The Parish of St. Luke, Stanmore with St. Mark, Oliver’s Battery lies in the ancient city of Winchester in the historic County of Hampshire - one of the focal points of England’s tourist area. Our parish would like to welcome you to discover the treasures of this beautiful cathedral city which is England’s former capital and seat of King Alfred the Great, on the edge of the South Downs.

Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside. One hour from London, it is the County Town of Hampshire - a county steeped in history, culture and beauty. Winchester is most well known for the magnificent 11th century Cathedral which has Europe’s longest nave, the Great Hall, where, for 600 years, the legendary Round Table of King Arthur has hung, and for being the final resting place of Jane Austen. Other medieval buildings give it an historic atmosphere. Its narrow streets and interesting shops, museums, riverside walks and ancient walls and gates make a leisurely stroll an unforgettable memory.

Winchester also has a Riverside Leisure Centre, with a swimming pool and excellent Golf Courses.

The County of Hampshire offers a wide variety of experiences, all within easy reach of Winchester. Its maritime history, which dates from pre-Roman times, includes Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home of Henry VIII’s salvaged ship The Mary Rose, the mighty iron-clad H.M.S. Warrior - which never fired her guns in anger, and Nelson’s flagship H.M.S. Victory.

For the literary minded, Hampshire has strong connections with Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle and Jane Austen, who lived, wrote and died here. Florence Nightingale, the Lady of the Lamp, lived and is buried here, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring hospital buildings and high nursing standards.

The Roman Portchester Castle, its Keep, Green and Norman Church, nestles on the shore of Portsmouth Harbour. Palmerston’s Folly - five hillforts and three sea girt ones - was built to protect England from invasion, as was Southsea Castle, which now houses the D-Day Tapestry, an unusual and vibrant memorial to the British, Commonwealth and American troops who were so crucial to the ending of World War Two.

In the west of the county lies the market town of Romsey and its historic abbey. Situated here is Broadlands, home of the late Lord Louis Mountbatten, where the Queen and Prince Philip, Prince Charles & Diana, Princess of Wales all spent part of their honeymoons.

Just to the north of Winchester lies Alresford, a picturesque Georgian town, in the heart of watercress country. On the Mid Hants Railway (the Watercress Line) restored steam trains haul coaches through 10 miles of Hampshire countryside, from Alresford to Alton.

Situated in the heart of a housing development, our Parish Church of St. Luke reflects modern church design, being built in the 1960’s. Surprisingly it houses the 18th century font in which Thomas Hardy, the prolific author of many well known novels, was baptised. The little church of St. Mark is situated next to Oliver’s Battery, from where Cromwell’s forces are alleged to have fired their cannons into Winchester Cathedral, during the English Civil War.

We look forward to welcoming you into our homes and parish and sharing with you our lovely city and some of the delights we are privileged to enjoy. You can be assured of a holiday to remember.

Tuesday - Guests will be greeted by their hosts and enjoy an evening meal with them.

Wednesday - A morning Get-together for coffee and introductions. Lunch will be taken in the Cathedral Refectory. This will be followed by a walking tour of Winchester including The Great Hall. Supper with a Parish Family.

Thursday - A visit to Alresford, a perfect Georgian town. Stroll along the banks of the River Arle to the picturesque Fulling Mill. Lunch in Old Alresford. Ride on a steam train - The Watercress Line. A Traditional Fish and Chip Supper in the Parish.

Friday - A beautiful drive through the little village of Hursley, one time home of Oliver Cromwell’s son Richard and the Rev’d John Keble, to the ancient market town of Romsey. A visit to the Abbey, where Lord Mountbatten is buried. Lunch at the Abbey. The afternoon will be spent at Mottisfont Abbey to see the world famous roses. Supper in the Parish.

Saturday - A leisurely drive round some of the beautiful Hampshire villages, stopping to visit unspoilt churches dating from Saxon times or a free morning. Lunch in a typical English pub. A visit to Jane Austen’s house in Chawton where she worked on her six famous novels. A Parish Barbecue in the evening.

Sunday - Morning Service at the Parish Church followed by a traditional lunch. A free afternoon or a visit to the Hospital of St. Cross, founded in 1132, where the Traditional Wayfarer’s Dole is still provided for the traveller. A traditional cream tea at the Vicarage. Evening with hosts.

Monday - A full day to Portsmouth. A chance to visit the Historic Dockyard, D- Day Museum and a stroll along the seafront. Supper in the Parish.

Tuesday - Another day in Winchester visiting the Cathedral, with free time to shop and explore further, and the opportunity to attend Choral Evensong in the Cathedral and worship with the saints across the centuries. A farewell supper in the Parish.

Wednesday - Friends depart after breakfast.
14th June