EXPLORE a Winchester Street in your lunch hour! The streets can’t talk but the Winchester City Guides can.

New tours for 2018 explore Winchester through the history of one street and reveal the stories which include ghosts, royalty and legends.

Other special interest tours dig deeper off the tourist trail to find the out about the extraordinary events which shaped Winchester, and the people who left their mark.

The story of St Swithun on St Swithun’s Day, the poet Keats who walked through the water meadows from Winchester to St Cross and and then wrote Ode to Autumn and on July 21 an anniversary walk will mark the death of Jane Austen.

There is also rare opportunity to go inside the disused Chesil Tunnel that carried the Southampton to Newbury railway until the mid-1960s, and tours designed especially for children.

Visitors can discover the essentials of historic Winchester on one of the daily walking tours.

At the launch of their new programme for 2018 at Winchester Cathedral.

The Receiver General Annabelle Boyes said: “Our city guides provide an essential contribution to the visitor experience of both our city and the cathedral. Their passion about the past and experience in storytelling will appeal to all ages and interests.

“I feel sure their tours will provide a welcome experience to all those visiting Winchester whether from near or far.

To celebrate English Tourism Week on March 17 and 25, the guides are also offering locals two free tours.

A great opportunity to hear some of the things you probably don’t know about your own city even if you’ve lived here for many years.

Tickets can be purchased for all tours from the Tourist Information Centre in The Broadway or by telephoning 01962 840500.

Supported by Winchester BID, full details of all “Discover Winchester 2018” guided tours can be found in their leaflet and at www.winchestertouristguides.com.