Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, one of Southern England’s most historic buildings, Winchester Cathedral boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art. Once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal power, this fascinating site has played host to Kings and Queens for centuries, including William the Conqueror, Mary Tudor and Prince Philip of Spain.
Steeped in history, one of the best ways to explore the Cathedral is with a trained Guide, who will be able to tell you all about its colourful past, including wonderful stories about the people associated with the Cathedral, such as William Walker, the diver who saved the Cathedral in the early 1900’s. As part of the tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the massive vaults of the Cathedral’s early Norman crypt, the ornate Renaissance chantry chapels, Jane Austen’s grave and the Great West Window. Frequent guided tours are available Monday to Saturday, from 10:00am – 3:00pm and are included in the admission fee (subject to availability).
All groups, large and small, are welcome. Winchester Cathedral can arrange general interest and themed guided tours, provide catering packages and assist with other aspects of planning, such as the length of visit, advice on travel and parking, and neighbouring sites of interest. A special rate of £10 per person applies for groups of 10 or more and includes entry and a standard Cathedral tour.
Visitors who are feeling adventurous can also climb the Cathedral Tower, which offers magnificent views across Winchester and the surrounding county. You will see the ringing chamber, the great Cathedral bells and walk the full length of the Nave roof with its huge wood beams. Visit the Winchester Cathedral website or phone the Box Office for more information (additional fees apply to Tower Tours, booking in advance is essential and a signed health and safety form is required).
A wide range of events take place throughout the year. From classical concerts, open-air theatre and family trails to art exhibitions, light installations and the Christmas Market, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Evensong held at 5.30pm Monday – Saturday and 3.30pm Sunday.
Occasionally the Cathedral may need to close for special services and events. All temporary closures are listed in the Cathedral website.
Walking: From the VIC turn left and walk up the High Street shopping area. Take the 2nd turning left into Market St. The Cathedral is straight ahead with the Visitor Centre, (Shop, Refectory & Paul Woodhouse Suite) located opposite the cathedral on the right. The Cathedral is signposted from the city centre.
By train: Winchester is on the main line from London Waterloo with trains running several times an hour (journey time approximately 1 hour). It is also easily accessible by train from Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Basingstoke and Oxford. For information on train times and prices across the South Western Railway Network visit www.southwesternrailway.com For information on other train times and prices contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk
By bus: For local bus services visit the Stagecoach website : https/www.stagecoachbus.com/
By road: Winchester is well connected to the motorway network and can be easily accessed from all directions. Located just off the M3 (Junctions 9, 10 & 11), it’s an easy journey by road from London (1.5 hours) and Southampton (20 minutes). Take the A34 from Newbury (35 minutes), Oxford (1 hour) and the A30 from Salisbury (40 minutes).
City car parks and Park & Ride: There is no parking within the Cathedral Close or the immediate vicinity. Winchester has a number of short-stay and long-stay car parks throughout the city. It has an excellent Park & Ride service, with three car parks easily accessible from the M3 motorway and only minutes away from the city centre. A frequent bus service operates from all Park & Ride car parks to all main areas of Winchester city centre. For further information about travel and parking in Winchester, visit Winchester City Council website.
Winchester Cathedral welcomes groups, large and small.
Taking a guided tour with one of the cathedral’s expert guides can make the visit all the more special so they encourage group organisers to make use of their guides where possible. Read more about group visits to Winchester Cathedral here.
Winchester Cathedral is preparing to host a grand celebration for the Coronation of King Charles III, featuring contemporary decorations in green and soft gold that reflect the King’s interests in conservation and the environment. Winchester Cathedral, known for its historic royal ties, will be adorned with unique and symbolic floral arrangements, banners, and other special touches to mark this momentous occasion. All are welcome to join the Cathedral at this special time.
For more information relating to the Cathedral’s accessibility please click here.
Also on offer is ‘Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation’, a spectacular three-level exhibition in the South Transept which takes visitors on an interactive journey, showcasing some of the nation’s greatest treasures. Highlights of this experience include the Winchester Bible, one of the UK’s finest illuminated manuscripts, the 17th-century Morley Library and the story of the Cathedral’s mortuary chests, believed to contain the remains of Saxon royalty.
There are four exciting galleries to explore – find out more here…
Adult – £12.50
Concession – £10
Student – £6.50
Children under 16 (with family) – Free
For details of services in the coming days, please go to the specific service listings page.
Winchester Cathedral is open all year, though is occasionally closed to the public for special services and events. All temporary closures are listed in the Cathedral website.
Opening Times
On occasion, for special services and events, temporary closures or limited access are necessary. If you are making a special visit please do check our list of temporary closures.
Cathedral
Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm
Sun: 12pm-3pm
Café
Mon-Sun: 9:30am–5pm
Gift Shop
Mon-Sun: 9:30am-5pm
Kings & Scribes: The Birth of a Nation
Mon – Sat: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Sun: 12-3pm
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