Living and Working In Winchester

The cathedral city of Winchester is in the county of Hampshire on the edge of the South Downs National Park - known for its rolling hills, pretty villages and scenic walking trails. It is only around sixty five miles from London and fifteen miles from Southampton. The wider City of Winchester district includes a selection of picturesque towns such as Bishops Waltham, a medieval market town and home to the ruins of Bishop’s Waltham Palace and the picturesque town of Alresford which is where the well known Watercress Line railway runs ten miles until it reaches Alton. Winchester is in close proximity to Southampton Airport while the larger London Heathrow Airport is approximately fifty five miles away.

Winchester can boast a rich history which dates as far back as prehistoric times with many interesting archaeological finds dating from this period. It once served as the capital of the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Wessex which made it a significant political and cultural centre. The city flourished under Roman rule with evidence of its importance found within the ruins of Winchester’s Roman walls and other structures. Throughout the Medieval period, the city was a key religious and administrative hub, home to Winchester Cathedral and Winchester Castle, where the Great Hall stands today. The city has long played pivotal roles in history, witnessing several major events which include the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 and Alfred the Great’s influence which helped shape the city into a significant political, religious and cultural centre of early medieval England.

Winchester’s economy is characterised by a mix of traditional sectors and modern industries that reflect its role as a historic city with a vibrant, contemporary life. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Winchester’s economy, driven by its rich history and architecture. The city attracts a large number of tourists each year, contributing to the local economy through spending on accommodation, dining, shopping and cultural activities. Various festivals are held here including the Winchester Christmas Market, one of the most popular in the UK.

The city has a thriving creative sector with a strong focus on the arts, culture and media. The city supports numerous galleries, theatres and cultural venues that contribute to its vibrant cultural scene and also the city hosts a variety of cultural events, including literary festivals, arts events and music festivals, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.

As the county town of Hampshire, Winchester hosts several government offices and public administration facilities. The public sector is a significant employer in Winchester, providing many jobs in education, healthcare and government services.

The University of Winchester, which can trace its origins back to 1840, plays a key role in the local economy both as a major employer and through its contribution to the city’s cultural and intellectual life. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as well as being involved in research across various disciplines.

Winchester is seeing growth in technology and digital, particularly in areas like digital marketing, content creation and web development. The city’s rich cultural scene complements the digital sector with a number of businesses specialising in digital content for arts, education and entertainment, benefiting from the proximity to major tech hubs like London and Southampton. Professional services,in the city supported by a skilled workforce and a close proximity to London, hosts a number of consulting firms and other professional services that cater to both local businesses and clients from the surrounding region.

Winchester is surrounded by rich agricultural land and farming continues to be an important part of the economy. The city benefits from local produce markets and a strong focus on sustainability and local sourcing in the food industry.

There is much to see and do in and around Winchester. Jane Austen’s house in nearby Chawton, is a popular choice where visitors can see the cottage where she lived and wrote her novels. Winchester City Museum explores the city’s past while the Great Hall is home to the legendary King Arthur. Westgate Museum offers insights into the city’s military and social history, including its role as a medieval gateway. Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and dates from as far back as the 11th century, renowned for its exquisite sculptures and stunning stained glass windows. It also houses the Shrine of St Swithun, a former Anglo Saxon bishop and holds the remains of various Saxon kings.

The city has a thriving retail sector. A popular farmers market, a fantastic variety of restaurants, pubs, bars and inns as well as every type of shop from unique and independent shops and chic boutiques to big name stores and designer stores, it's all here in Winchester. There is something for everyone in Winchester. Even the most hard to please will delight at the many distinctive handmade items which can be found nestled amongst the many side streets and alleys - even from people’s back gardens!

Winchester is one of Hampshire’s most sought after places to live and is renowned for being one of the UK’s most affluent areas and can boast a low crime rate, an excellent standard of living and a welcoming and friendly community placed within idyllic surroundings.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on September 27th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the Guildhall Winchester, SO23 9GH. This beautiful Grade II listed building holds a huge amount of history and overlooks Abbey Gardens and St Giles’ Hill,  providing the largest multifunctional space in Winchester and is used for prestigious meetings, events and weddings.