Statue of King Alfred the Great
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Statue of King Alfred the Great

4.5
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A commanding bronze statue in Winchester honoring Alfred the Great, a pivotal king who united England and defended it against Vikings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Statue of King Alfred the Great

Statue of King Alfred the Great

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A commanding bronze statue in Winchester honoring Alfred the Great, a pivotal king who united England and defended it against Vikings.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Winchester's Bronze Legend! Standing tall, King Alfred the Great looks ready to conquer."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Snap a Selfie!

The statue is a popular photo spot. Capture your moment with this iconic figure of English history.

📚 Learn Alfred's Story

Read up on Alfred the Great before you go to fully appreciate his achievements and the statue's symbolism.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

King Alfred the Great Statue

King Alfred the Great Statue

The Broadway, Winchester

A commanding bronze statue commemorating England's most revered Anglo-Saxon king. A true symbol of Winchester's historical importance.

Winchester's Historic Heart

Winchester's Historic Heart

Around The Broadway

The statue is surrounded by Winchester's charming streets, historic pubs, and proximity to the Great Hall and Abbey Gardens.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to See the King

The Statue of King Alfred the Great is a central landmark in Winchester. While it's accessible anytime, consider visiting during daylight hours for the best viewing and photo opportunities. Weekday mornings can offer a quieter experience before local crowds gather.

Understanding Alfred's Legacy

Alfred the Great is a pivotal figure in English history, known for defending against Viking invasions and fostering education. Learning a bit about his life before your visit will enhance your appreciation of the statue and its significance.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Daylight hours
Why
Best for viewing details
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This gets so much deeper and you have to go read that book. there are many episodes coming. there's another episode already coming out this month. these books are so deeply important. they're about going to change the world forever. they're going to reveal the true identity of the Gods and the true identity of the spirit that has been ruining for ages. I love you all. peace!. #fyp #spiritualbooks...
@thephilosophyoforder
107.2K likes • 3.3M views

📸 Snap a Selfie!

The statue is a popular photo spot. Capture your moment with this iconic figure of English history. Instagram+1

📚 Learn Alfred's Story

Read up on Alfred the Great before you go to fully appreciate his achievements and the statue's symbolism. Reddit

creds to @♛ 𝖘𝖈𝖔𝖙𝖙 ♛ for helping with the edit, idea from @CptVxid // #england #thelastkingdom #alfredthegreat #uk #vikings #english #fyp #historytok #historyedit #edutok
@_balkan_guy_
73.7K likes • 686.2K views
King Alfred's Statue in Winchester, Hampshire, England, was erected in 1901 to commemorate Alfred the Great, king of Wessex, on the one thousandth anniversary of his death. Alfred's achievements included defeating the Vikings at the Battle of Edington in 878, and laying the foundations for the later unified kingdom of England. ..... ..... ..... #Winchester #visitwinchester #Hampshire #visithampshi...
gunpowder_dan
493 likes • 5.3K views

🚶 Explore Nearby

The statue is a great starting point to explore Winchester's Abbey Gardens, Great Hall, and historic pubs. Reddit

📍 Central Location

Conveniently located near the bus station, making it an easy stop on your Winchester itinerary. Reddit

Not all meets the eye on this statue of King Alfred the Great. If you’re near Borough High Street in London #londonhistory #britishhistory #medieval #postmedieval #secretlondon #boroughmarket
tash_archaeo
404 likes • 6.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Snap a Selfie!

The statue is a popular photo spot. Capture your moment with this iconic figure of English history. Instagram+1

📚 Learn Alfred's Story

Read up on Alfred the Great before you go to fully appreciate his achievements and the statue's symbolism. Reddit

🚶 Explore Nearby

The statue is a great starting point to explore Winchester's Abbey Gardens, Great Hall, and historic pubs. Reddit

📍 Central Location

Conveniently located near the bus station, making it an easy stop on your Winchester itinerary. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Statue of King Alfred the Great to be an impressive and historically significant landmark in the heart of Winchester. Its central location and connection to a key figure in English history make it a worthwhile stop, though some note the amusing detail of its upside-down granite base.

"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 street and location itself are beautiful."

Parinita Agrawal

"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.."

lubieimbir

"King Alfred the Great Statue is located Winchester, England.
Just near the bust stop.
It is one of the land mark of Winchester.
You can check the statue before exploring the nearby area.
It is good to know the story and see the statue in person.
You may read in Wikipedia to understand the story of Alfred the great."

Jel

What People Like

Impressive bronze statue
Central Winchester location
Symbol of English history

What People Dislike

Upside-down base detail

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The statue is centrally located on The Broadway in Winchester, easily accessible on foot. It's near the main bus station, making it convenient for public transport users. Reddit

There are several car parks in Winchester, including the Friarsgate Car Park and the Tower Street Car Park, which are within walking distance of the statue. Reddit

Yes, the statue is an outdoor monument and can be viewed at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photo opportunities. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the statue is a public monument and there is no admission fee. You can view and take photos of it freely. Instagram

The statue itself is always accessible. The surrounding streets and public areas of Winchester are generally open throughout the day and evening. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The statue commemorates Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, on the 1000th anniversary of his death. He is celebrated for uniting England and defending it against Viking invasions. TikTokInstagram

The statue was designed by Hamo Thornycroft and unveiled in 1901. The museum in Winchester houses the original silver maquette used for its creation. Instagram

Humorously, the granite base of the statue was installed upside down, a detail often noted with amusement by locals and visitors. [^R]

The statue is a great starting point to explore Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall (home to King Arthur's Round Table), Wolvesey Castle ruins, and the historic city center. Reddit

Yes, Winchester is generally considered a very safe city, and the area around the statue is well-trafficked and safe for tourists. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the statue without too many people in the background. Instagram

Try capturing the statue from a low angle to emphasize its grandeur, or from a distance to include the surrounding historic Winchester streetscape. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Statue of King Alfred the Great is a great visual for children learning about English history. Its imposing presence can spark imagination, and the story of Alfred defending his kingdom from Vikings is often engaging for younger audiences. TikTok+1

Pairing a visit to the statue with a trip to the Great Hall to see King Arthur's Round Table can make for a fun, history-themed outing. Winchester itself is a walkable city with parks like Abbey Gardens nearby, offering space for kids to run around after absorbing some history. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Statue of King Alfred the Great is a must-see, representing a pivotal figure in Anglo-Saxon England. The statue's location in Winchester, the historic capital, adds to its significance. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the statue, delve deeper into Alfred's legacy by visiting Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall, and the ruins of Wolvesey Castle. Consider reading up on Alfred's military campaigns and his contributions to literature and education to fully appreciate the context of this historical monument. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enduring Legacy of Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great (871-899 AD) is one of England's most celebrated monarchs, earning the epithet 'the Great' for his significant contributions to the nation. He is renowned for his military prowess, successfully defending his kingdom of Wessex against formidable Viking invasions, most notably at the Battle of Edington in 878. This victory was crucial in halting the Viking advance and preserving Anglo-Saxon England. TikTok+1

Beyond his military achievements, Alfred was a passionate advocate for education and literacy. He commissioned translations of important Latin works into Old English, making knowledge more accessible to his people. He also reformed the legal system and established a strong administrative structure, laying the groundwork for a unified English kingdom. His reign marked a period of cultural and intellectual revival, solidifying his place as a foundational figure in British history. TikTok+1

The statue in Winchester serves as a tangible reminder of this remarkable king. It stands in the city that was once the capital of Wessex, a place where Alfred made many of his crucial decisions. Visitors can connect with this history by viewing the statue and exploring the surrounding historical sites that echo his legacy. Instagram+1

Winchester: A City Steeped in History

Winchester, the ancient capital of Wessex and later England, offers a rich tapestry of historical sites, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts. The city's historical significance is palpable, with landmarks that span centuries of British heritage. Reddit

The Statue of King Alfred the Great is a central point, but Winchester's historical offerings extend far beyond. Visitors can explore the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe, with its stunning architecture and royal tombs. The Great Hall, a remnant of Winchester Castle, houses the legendary King Arthur's Round Table, adding a touch of medieval mystique. TikTokReddit

Beyond these major attractions, the city is dotted with charming medieval streets, ancient pubs, and the ruins of Wolvesey Castle. Walking through Winchester feels like stepping back in time, with each corner revealing a new layer of its storied past. The city's well-preserved historical core makes it an ideal location to appreciate figures like Alfred the Great and the era in which they lived. Reddit

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