Exploring the heritage and everyday history of St Giles Hill, the Soke and its Park

Join horticulturalist, local historian and tour guide, Harry Mycock for a walk up and around St Giles Hill Park and the Soke. In keeping with the Everyday Histories theme of the Heritage Open Days this year activities carried out here will be considered from those involved in wool from farmers to processors to sellers, these along with millers, quarrymen, railwaymen and even firework makers. The great history will also be covered considering the park's storied past - from a place of execution under William the Conqueror, to the site of one of Europe's largest trade fairs in the Middle Ages. Stories of the odd riot will be thrown in, too.

In the late 19th Century, the City Council acquired the open land on the hilltop and the slopes of St Giles Hill designating the area as a recreation ground. The Council brought in one of the country's leading landscape architects to design and oversee the part of this 'pleasure ground' for the purposes of public health and exercise. The Park today is a much loved green space, a haven for local flora and fauna, and an integral part of the city's landscape, and boasts extraordinary views across the city centre, including of the Cathedral, College, High Street, Guildhall and Great Hall. The walk will start inside Abbey Gardens on the Broadway in close proximity to the statue of King Alfred.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

1030

Thursday 17 September:

1030

Location & directions

Abbey Gardens, 65 The Broadway, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9BE

Contact on day:

Dr Harry Mycock 07971 896487

Telephone number:

+447971896487

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Through Winchester HODs

Booking contact name:

Hampshire History Trust

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hampshire-history-trust

Booking opens:

27 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Parking is available near the meeting point in the Colebook Street car park or, if this is full, in cheaper Chesil Street multi-storey car park off Chesil Street. Visitors are however encouraged to use the Park & Ride car parks at Bar End, from where buses run every 7-10 minutes that will drop you in front of the designated meeting point in Abbey Gardens. Please note that St Giles Hill Park is a hilltop park that encompasses steep wooded flanks, sloping pathways and steps. Unfortunately, this guided walk would be unsuitable for wheelchair users or others with mobility challenges.

Additional information

The tour-guide for this event, Dr Harry Mycock, chairs the Friends of St Giles Hill Park -- a voluntary organisation which is working to preserve, protect and improve the Park. For more information, please visit: https://www.friendsofstgileshillpark.org

Max number of people:

24

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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