The South Sights

Shopping Performing Arts

1. Winchester College

This prestigious "public" (meaning private) school—Britain's oldest in continuous operation, with several buildings still in use after six centuries—was founded in 1382 by Bishop William of Wykeham, whose alabaster tomb sits in a chapel dedicated to him in Winchester Cathedral. The wooden ceiling of the school's own 14th-century chapel is notable for its delicate fan vaulting. The boys wearing monk-style cassocks are "scholars"—students holding academic scholarships.  The campus can only be visited by one-hour tours that take in the Museum, Treasury, Chamber Court, Chapel, College Hall, Cloisters, and the 17th Century School building; tours are available daily, but are sometimes canceled due to college events, so call ahead.