Nestled in the heart of the South Downs, there's something very romantic about Winchester - the half-timbered houses with their gables leaning slightly, the River Itchen flowing softly through the city centre. There are water mills and old Roman walls. There are even ruined castles! It's no surprise that John Keats wrote some of his most famous poems here, including his ode 'To Autumn'!
They say size doesn't matter, but it does with cathedrals: and Winchester is the longest Gothic cathedral in the world. Begun in the late eleventh century, the cathedral is a magnificent example of religious architecture. Everything balances delicately: ogival arches, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults fanning over the nave. Almost as if it supported by the air itself.
This design showcases not only the immensely tall nave with its gothic rib vaulting, but also the cathedral's famous choir stalls. Dating back to the 14th century, the oak stalls are decorated with carved animals, human figures and luxuriant curling leaves. The Winchester Cathedral Choir are internationally acclaimed, filling the Cathedral with their heavenly music. Go on: why not brighten up your kitchen with this glorious tea towel?
