From medieval architecture and treasury collections to peaceful gardens and specialist tours
Tucked just a stone’s throw from Winchester’s main high street in the serene Kingsgate Village, Winchester College offers visitors a chance to delve into 650 years of history through its guided tours and free Treasury museum.
As one of the oldest schools in the country, the historic institution is also a vibrant cultural hub, offering peaceful, inspiring spaces, stunning medieval architecture and collections from around the world.
Whether you're a local, a keen historian, or simply in search of an escape from the busy town centre, there is so much to enjoy at one of Winchester’s historic hotspots.
Curated by Visit Winchester in association with Winchester College. Updated: 20 March 2026.
⚜️ Discover medieval highlights on a guided College Tour
College tours (£12.60 / £11.70 concessions) run twice daily at 2.15pm and 3.30pm, inviting you to explore the College’s original medieval campus, which dates back to 1387 and remains in active use today. Wander through the College’s gothic chapel, cloisters, chantry, original dining hall and Chamber Court, while learning the stories that bring this living history to life.
🏺 Explore the College’s FREE Treasury museum of art and archaeology
Housed in the College’s converted medieval stables is Treasury, the College’s museum of art and archaeology. Treasury is home to collections ranging from ancient Greek artefacts and medieval art to Chinese ceramics, paintings and early English silver.
The museum’s varied temporary exhibitions programme showcases more of the College’s collections and rare books; the current exhibition draws on the College’s range of Old Master prints dating from c.1500–c.1800. Families can also enjoy two children’s trails: a playful horse-themed hunt around the stables and a food-related discovery trail. Treasury is open from 2-4pm everyday and entry is FREE to all.
🏛️ Step behind-the-scenes with speciality tours
For those looking for a more in-depth experience, Winchester College offers monthly specialty tours (£15 / £13.50 concessions) that explore the College’s broader collections, archives and war memorial.
- Treasures Tours: Gain behind-the-scenes access to the College’s collections of rare books, manuscripts, watercolours and artefacts which are not normally on public display. Discover the College’s art gallery and part of the Fellows’ Library, where changing displays showcase literary treasures collected by the College over the past 600 years.
- Archives Tours: Explore the medieval rooms preserving centuries of Winchester College history, guided by the College Archivist. These rarely accessible spaces hold documents and artefacts revealing fascinating stories of the College, Winchester and the surrounding area.
- War Cloister Tours: The College’s War Memorial – called War Cloister – is the largest private war memorial in Europe. Hear the extraordinary stories of former pupils and teachers remembered here and admire the stunning architecture that honours their legacy.
🌳 Enjoy the College’s private and tranquil gardens
Winchester College’s Garden tours are a highlight of the spring-summer season in Winchester, running monthly from April-September. Led by members of the College gardening team, these tours explore the rich biodiversity and horticultural heritage of the College’s peaceful gardens and grounds. Visit the traditional College quad, a quiet sitting garden for the old College sick house, the serene gardens of the College’s war memorial and the Warden’s Garden with its woodland, herbaceous borders and a private stretch of one of the world’s most famous chalk streams.
Don’t miss the 30 April tour at 2pm, when the College’s famous wisteria will likely be in full bloom. These tours are extremely popular, so booking early is recommended.
