Winchester

Other than the cathedral, the big draw is King Arthur's round table hanging up in the great hall (sadly not the actual original).  Down the hill we are pulled to the bustling city centre - one long street of shops dipping down and up in a big 'U', with a long thin strip of market stalls crammed in the shady space between.

At the bottom of the slope a spur has some vegetarian and vegan stalls looking colourful against the Autumn trees today.  Did you spot the guy eating fish and chips?

Of course if you are Winchester you've come to see one of two things.  You've already passed the great hall, but you haven't seen the cathedral.  Along the high street there are several spot where you can turn off, leading to the green in front of the cathedral.  At one there are some interesting pubs, including the eclipse inn, which in winter is eclipsed by the shadow of the museum building!

At the front of the cathedral there is a passage through to the Christmas market (assuming its December).  The main area is busy, so lets take the steps over the wall to the side area where there are many artisan stalls.  And that is where this view was painted...

Back in the main market it is now sunset, and the last rays of sun have turned the grey stone of the cathedral a lovely warm shade that rivals the glow from the stalls.

Around the corner we grab a paper cup of mulled cider at half the price of the official stalls - but then they really are elaborate.

Outside the front entrance of the cathedral we come to one of those mulled wine stalls.  A stirrer stands high, slowly winding a vast copper vat of what is labelled 'mulled wine', though I doubt it actually is.  Behind I spot a statue of a soldier with his rifle mimicking the pose of the stirrer.  There is a message of peace there somewhere.

Beside them a steampunk inspired stall is overladen with twiddly bits of brass, and another hand selling the wine.  Nextdoor a similar stall sells roasted chestnuts.

Back to the high street we come to a little park, a prominent statue and an old mill.  Turn right for a walk along the river and out to the water meadows at St Cross, or a muddy climb up St Catherines hill.  But thats another picture I've yet to paint.

Sounds like too much walking?  Another option is to head to the bus station (opposite the distinctive guildhall), and catch a bus to some of the other interesting places nearby.  There are buses to Romsey, Southampton, Alresford (renowned for its watercress), and many more.