St Catherine's Hill
A chalk hill south of the city, with the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and a turf maze on top, overlooking all of Winchester and the Itchen valley.
St Catherine's Hill rises to about 100 metres and is a nature reserve managed by Hampshire Wildlife Trust. Ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort encircle the summit, the woodland contains the ruins of the medieval chapel of St Catherine, and a turf maze was cut into the grass around the 17th century. In summer the chalk grasslands bloom with orchids and wildflowers, and butterflies are plentiful. From the city centre it takes about 30 minutes to walk along the Itchen meadows to the foot of the hill, and about 15 minutes to climb to the top, where the steps are steep. Combine it with Keats Walk and the Hospital of St Cross for a half-day hike.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hospital of St Cross
- Winchester College
- Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)
- Winchester Cathedral
- Statue of Alfred the Great
- Winchester City Mill
- Buttercross & High Street
- The Great Hall & Round Table