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.
Regular tours take place throughout the year, departing from the tourist information centre and lasting approximately 90 minutes. Tickets for the Upper Winchester tours (which include discounted entry to The Great Hall) cost £7.50 for adults, with accompanying children FREE. For the Lower Winchester Tours and the Christmas City Highlights, the cost for adults is £6, with accompanying children FREE. Tickets can be bought on the day from Winchester Tourist Information Centre.
Discover Upper Winchester takes you around the centre of Winchester, passing the cathedral, Great Hall and site of King Charles II’s royal palace.
Discover Lower Winchester follows the River Itchen before passing Wolvesey Castle, Winchester College, Jane Austen’s House and the Cathedral Close.
The City Highlights tour takes in the main historic sites in Winchester city centre.
For a full timetable of City Walking Tours please click here
Winchester is alive with natural, historic and architectural treasures, join one of the many themed tours to find out more!
Each year, Winchester’s tourist guides run a series of special interest tours in addition to their regular tours of the city. Prices for themed tours vary and can be booked at the tourist information centre.
Advance booking via the tourist information centre is advisable, a £1 postage fee is applicable for tickets sent out. Please email the tourist information centre on tourism@winchester.gov.uk or telephone on 01962 840 500 for more information.
For a full list of Themed Guided 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. Ready-made themed tours range from Royal Scandals and Literary Winchester to Jane Austen’s Winchester, but the guides will always try to meet your own requirements given adequate notice.
Prices start from £70 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 Group Tour, please contact the tourist information centre on 01962 840 500 or email tourism@winchester.gov.uk for more information.
To book a guided tour please complete the Guided tour booking form and return this to tourism@winchester.gov.uk .
For full details on how to book a guided tour please click here.
The River Itchen flows through Winchester as well as many brooks and streams. Discover some which you may not have known about!
A sad story of religious persecution and expulsion. Includes a visit inside the cathedral.
Discover the story of the original 'Abbey' of Abbey Gardens with one of Winchester's official tourist guides.
A walk through the watermeadows with an official Winchester Tourist Guide.
A walk through the watermeadows with an official Winchester Tourist Guide.
A Halloween feast of ghosts and other ghastly goings-on for families and children.
A Halloween feast of ghosts and other ghastly goings-on for families and children.
A chance to learn about Winchester's hidden history
Our official tour guides will take you on a festive tour of Abbey House - the Mayor's official residence.
Find out more about the Saxon capital where King Alfred reigned. Includes a visit inside the Cathedral.
A tour for children
A tour for children
World famous 180 acre gardens.
Guided cycle tours of Winchester and beyond.
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.
Grade I listed buildings dating from 1132 and is home to 25 Brothers.
A stunning medieval building filled with the most beautiful of the College's treasures
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
The house at Chawton where Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life.
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
Discover 100+ hands-on exhibits and interactive planetarium shows
Discover the artistry, heritage and taste of Bombay Sapphire
Beautiful and intimate Edwardian-style Theatre venue
The final remains of Winchester Castle and home to King Arthur's round table.
Get close to the wonders of the natural world
