The Hospital of St Cross

I’ve been parking hear for over twenty years, and then walked through the meadows.
I visited with my club and was amazed at what lay behind the arched entrance to The Hospital of St. Cross.
Firstly, the word hospital, is misleading. The word is derived from hospitality. The hospital was founded purely to help travellers on their way through Winchester. You would call in and ask for dole. The same holds true today. When you ask for dole you are handed a not ungenerous measure of real ale, and a portion of bread.
The church and grounds are unbelievable. There’s also a large lake. It’s all so unexpected.
We ended our visit in the cafe with tea and cakes.
The end to a memorable day.

Highly underrated place. Very few tourists (actually there were nobody just me), which is in high contrast with other attractions in the city, such as the cathedral. The place is excellently maintained, the garden is beautiful. Without overexaduration, this is one of the most memorable places I have ever visited.

An awe inspiring, beautiful, beautiful place to have been advised to visit. So very grateful to have learned of this history. The surrounding gardens were peaceful, magnificent and a joy to wander around.

Lovely oasis of calm and peace just outside the bustling city of Winchester, the medieval Hospital of St Cross is well worth a visit. Walk from College Street opposite the Palace of the Bishop of Winchester following the signpost 'The Water Meadows' along the footpath beside the River Itchen. Cross Garnier Road and keep going along the footpath directly opposite, basically cross the road and continue in the same direction. You'll see cattle in the fields and swans on the river. Once you reach the Hospital, there is a tea room if you are thirsty. Be sure to go to the shop (inside the porter's lodge) and ask for the Wayfarer's Dole, a symbol of the sustenance provided to travellers in centuries past. You will be given a small jar of ale and a piece of bread for free, but be kind and put a donation in the tin. Unfortunately, you must pay to go into the grounds and church, but it's worth doing. We were there on a gloriously warm Easter Sunday afternoon and families were having a picnic outside the grounds next to the River, a lovely tranquil spot.

A lovely tranquil setting for a wedding. Great parking in the field next door too Well worth a visit . It's like stepping back in time😇

Oh well, just passed by this morning entering Winchester from the south. The hidden gem of Winchester, no doubt. No crowds, massive church, beautiful gardens with the church reflected in the pond, and extra helpful staff/priests/volunteers.

Another wonderful afternoon at St Cross Michaelmas fair. Lots of lovely stalls, a ginger cake to just die for with a cup of tea. The Madding Crowd sang for three half hour sessions. Austin Healey cars polished beyond belief in the beautiful setting of St Cross. And then the rain came when it was time to go home.

Attended a wedding here, beautiful chapel with traditional pews with heating, the wedding was good too.