There are many places to visit in Winchester, Virginia. There is the Handley Library, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, Winchester Cathedral, and Abram’s Delight. You should also check out the area’s wineries, which offer unique, handcrafted wines and other delicacies.
Handley Library
If you’re looking for a unique place to visit in Winchester, Virginia, you might want to check out the Handley Library. This historical library is located at 100 West Piccadilly Street. It was built in 1913 and was funded by a wealthy Pennsylvania businessman.
The Handley Library is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It was completed in 1913, and its green dome is visible throughout the city. Historically, the library was segregated, but is now open to everyone. Just make sure to check out the hours before going in – it’s closed on Sundays! Inside, you’ll find a spiral staircase that takes you to the second and third floors.
The Handley Library opened in 1913 and was named in honor of a local Scotch-Irish judge. Judge Handley made his fortune investing in coal and developed a love for the city. When he died, he left money for a library in the town and schools for the poor. He was buried in Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, and his estate is now preserved in the library’s name.
In addition to Handley Library, the Douglas School serves as an educational center for children and families. Located on the city’s largest green space, it is ideal for young children and families. The museum was designed by Michael Graves, who won the Driehaus Prize for his work on the project.
For an education on the architecture of the Handley Library, you can attend a free tour. The tour is held the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and the third Saturday at 1 p.m. Volunteer Mary Reilly guides the tours. A tour of the library is an excellent opportunity to get a better appreciation of the building’s historical significance.
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is an indoor attraction that provides a variety of educational and play experiences for families. It features hands-on cultural and science education activities. Located in Winchester, Virginia, the museum has something for everyone, from infants to grown-ups.
The museum is dedicated to sparking the curiosity and creativity of visitors. Interactive exhibits feature a variety of subjects, including paleontology, simple machines, art-making, Native American culture, science, and more. The museum has a permanent and rotating exhibit series, as well as programs geared towards educators and school groups.
The Discovery Museum has four floors of hands-on exhibits. It also offers exciting special events and more than 40 summer camp programs for kids of all ages. The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays except for special school days.
The museum is a nonprofit, which means that it is not for profit. It also uses donations to keep costs down. A visit to the museum is a great way to support the local economy and help the community. It is a good place to bring the entire family to learn about science, art, and history.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. It is located in Winchester, England. Visitors to Winchester should make time to visit this beautiful cathedral. This historic building features beautiful artworks and is filled with history. You can explore the crypt, see the famous seal and take in the beautiful acoustics.
The cathedral has impressive medieval floor tiles. These tiles were created by skilled craftsmen who travelled around the country making them. Hampshire was home to fine clays, making the region ideal for tile making. Many of the main potteries were located in Hampshire. The cathedral offers guided tours, workshops and holiday activities. In addition, there are holiday events and trails that you can take to learn more about this beautiful cathedral.
One of the architectural highlights of the cathedral is the Perpendicular nave. It contains some of the oldest choir stalls in England. Another highlight is the Lady Chapel, a beautiful chapel rebuilt by Queen Elizabeth in the 16th century. The cathedral also contains the remains of a number of Saxon kings, including Canute, Emma, and William Rufus.
You can spend a morning or afternoon exploring the cathedral. The church’s history is fascinating. You can see sculptures of animals and beasts in stone. The Gothic-styled church is adorned with medieval stained-glass windows. It is also home to many contemporary works of art. In the crypt, you can see a sculpture by British artist Antony Gormley. You can even visit the burial place of Jane Austen, who lived in the city and wrote several of her famous books.
A guided tour is another great way to learn about Winchester Cathedral’s fascinating history. The guided tours are free of charge and usually last one to one and a half hours. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and will provide you with an insight into the cathedral’s history. They will also point out the stained glass panels, treasures, and chantry chapels.
Abram’s Delight
In Winchester, Virginia, there’s an historic home called Abram’s Delight you can visit. Built in 1754 and owned by the Hollingsworth family for 200 years, it is a classic example of the Shenandoah Valley architecture typical of Scotch-Irish settlers.
The two-story, limestone structure is Winchester’s oldest house. It was built in 1754 by Isaac Hollingsworth, whose father had declared it “a delight to see.” Inside, you’ll see period furnishings and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum also offers guided tours, which last about 30 minutes.
The museum is open daily, from April 1 to October 31. Weekdays, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on Sundays, it’s open 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, call (508) 538-3553.
Abram’s Delight has a gift shop in the basement. You can purchase all sorts of goods at the store, including apple-themed gifts. The Handley Library has documents pertaining to the town’s history. It also houses personal records and historical documents.
St Cross Hospital
St Cross Hospital is a Grade I listed medieval almshouse in Winchester, Hampshire, England. It has been described as England’s oldest almshouse. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area. Whether you are interested in the history or the architecture, St Cross Hospital is well worth the visit.
As one of England’s oldest charitable institutions, St Cross Hospital was founded in the twelfth century to house and feed the poor and sick. In its early years, up to 100 men would show up at the hospital gates, demanding food. The hospital was built on a large estate, with a mill and land available for cultivation. By the end of the 12th century, it was home to 25 Brothers.
The hospital has a wealth of Tudor and medieval buildings. There’s a medieval hall, a Tudor cloister, a kitchen, and a second hall. There are also 25 lay brothers who live on site. They wear red or black gowns and trencher hats. The hospital is open to the public and is located on St Cross Road, behind Winchester College.
Visitors can also tour the hospital’s grounds. In the fifteenth century, the Hundred Men’s Hall was used as a place to eat. Today, visitors can enjoy a cup of tea at the tea room staffed by volunteers. It is an excellent example of medieval architecture and has a lectern from the fifteenth century.
In the past, the city of Winchester was the capital of England. It is also home to the largest cathedral in Europe. Nearby highways include the M3 motorway and A34.
