Step inside these ancient or intriguing sites as part of Heritage Open Days 2026
Winchester is full of interesting buildings. Pretty ones, ancient ones and ones filled with intriguing treasures to discover. This September, a whole host of them are totally free to enter, thanks to the Heritage Open Days festival, which sees museums, houses and more open their doors to members of the history-loving public.
Here you'll find some of the amazing Winchester buildings that are taking part. Some are usually open to the public and are offering free entry or free tours during the festival, while others are opening up just for Heritage Open Days. Check in advance whether you need to pre-book a free ticket, and then all you need to do is turn up on the day and get exploring these amazing spaces.
Winchester College (pictured above)
Head to the historic college on 18 September for free tours of the school's Fellow's Library, Treasury and Archives.
Bishop's Waltham Palace, Bishop's Waltham
There isn't a charge to explore the grand ruins in Bishop's Waltham usually, and as part of Heritage Open Days you’re invited to meet crafters including basket weaving, bee keeping with candle making, lace making and many more. The crafts people will be showing their work and doing demonstrations within this beautiful location on Saturday 12 September.
The Great Hall (pictured right)
Skip the entry fee and explore The Great Hall, home to King Arthur’s Round Table, and discover the stories of medieval knights and kings. Guided tours take place on 12 September, and whilst there, you can learn more about the Captain Swing Riots with short talks, music pieces and a mini drama
Get an insight into the realities of running a local newspaper on 18 September as the Hampshire Chronicle opens up its Grade II-listed Winchester city centre offices for the day.
Winchester Theatre Royal (pictured)
Head backstage on 12 September on a free 75-minute tour that will explore the stage, the auditorium, dressing rooms and even the fly tower used to hang lighting, scenery and stage effects. You'll also learn about the building's history, including tales of the supernatural.
Have a poke around inside Chesil Theatre, a former 12th-century church which has been home to Winchester Dramatic Society since the 1960s. A free tour on 12 September will let visitors look around the historic space and get a sense of the theatrical activities that take place there now.
Hinton Ampner (pictured)
Local National Trust house Hinton Ampner is waiving its usual entry fee during Open Heritage Days. The beautiful house and its pretty gardens which look out over the South Downs are totally free to enter and explore on 12-13 September.
The Royal Hotel is Grade II listed and incorporates elements of a Tudor house, a medieval kitchen, and an 18th century warehouse. On the 13 and 20 September, explore its buildings and discover their history including secret Roman Catholic services, Benedictine nuns, a silk mill, and a love child of the Duke of Wellington.
Winchester's oldest parish church, St John's, built in the 12th century, is situated on the ancient Pilgrim's Way between Winchester and Canterbury. Admire its medieval simplicity and beauty on the 12 and 13 September – there is also a chance to see an unusual Elizabethan Turret Clock which has no face, and hear handbell ringing demonstrations.
29 Jewry Street (Warner & Richardson)
On weekdays you can explore this Georgian-era building’s history. View displays of its evolution and the businesses that have occupied the site over time, with archival images and stories revealing its rich past.
Removed from Historic England’s “At Risk” Register following restoration work in 2024, this is a rare opportunity to visit the remains of one of the castles built by the Bishop of Winchester in the reign of King Stephen. On the 17 and 18 September you can see the remains and imagine what the castle would have originally looked like, and wonder, like the soldiers who visited it from the Army Camps in and around it in both WWI and WWII, what stories it could tell.
Wolvesey Castle (pictured)
On Sunday 20, enjoy the surroundings of Wolvesey Castle while TakeNOTE Chamber choir sing to you and The Hyde Pipers play for you. Bring a picnic, blanket or chairs and just sit back and relax.
