The best cycling routes around Sparsholt

It is a colorful town with attractions.

Historic waterbeds for growing watercress, on a very quiet road. There's a ford just along with a perfect cycle crossing

As well as good selection of filled jacket potatoes and sandwiches, lunch also includes specials each day. Very dog friendly, they have an area of tables by the bar that is hard floor where dogs are welcome, bowls of water bought to the tables. The beer was good too

Try the Copper or the 200

The striking bronze statue of King Alfred the Great is one of Winchester's most recognizable landmarks, dominating The Broadway at the eastern end of the High Street near the River Itchen. Sculpted by Sir Hamo Thornycroft, the colossal, 15-foot-tall figure was erected in 1901 to commemorate the millennium of the king's death—a pivotal figure who made Winchester his capital and is credited with being "The Founder of the Kingdom and Nation," as inscribed on its granite base. Depicting a heroic, bearded Alfred in a regal stance with a downward-pointing sword hilt forming a cross, the statue celebrates his dual role as a military champion against the Vikings and an early Christian leader, all while standing proudly in the city he helped define.

The Winchester Guildhall is a prominent Grade II listed Victorian building, built in the Gothic Revival style by architects Jeffery and Skiller and opened in 1873, standing on the High Street on a site once occupied by St Mary's Abbey. With its striking façade featuring a tall clock tower, an arcaded entrance, and statues of historical figures, the Guildhall was originally conceived as a larger complex to house civic government functions, law courts, the police station, and the fire brigade. Today, it operates as a major event and conference venue in the heart of the city, offering a range of versatile rooms like the grand Bapsy Hall and the King Charles Hall for weddings, conferences, and various other public and private functions.

The Sword: Alfred is shown grasping a large, cross-hilted sword with the point facing downwards. This posture is symbolic, representing not just his prowess as a warrior who defended his kingdom against the Vikings, but also his role as a Christian leader, with the hilt forming the shape of a cross. The Pedestal: The statue rests on a large pedestal of Cornish granite, which is inscribed with just one word: AELFRED. Historical Portrayal: Thornycroft's depiction is a romanticized, heroic one—showing Alfred with a long, flowing beard—even though contemporary coins suggest the King was clean-shaven. The monument represents the Victorian-era idea of Alfred as a perfect warrior, statesman, and philosopher king.

The statue depicts Alfred the Great (847–899 AD), who was the King of the West Saxons and is traditionally regarded as the first King of the Anglo-Saxons and the founder of the Kingdom of England. Winchester was his capital. Sculptor: Sir Hamo Thornycroft, a highly-regarded Royal Academician. Completion: It was completed in 1901, although it was commissioned to mark the millennium of King Alfred's death (which was in 899 AD). Size: The bronze statue is monumental, standing at 15 feet (4.57 m) high and weighing about five tons. The total height with its granite pedestal is around 40 feet. Location: It stands prominently at the eastern end of The Broadway, near the junction with Bridge Street and Eastgate Street, with the High Street extending behind it toward the city centre.