King Alfred Statue, Winchester

Statue in Winchester

King Alfred Statue Winchester
King Alfred Statue Winchester
CC BY-SA 3.0 / BobW66

The Statue of Alfred the Great rises above The Broadway at the eastern end of Winchester's historic centre, a larger-than-life bronze figure that's hard to miss as you approach the High Street. It is one of the top sights in Winchester not because it takes long, but because it instantly anchors you in the city's Saxon story, with the Cathedral quarter and riverside walks close by.

This is one of those stops that rewards a slow lap rather than a quick snapshot: the stance, the sword, and the heavy granite plinth all read differently as you move around it and look back along the street. It also works brilliantly as a waypoint on a walking tour of Winchester, linking the modern city to the places where Alfred's legacy still feels tangible.

History and Significance of the Statue of Alfred the Great

Unveiled in 1901, the statue was commissioned to mark the millennium of Alfred’s death and was created by the sculptor Hamo Thornycroft. Standing prominently above the road, it was designed to be seen from a distance, with a scale and silhouette that match Alfred’s reputation as a unifier, lawgiver, and defender of Wessex.

The monument's details are part of the message: the sword and forward stride read as confidence and authority, while the shield and cloak suggest protection and guardianship. Even if you do not dive deep into the history, it is an easy, visual reminder that Winchester was central to the story of early England, not just a pretty cathedral city.

Things to See and Do in the Statue of Alfred the Great

Start by viewing the statue from a few angles: from The Broadway you get the “commanding” street view, while nearby green spaces and pavements give cleaner photo lines and calmer framing. Look closely at the way the figure’s posture is set up to pull your eye down the High Street, as if Alfred is surveying the city he shaped.

Use it as a simple mini-route trigger: from here you can drift toward the Cathedral precinct, follow the River Itchen for a quieter stretch, or loop back into the shopping and café lanes of the centre. If you enjoy small details, take a moment to read the inscription and notice how restrained it is compared with the statue’s drama.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Statue of Alfred the Great

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24Hours
  • Best time to visit: Early morning is the easiest time for uncluttered photos and a calmer feel, especially if you want the High Street backdrop without traffic and crowds.
  • How long to spend: Allow 10-20 minutes for photos, a slow walk around the plinth, and a quick wander to the nearest viewpoint or river path.
  • Accessibility: It is viewed from public pavements with generally level access, but the immediate area is a busy road junction, so allow extra care if you are moving slowly or with a stroller.
  • Facilities: There are no on-site facilities at the monument itself, but you are minutes from cafés, public restrooms, and the city centre’s services.

Where to Stay Close to the Statue of Alfred the Great

For the easiest sightseeing, base yourself in central Winchester around the High Street and Cathedral quarter; choose nearer the station only if transport connections are your main priority.

If you want a boutique, walk-everywhere base with a special-occasion feel, Hotel du Vin Winchester puts you close to the Cathedral area while still being an easy walk to The Broadway. For a classic, characterful stay right in the centre, Winchester Royal Hotel is well placed for evenings out and quick morning strolls to the monument. If your ideal trip is history-heavy and you like being near the Great Hall and older streets, The Old Vine is a strong, atmospheric option with a very “Winchester” sense of place.

Is the Statue of Alfred the Great Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like landmarks that add narrative to a city rather than just ticking a box. It is free, always accessible, and works as a natural “start here” marker that helps you orient yourself before you dive into Winchester’s Cathedral, medieval streets, and riverside paths.

Even if you only have a few hours, it is an efficient stop: you get a memorable photo, a sense of the city's identity, and an easy springboard into nearby highlights. Think of it as a small time investment that improves the rest of your day in Winchester.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Treat it as a quick “giant statue” moment: walk a full circle, pick a detail to spot (sword, shield, cloak), then move on before attention dips. It pairs well with a simple snack stop nearby and a short riverside walk to burn off energy.

If you are with strollers, plan your approach so you are not juggling crossings at the busiest point, and keep the visit short and purposeful. The statue works best as a landmark pause rather than a long, explanatory history lesson.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Come at golden hour when the bronze and granite pick up warmer tones and the city feels calmer. A slow loop around the monument, then a wander into the Cathedral area or a cosy dinner booking, makes it feel like part of a broader, romantic Winchester evening.

For photos, stand back far enough to include the sweep of the street behind Alfred, then take one close-up detail shot for contrast. It is a quick stop, but it adds atmosphere to a stroll together.

Budget Travelers

This is a high-value, zero-cost attraction that delivers a classic Winchester “I was here” moment without spending anything. Use it to structure a free walking day: statue, Cathedral precinct exterior, historic streets, then a riverside loop.

If you are watching costs, visit early, take your photos, and then plan your café stop slightly off the main drag where prices tend to be gentler. The monument is central enough that you can keep the rest of the day on foot.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,658)

King Alfred the Great Statue sits centrally on The Broadway in Winchester at 65 The Broadway, a handy, quick-stop landmark near the main bus station and the Abbey Gardens; visitors note the attractive historic street and surrounding architecture, enjoy snapping photos, and often pause here before exploring nearby shops and the cathedral (which may require an entry fee).

JAN ANDERSON
4 weeks ago
"Such an historic place with status of King Alfred.Real old buildings through the main street. Great shops of all soets of things to buy .Greatarchitect on buildings.And cathedral although you have to pay to enter...."
Parinita Agrawal
5 months ago
"Statue standing right at the centre of the street and the city. Located near the main bus station and Abbey gardens. Worth a quick stop as the streetand location itself are beautiful...."
lubieimbir
3 months ago
"Winchester’s Bronze Legend! Standing tall on The Broadway in Winchester, King Alfred the Great looks ready to conquer—or at least direct traffic.Unveiled in 1901 to mark 1,000 years since his death, this statue celebrates the man who united England and gave Vikings a proper headache. Designed by Hamo Thornycroft, Alfred holds his sword like a cross—symbolising both battle and belief. But in true British fashion, the granite base was installed upside down, and no one’s bothered to fix it. Classic.. Locals love him, tourists snap selfies, and there’s even a pub named Alfie’s nearby. Legend says if a virgin walks around the statue three times, he’ll lower his sword. Spoiler: he hasn’t yet....."

FAQs for Visiting the Statue of Alfred the Great

Getting There

It stands at The Broadway at the eastern end of Winchester’s High Street, right on the edge of the main city-centre flow. It is a prominent street landmark, so you will usually spot it before you reach it.
Walk along the High Street heading east until it opens into The Broadway. Keep to the pavements and use the crossings, as the statue sits at a busy junction.
From the station, walk down into the city centre and follow signs toward the High Street; you will naturally funnel toward the main shopping street. Winchester is well connected by rail, so arriving by train is often the easiest choice for a day trip. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio..
Driving into the centre can be slow at peak times, and the statue is best visited as part of a walk rather than a drive-by. If you come by car, plan to use a central car park and do the last stretch on foot. .

Tickets & Entry

The monument is entirely free to visit because it is in a public outdoor space. There is no ticketed entry or gated viewing area.
No, there is nothing to book and no timed entry. You can visit whenever it suits your itinerary.
It is accessible at any time, year-round, because it is outdoors in the public realm. Seasonal changes mainly affect light levels and the feel of the street rather than access.

Visiting Experience

Ten minutes is enough for a walk around, a couple of photos, and a quick look up the High Street viewpoint. If you are pairing it with nearby sights, it fits neatly as a short waypoint.
Yes, because it is central, fast, and helps frame the city’s “ancient capital” identity before you move on to bigger stops. It is more about context and atmosphere than a long visit.
It is still worth a quick look in light rain because the bronze can look striking, but it is not a place you will want to linger in wind or heavy rain. In poor weather, treat it as a quick photo-and-go stop.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it is commonly used as a landmark stop because it sits on a natural route through the centre. Even self-guided walkers tend to pass it because it anchors the eastern end of the High Street.
Independent visiting works perfectly well for the statue itself, since it is straightforward and self-explanatory as a monument. A guided tour adds value mainly by connecting Alfred’s story to specific streets, buildings, and later history around the city.

Photography

Yes, especially for wide shots that include the High Street perspective and for detail shots of the sword, shield, and stance. The main challenge is working around traffic and pedestrians at peak times.
Early morning is easiest for clean compositions and a calmer street scene. Late afternoon can be excellent too if you want warmer light and a more atmospheric city backdrop.
Stand back along the High Street so the statue dominates the frame with the street stretching behind it. Then take a second shot from the side to show the scale against the granite plinth.

Accessibility & Facilities

Viewing is from public pavements, so access is generally straightforward, but the immediate area is busy and requires careful road crossing. If you prefer quieter movement, approach outside rush periods.
There are no facilities directly at the monument. You are, however, within minutes of city-centre cafés, shops, and public conveniences.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The High Street and Cathedral quarter have the densest cluster of cafés and casual lunch spots. If you want something calmer, look just off the High Street in the side lanes for quieter seating.
Yes, it pairs well with a coffee stop on the High Street, then a sit-down meal around the Cathedral area later. This works nicely as a simple “landmark then refuel” rhythm.

Safety & Timing

It is a central, well-trafficked part of Winchester, so it generally feels safe and busy. At night, the main issue is visibility and traffic rather than personal safety.
Early morning gives calm and cleaner photos, while later in the day gives more city buzz and a livelier background. Choose based on whether you prioritise quiet or atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions to the Statue of Alfred the Great

  • Winchester Cathedral: A major landmark with soaring architecture and centuries of English history at the heart of the city.
  • The Great Hall: Home to the famous Round Table, it is one of Winchester's most iconic medieval survivals.
  • Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace): Atmospheric ruins that add a dramatic historical layer to a Cathedral-area walk.
  • Winchester City Mill: A working riverside mill that is an easy, scenic add-on for a short loop from the centre.
  • Water Meadows (St Catherine's Hill area): A peaceful riverside landscape for a refreshing walk when you want a break from streets and stone.

The King Alfred Statue appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Winchester!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24Hours

Price:

Free

Address: King Alfred the Great - Statue, The Broadway, Winchester, UK
Winchester: 0 km

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