More UK visitors are discovering the attractions of Winchester! The ancient capital of England has beaten off traditional southern favourites Brighton and Bath to shoot into the top five �Best UK Cities� on its first appearance in the annual Guardian and Observer travel awards.

The only contender south of Newcastle to reach the top five for the �Best UK City�, as voted for by readers of The Guardian and Observer, Winchester is celebrating its ranking at number five.

The city�s appeal comes as no surprise to Eloise Appleby, Head of Tourism at Winchester City Council. �Winchester enjoys a different pace of life to many other UK cities,� she comments. �For a compact city it also has a surprising range of attractions.�

�While we�ve traditionally been associated with history and heritage, more people are beginning to appreciate the intriguing mix of old and new which Winchester has to offer. The city�s rich heritage sits side by side with a wealth of contemporary galleries and public art, a thriving shopping centre and stunning, modern architecture. Visitors are also pleasantly surprised to discover the beautiful countryside and charming villages right on our doorstep. And the area is enjoying a growing reputation for its food: local restaurateurs and chefs take great pride in sourcing food produced in the Winchester District, and we host the UK�s largest monthly farmers� market.�

Popular for weekend breaks and romantic escapes, Winchester is also great for families. With attractions including Winchester Cathedral, the largest collection of military heritage outside London, interactive museums, Marwell Zoological Park, INTECH hands-on science and technology centre, Jane Austen's house and the Mid-Hants Steam Railway, Winchester offers a varied line-up for children and their parents. Those looking to enjoy the great outdoors can step out along one of the many walking routes to discover lore and legend � from King Arthur to St Swithun � art and architecture, ghosts and ghouls or food and drink. There are also plenty of well-planned rural trails to explore.

Winchester's narrow streets offer a host of unusual, specialist outlets for everyone from the discerning shopper to the antiques aficionado �with traditional-style service from knowledgeable staff.

Only 50 minutes from London, and within easy reach of Southampton Airport and the cross-Channel ferries, Winchester makes an ideal base for touring Hampshire, from the New Forest to Bournemouth's beaches and Portsmouth's historic dockyards.

�Winchester has a lot to shout about,� adds Eloise. �Our recognition as one of the best cities in the UK is well-deserved. Anyone looking to unwind, indulge themselves and experience England�s finest should put Winchester top of the list for an early visit.�

Another cause for celebration was boutique chain Hotel du Vin � which originated in Winchester � coming number one in the �Best UK Hotel� category.

Free copies of the Winchester Visitor�s Guide 2003 are available from Winchester Tourism on 01962 848556 or e-mail tourism@winchester.gov.uk or www.visitwinchester.co.uk. The Winchester Tourist Information Centre is in the Guildhall (tel 01962 840500).

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