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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Keats' Walk - Ode to Autumn
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Follow the daily route Keats took during his stay in Winchester. Starting at Winchester Tourist Information Centre, enjoy a self-guided walk in the poet's footsteps from the city to St Cross, passing through the landscape which inspired his famous ode 'To Autumn'.
The English Romantic poet, John Keats, stayed in Winchester during the late summer and early autumn of 1819. Despite being tormented by his love for Fanny Brawne and ill-health, his visit to the city seems to have been a peaceful, reflective interlude in his troubled life. Keats enjoyed a daily walk through the Cathedral Close and water meadows to St Cross. He was so inspired by the natural beauty of Winchester that, on Sunday 19 September 1819, he penned his ode To Autumn on his return.
Distance: The round trip is approximately two miles. Pavements, paths and grass lie underfoot and stout shoes are advisable after wet weather.
Car parking: Use the city centre car parks or the Park and Ride.
Rail: The closest train station is Winchester. This station has direct services from London.
Places to eat: There are a number of eateries en-route including Winchester Cathedral Refectory and the Hospital of St Cross during the summer months. The Bell Inn on St Cross Road is the closest pub to St Cross Hospital. Alternatively, there are many picnic spots along the way.
Places of interest: Winchester Cathedral, Hospital of St Cross, St Catherine's Hill.
If you're organising a group outing along Keats' Walk, enlist the services of one of Winchester's qualified tourist guides to help you discover the sights and learn a few stories along the way. Contact Winchester Tourist Information Centre for further details.
The route can been downloaded below (PDF).
