Winchester district is lucky to be home to some fantastic museums, telling fascinating stories from literature, science, military and more!
Discover the life and times of Jane Austen
Jane Austen's House is the inspiring cottage in which Jane Austen's genius flourished and where she wrote, revised, and had published all six of her globally beloved novels. Step back in time to 1816 and follow in Janes footsteps; discover the rooms where she lived and wrote and see her writing table, jewellery, letters and first editions of her novels up close. Explore the pretty cottage garden, try your hand at traditional garden games and enjoy Regency dress up, bonnet designing and more!
A short walk down the road is also Chawton House, owned by Jane’s brother Edward. Here you can be inspired by women’s literature, explore the gardens, or simply to enjoy lunch in The Old Kitchen Tearoom. The house has undergone centuries of change and development as it has passed through different hands, making it rich with quirky and fascinating features, from graffiti on paintings and ‘witch marks’ on walls, to heraldic stained glass windows and ornately carved fireplaces.
Back in the city of Winchester, this summer, Winchester College will open No. 8 College Street to the public for the first time. Through displays and artefacts, visitors can learn about the author’s connections with the city and the story of her last days. (This event is sold out, but spaces may become available in the future due to returned tickets, so keep checking back). Discover more about the Georgian city of Winchester as Jane would have known it by following our new Jane Austen's Winchester trail. Take in the sights and visit her final resting place in the north nave aisle of Winchester Cathedral. Visitors are invited to leave letters and flowers next to Jane Austen’s brass memorial plaque, at the side of her grave.
Did you know? 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Find out more about special events and exhibitions here.
Immersive experiences
Winchester Science Centre is perfect for children from three to 12 years old and their families. Experience the feeling of flying through space with a visit to the Planetarium, climb inside a giant ear, learn about robots and coding, enjoy a Science Theatre show or demo (think massive fireballs, smoke rings floating in the sky and exploding bubbles). You can also get up close to nature with hands-on activities inspired by the South Downs National Park.
Discover the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Anglo-Saxon Winchester at 878AD, an exciting exploration of the city and its history. This Anglo-Saxon adventure is brought to life by the spectacular world of Assassins Creed Valhalla, live performances which encourage you to join in, interactive activities for all ages, digital quizzes and an Anglo-Saxon board game, taefl! Learn about the city's rich history with an impressive collection of Anglo-Saxon artefacts. From gaming pieces made of bone to iron prisoner restraints, a fascinating collection of historic objects offer a valuable insight into the very real lives of people of the past.
Once you have completed the indoor experience its time to explore the lost buildings of Anglo-Saxon Winchester with 878 AD: Winchester Revealed. The augmented reality app gives you the chance to defend the city walls, brew Anglo-Saxon remedies, craft your own virtual pot and shield! There are also map fragments at landmarks around the city centre that you can collect to reveal Alfred's lasting legacy.
Uncover England’s ancient capital
Located in the heart of the historic city of Winchester, City museum tells the story of England’s ancient capital. From its origins as an Iron Age trading centre to Anglo‑Saxon glory, the last journey of Jane Austen to the hunt for King Alfred’s remains, explore the sights and sounds of Winchester past and present in the museum’s three galleries.
Built by William the Conqueror, Winchester Castle was once the seat of power for medieval monarchs – a stronghold of history and legacy. Though much of the original structure has been lost to time, two remarkable survivors remain: The Great Hall, one of the finest medieval halls in England, and the imposing Westgate, which once served as the castle’s primary defence. Step inside the legendary Great Hall and marvel at its soaring arches, rich history and the iconic Round Table, linked to King Arthur’s legend in popular fiction. While Westgate Museum tells the history of Tudor and Stuart Winchester. A debtors prison for 150 years, this beautifully refurbished listed monument is the last of the main medieval gates into the city. It also offers a great view of the city from the rooftop!
Explore Winchester’s military history
Peninsula barracks is home to five fantastic military museums, all focusing on the history and stories of particular regiments:
- The Museum of the Royal Hampshire Regiment tells the story of the county infantry regiment for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It traces its history back to 1702 when it was formed as Meredith’s Own, until its amalgamation with the Queen’s Regiment in 1992 to form the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (Queens and Royal Hampshires).
- The Adjutant Generals Corps Museum tells the story of the modern Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) and the antecedent Corps. The AGC is relatively young, created in 1992 from the amalgamation of the Royal Army Pay Corps, the Royal Army Educational Corps, the Corps of the Royal Military Police, the Army Legal Corps, the Military Provost Staff Corps and the Women’s Royal Army Corps.
- HorsePower, The Museum of The Kings Royal Hussars has stunning displays of life size models, interactive exhibits, medals, swords, magnificent uniforms and fascinating photographs, following the story of how the Cavalry of horse and sabre developed into the modern armoured regiment of today.
- The Rifleman's Museum offers a compelling journey through two and a half centuries of the Rifleman’s history, highlighting remarkable stories of bravery. It guides visitors in the footsteps of the lineage of the Royal Green Jackets, their predecessors, and their evolution into the modern Rifles, formed in 2007 through the amalgamation of the Royal Green Jackets and other regiments.
- The Gurkha Museum tells the moving and unique story of Gurkha service to the British Crown and its people for 200 years. Gurkha graves are spread across the face of the earth in nearly every country in which Britain has fought – silent testament to Gurkha loyalty and courage. Enter the Museum and learn about Nepal, the land of the Gurkhas.
North of the city, the Royal Logistic Corps Museum brings to life the fascinating story of how the Corps and its predecessors have supplied, fed, transported and supported the army for over 300 years. Boasting a small cinema, interactive displays and hands-on activities for children, this engaging new museum delivers an excellent family day out.
With over 19 acres of tunnels, ramparts and artillery to explore, Fort Nelson is a space where imaginations can run wild. This restored Victorian fortress is packed with artillery from across the world. Highlights include a 15th-century Turkish bombard cannon, a gigantic 200-tonne railway howitzer, and the infamous ‘Big Babylon’ Iraqi supergun. There’s plenty for all ages to enjoy, including free family activities, an onsite café and regularly changing exhibitions.
#InternationalMuseumDay is on the 18 May and offers us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on our unique museum offer. Be sure to check out our museums and galleries page to find out more!