Walks & nature / WINCHESTER

Water meadows and the Keats Trail

The route from the Cathedral Close towards St Cross changes Winchester’s scale, replacing shopping streets with paths beside a chalk stream and open meadow views. Follow the visitor information centre’s Keats Trail, using its literary stops as reasons to pause. The published circuit is about two miles; allow much longer than a brisk exercise walk if you plan to read the route and photograph the landscape.

St Faith’s Meadow beside the southern Winchester walking routes — Photo: Bill Boaden

Before you go

Download the official map before setting off. For a shorter outing turn back before the longer meadow section; for a dry-surface return from St Cross, the leaflet describes Back Street, St Faith’s Road, Kingsgate Road and Kingsgate Street.

The practical details

Where to find it: Cathedral Close to St Cross
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: The self-guided walk has no admission charge. Download the free route; a paper leaflet can be bought at the visitor information centre. Entry inside St Cross or the cathedral is separate. Leave the countryside section for daylight and avoid flooded routes.
Access and getting around: The official circuit mixes pavements, gravel and grass and includes a road crossing at Garnier Road. It is not described as an all-weather wheelchair route. Expect mud or slippery ground after rain, respect closures and use the separate Visit Winchester Accessible Trail when firm surfaces are essential.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Keep children near you beside the stream, at gates and when crossing roads. Bring a snack and choose a turnaround time; the outward walk is only half the effort. Stay on public paths and respect college grounds, grazing animals and residents.

Practical information checked 14 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 1½–2 hours for the trail, plus stops for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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