An excellent way to become acquainted with the city is to join a guided tour with one of Winchester’s official tourist guides who regularly lead groups around the city and wider district.
Winchester’s official tourist guides have been guiding in Winchester for more than 30 years. All guides have undergone rigorous training and are accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding.
The Green Badge guides are qualified to take tours in Winchester and the surrounding district whereas Blue Badge guides are qualified to guide across a wider area, e.g. Southern England, London or the West Country.
Common to all guides is a genuine enthusiasm for their city and the desire to bring it alive for both visitors and residents alike.
Please note that city walking tours are operating at a reduced capacity and to a revised timetable. Further information below:
City Highlights Tours depart Winchester Visitor Information Centre at 11am and 2pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Tours are currently limited to 8 people and are on a first come first served basis with tickets available to purchase from the Visitor Information Centre. Tours cost £6.50 per person and will not include the Great Hall or Cathedral.
For more information please contact the centre on 01962 840 500.
Please note that all special interest tours are currently suspended.
Winchester is alive with natural, historic and architectural treasures. Join one of the many special interest tours to explore aspects of our city’s rich heritage in more depth. Tours start from the visitor information centre and last 1 ½ hours.
Subjects include Hidden Railways, Medieval Jewish Winchester, Winchester for Locals and Children’s Tours. Prices for these tours vary and can be booked at the visitor information centre.
Advance booking via the visitor information centre is advisable, a £1 postage fee is applicable for tickets sent out.
Please email the visitor information centre on tourism@winchester.gov.uk or telephone on 01962 840 500 for more information.
For a full timetable of Special Interest Tours please click here.
If you are coming with a group, why not book your own private tour?
Private or group tours can be arranged for any number of people, catering for special interests and foreign languages.
Many ready-made themed tours are available, ranging from Royal Scandals, the Battle of Cheriton, Sherlock Holmes and Literary Winchester to Jane Austen’s Winchester. The guides will always try to meet your own requirements given adequate notice.
Prices start from £80 for a standard 90 minute tour. Alternatively why not make the most of your visit by extending your tour to a half- or full-day with a tailored itinerary and built-in refreshment stops.
To book a guided tour please complete the Guided Tour Booking Form and return this to tourism@winchester.gov.uk . Alternatively contact the Visitor Information Centre on 01962 840 500 for more information.
For full details on how to book a guided tour please click here.
Discover the richness of Winchester on unique, entertaining, and fun walking tours.
The Cheese & Chilli Festival is set to spice up the summer, with highlights including a chilli eating competition, food challenges, cooking demonstrations, family-friendly entertainment and much, much more!
Vineyard tour and wine tastings in the stunning Test Valley, just 20 minutes from Winchester .
Small group walking tours of Winchester's best pubs.
The official Mayflower 400 commemorations include an exciting year-long programme of ambitious cultural and artistic events.
Hattingley Valley is a family owned business located in Hampshire specialising in premium English sparkling wines.
World famous 180 acre gardens.
Premium spirits and alcoholic concoctions inspired by the Hampshire countryside.
Day trips and minibus hire in Southern England
The Gurkha Museum takes you on a journey of discovery through the history of Gurkhas in British service.
One of the best regimental museums in the Country.
Trace the history of three famous regiments over a period of 300 years
Explore the beautiful market town of Bishops Waltham located in the delightful countryside of Hampshire in the Meon Valley area with this interactive QR trail.
The escape room experience in the heart of Winchester
Come and discover the story of water over the last 100 years.
Displays made up from social, industrial and agricultural artifacts and archives.
A great family fun day out.
Explore this charming country home set in 25 acres of gardens
Discover the 'Great House’ enjoyed by Jane Austen, the quintessentially English manor house and gardens with a fascinating history.
Producers of beautiful English Sparkling Wine from their 60 acres of vineyards.
Live entertainment and events in a historic venue - also home to a cafe and Winchester Tourist Information Centre.
Hosting a variety of exhibitions throughout the year
A modern exhibition space in the centre of Winchester
Telling the story of Winchester.
The last of the main medieval gates into the city
A trail exploring the Winchester District as favoured by main Tudor monarchs.
A rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill
A trail around the city centre that is accessible for all.
A pocket guide to the beautiful market town of Wickham.
A pocket guide to the charming market town of Bishop's Waltham.
A house of scandal and passion, where upstairs meets downstairs
A pocket guide to the picturesque town of stockbridge in the Test Valley.
A pocket guide to the beautiful market town of Alresford
A National Trust elegant country house with highly distinctive gardens
Find out more about the fascinating history of the Jewish community in Winchester.
As we remember those that lost their lives during conflict, take time to learn more about Winchester's military history and our Armed Forces.
One of the world's most famous authors, was born, lived and died on the 18th July 1817 in the historic city of Winchester. Our trail follows her life in Hampshire.
Walk, run or cycle along the Viaduct Way - Winchester's restored historic railway.
Enjoy the golden colours of Autumn in Winchester on our trail that follows the route Keats took on his daily walk 200 years ago.
Find your way to exclusive offers and ideas for great days out with our new Visitor Map out now.
It might be getting darker earlier but we love Winchester's sunset views - see for yourself and follow our self-guided trail.
Grade I listed buildings dating from 1132 and is home to 25 Brothers.
Described by William Cobbett as “one of the prettiest places in the County”.
Six museums within yards of each other
Library, exhibition, gallery and performance venue
Let off steam and travel by a lovingly restored Steam Train
Believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country
Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, is the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote.
See the impressive Royal Armouries collection of artillery and historic cannons
Step back in time on the banks of the Beaulieu River at the peaceful haven of Buckler's Hard.
A multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone
Trace the footsteps of King Alfred from his statue in the Broadway to his last known resting place beneath Hyde Abbey Garden.
An inspiring day out for all ages in one of Europe's finest medieval Cathedrals. Now featuring a spectacular new exhibition - Kings & Scribes: The Birth of a Nation.
Discover 100+ hands-on exhibits and interactive planetarium shows
Discover the artistry, heritage and taste of Bombay Sapphire
Beautiful and intimate Edwardian-style, 400 seat theatre situated in the heart of the city. The Theatre presents a diverse programme of drama, dance, family theatre, music and talks plus a hugely popular traditional family pantomime. It is part of the Arts and Education charity, Play to the Criwd, that also runs Winchester's annual Outdoor Arts Festival, The Hat Fair, each July.
The final remains of Winchester Castle and home to King Arthur's round table.
Get close to the wonders of the natural world
