If you are planning to do any visiting or exploring beyond central Winchester, you will probably want to obtain a decent map of the area. You should ensure that any map you buy clearly shows the national grid reference lines, and explains how to use them, as grid references are frequently used to indicate out of town locations. The best maps for this purpose are those published by the Ordnance Survey Britain's national mapping agency and the following maps cover all the locations mentioned below:
Ordnance Survey Landranger 185
This map covers the area around Winchester at a scale of 1:50000 and is best for exploration by car or cycle.Ordnance Survey Explorer 132
This map covers the area around Winchester at a scale of 1:25000 and is best for walking.These maps can be found in any good local bookshop, or can be bought online from the Ordnance Survey's web site (http://www.ordnancesurvey...).
On foot
Most of the things to see and do in Winchester, and the places to eat, drink and sleep are within easy walking distance of each other and the rail station. There are several attractive walks in the surrounding countryside, particularly towards Twyford along the Water Meadows, and on Old Winchester Hill.
By car
Winchester is quite small and a car is unlikely to be necessary for getting around. In addition, town centre parking can be difficult; if visiting for the day consider using the Park and Ride described above. Visitors with mobility problems can arrange to borrow a wheelchair or electric scooter through the Shopmobility office situated in the Brooks car park, off Friarsgate Street.
By bus
Winchester has a reasonable bus service, both within the town and to the surrounding area, although frequencies can be quite low with little service in the evenings or on Sunday.
Stagecoach in Hampshire
(http://www.stagecoachbus....), telephone 0845-121-0180 from within in the UK, operate most of the bus services in the city and surrounding area.Solent Blue Line
(http://www.solentblueline.com/), telephone 023-8061-8233 from within the UK, operate services from the city to the south.Traveline
(http://www.traveline.org.uk/), telephone 0871 200 22 33 +44 871 200 22 33 from outside the UK, provide an impartial online travel planner and telephone query service for all local bus services.