaceful oasis to spend a few hours, or hoping to learn more about horticulture, Yorkshire Arboretum is the place to go.
Like Winchester, York has a rich literary past which makes for some fascinating walking trails. Explore the nooks and crannies that inspired the works of the Brontë sisters, Bram Stoker, Charles Dickens and Ted Hughes. These include Minister Yard and Dean’s Park. Harry Potter fans should visit the famous Shop That Must Not Be Named on The Shambles, an area of York that inspired Rowling’s iconic Diagon Alley.
Literary York experience prices: Free
The Shambles
The Shambles has much more to offer than its literary history. It’s one of Europe's best-preserved medieval shopping areas. This picture-perfect area comprises quaint cobbled streets lined with characteristic old buildings. Snap some photos of the shop fronts, or head inside to see what goodies you can find. If you fancy a sit-down, visit one of the street’s cheerful cafés for a drink or something to eat.
The Shambles prices: Free to visit
Where to eat and drink on a budget in York
Plenty of spots keep you fed and watered during your time in York. Here are some of our top choices:
Jewry Street and Winchester High Street/The Shambles
Free
Free
Total
£32.70
£43.50
Winchester and York are two cities with unique histories and characters. While both are worth a visit, Winchester offers the best value for money in the areas touched in this guide.
There are excellent public transport connections to and from Winchester, so why not plan your journey today? Search our ticket types to find the right train tickets for your trip. Plus, you can make fantastic savings by taking advantage of Railcards and discounts, GroupSave if you’re travelling with friends and family and SWR Rewards.
