Winchester Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Winchester is a charming city located in the northern region of Virginia, United States. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, Winchester offers a delightful blend of attractions for visitors of all interests.

For history enthusiasts, Winchester is a treasure trove of architectural gems and significant landmarks. The city played a pivotal role during the American Civil War, and its historical downtown district is a testament to its past. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and marvel at the beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings. The Old Court House Civil War Museum provides a fascinating insight into the area's wartime history, while the Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters showcases the life of the famous Confederate general.

Nature lovers will find themselves in awe of Winchester's breathtaking landscapes. Just a short drive away, the Shenandoah National Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hike along the scenic trails, witness stunning waterfalls, and soak in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For a more leisurely experience, take a scenic drive along the renowned Skyline Drive, where you can immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty.

Winchester is also home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley showcases the region's art, history, and gardens, providing a comprehensive cultural experience. If you're a fan of live performances, catch a show at the Winchester Little Theatre or attend one of the many music festivals held throughout the year.

Food lovers will delight in Winchester's diverse culinary scene. From farm-to-table eateries to cozy cafes and award-winning wineries, there's something to satisfy every palate. Indulge in delicious Southern cuisine, sample local wines at one of the many vineyards, or explore the vibrant farmers' markets to savor the freshest produce the region has to offer.

Alternative names: Founded: 1744 (281 years ago)Population: 27.3 thous.Area: 9.26 mi²Elevation: 705 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°10'58"N, 78°9'57"W

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VirginiaUnited States

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Winchester Top Attractions

Winchester Attractions - What to See and Explore

Winchester offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum, Glen Burnie, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Abram's Delight. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum • Specialty museum
Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum
The Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum is a historic house located at 415 North Braddock Street in the Historic District of Winchester, Virginia.
Museum • Georgian architecture
Glen Burnie
Glen Burnie is a historic home located at Winchester, Virginia. It consists of a 2 1/2-story central section built in two sections about 1794, with flanking two-bay, two-story wings built in 1959. It is a brick dwelling in the Georgian style. Built in 1794 by Robert Wood, son of James and Mary Wood. James founded Frederick Town in 1744.
Museum • History museum • Art museum
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is located at 901 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia. The Museum endeavours to preserve and enrich the cultural life and heritage of the Valley.

Museum • Historical place • History museum
Abram's Delight
Abram's Delight is a historic home located in Winchester, Virginia. Built in 1754, it is the oldest house in the city. It was owned by the Hollingsworth family for almost 200 years and is typical of the Shenandoah Valley architecture of the Scotch-Irish settlers.
Museum • Historical place • Greek Revival architecture
Patsy Cline House
The Patsy Cline Historic House at 608 S. Kent St. in a working-class neighborhood of Winchester, Virginia was the home from 1948 to 1953 of Virginia Patterson Hensley, who later became the country music star known as Patsy Cline.
Church
Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Church, or Christ Episcopal Church, is an Anglican church in Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia. The church was founded in 1738, with its first vestry elected in 1742.
Opera • Theater • Concerts and shows
Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University is a private university in Winchester, Virginia. It has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students across more than 200 areas of study in six schools: College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, Shenandoah Conservatory, Bernard J.
Cemetery
Winchester National Cemetery
Winchester National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the city of Winchester in Frederick County, Virginia.
Church
Old Stone Church
Old Stone Church is a historic church at 304 E. Piccadilly Street in Winchester, Virginia. The church meeting house was constructed in 1788. Upon its completion, local Presbyterians began worshipping in the building.
39°10'51"N • 78°9'23"W
Stonewall Confederate Cemetery
Stonewall Confederate Cemetery is a subsection of Mount Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, Virginia, established in 1866 for 2,575 Confederate soldiers who died in battle or in the hospitals in and around the Winchester area.
39°10'22"N • 78°9'18"W
Jim Barnett Park
Park
Forts and castles
Fort Collier
Built by Confederate Lieutenant Collier and Virginia militia with the aid of Federal prisoners, the Fort Collier redoubt guarded the north entrance of Winchester, Virginia on the east side of the Martinsburg Pike.
Museum • Greek Revival architecture
Frederick County Courthouse
Frederick County Courthouse is a historic county courthouse located at Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia. It was built in 1840, and is a two-story, rectangular, brick building on a stone foundation and partial basement in the Greek Revival style.
Cemetery
Mount Hebron Cemetery and Gatehouse
Mount Hebron Cemetery and Gatehouse is a historic cemetery and gatehouse located at Winchester, Virginia. The cemetery was established in 1844 on two older churchyards, including that of Christ Episcopal Church in 1853.
39°10'43"N • 78°10'12"W
Triangle Diner
The Triangle Diner is an American diner in Winchester, Virginia. It was built in 1948 by the Jerry O'Mahony Diner Company of Elizabeth, New Jersey. It is one of the best preserved classic diners in America, with close to 100% of the original features still intact.
39°11'16"N • 78°10'30"W
Hexagon House
Hexagon House is a historic home in Winchester, Virginia built between 1871 and 1873 and is a two-story, hexagon floor-plan, brick dwelling, with semi-hexagonal ground-floor projections and an ornate three-bay veranda-style porch on the principal façade.
39°11'19"N • 78°9'7"W
George Washington's Office
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Interesting neighbourhood
Handley Library
Handley Library is a historic library building located at 100 West Piccadilly Street in Winchester, Virginia, United States. Completed in 1913, construction of the Beaux-Arts style building was funded by a wealthy Pennsylvania businessman.
Interesting neighbourhood
Winchester Historic District
The Winchester Historic District is a national historic district located at Winchester, Virginia. The district encompasses 1,116 contributing buildings in Winchester.

Day trips

Winchester – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Winchester, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly), Luray Caverns (Luray), Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (Harpers Ferry).

43 milesSE
Aviation museum with many aircraft
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, serves as a modern-day shrine to aviation and spaceflight history. Located in Chantilly, Virginia, within the confines of Fairfax County, this museum is a must-see destination...
40 milesSW
Cathedral-sized vibrant rock formations
Luray Caverns, Luray
Nestled in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Luray Caverns stands as a majestic natural wonder that has been drawing visitors from around the globe. Discovered in 1878, these ancient underground caves offer a breathtaking spectacle of towering stone columns...
25 milesNE
Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry
Nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a treasure trove of American history and natural beauty. This national park, located in the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offers a unique glimpse into the...
39 milesNE
Museum, Art museum
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown
Nestled in the heart of Hagerstown, Maryland, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts stands as a cultural oasis, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of visual arts. Established in 1931, this museum is a testament to the rich artistic...
25 milesNE
Museum, History museum
John Brown's Fort, Harpers Ferry
John Brown's Fort was originally constructed in 1848 for use as a guard and fire engine house by the federal Harpers Ferry Armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

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Best Time To Visit Winchester

Learn when is the best time to travel to Winchester weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and December. Most of it rains in May, June and July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Winchester?

The top attractions to visit in Winchester are:

What is the best time to visit Winchester?

May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.