Step inside these ancient or intriguing sites as part of Heritage Open Days 2025
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 2025 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.
Hampshire Cultural Trust store at Chilcomb House, Winchester
Okay, so the building itself might not be that impressive, but what's inside is. Take a free tour of the Hampshire Cultural Trust collections, made up of items which are not currently on display in the county's museums. The tour, taking place on 18 September, will focus on the Regency period in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth.
Winchester College (pictured above)
Head to the historic college on 13 September for free tours of the school's Fellow's Library, War Cloisters and Archives. There's also a chance to explore a science activity tent and take part in family-friendly craft activities.
Winchester Guildhall (pictured)
Step inside Winchester's magnificent Victorian Guildhall, which is only accessible normally for events and special functions. Three tours of the building on 16 September will give an insight into the impressive space's past.
Bishop's Waltham Palace, Bishop's Waltham
There isn't a charge to explore the grand ruins in Bishop's Waltham usually, but as part of Heritage Open Days you can join free tours on 12-14 September, where guides will go in-depth on aspects of the atmospheric palace.
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. The Hampshire Regency Dancers are also going to be demonstrating dances from the Regency era throughout the day, while guided tours take place on 13 September.
Get an insight into the realities of running a local newspaper on 12 September as the Hampshire Chronicle opens up its Grade II-listed Winchester city centre offices for the day.
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 13 September. will let visitors look around the historic space and get a sense of the theatrical activities that take place there now.
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 between 12-21 September.
