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Tel: 01962 840 500 Email: tourism@winchester.gov.uk
Visit Winchester > Listing > Things to do > Winchester College

Winchester College

Advertise with us
Advertise with us
Tel: 01962 621 209
Address: College Street, Winchester, SO23 9NA
Email: enterprises@wincoll.ac.uk
Web: https://www.winchestercollege.org/visit-us
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Believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country…

Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, as a boys boarding school, Winchester College has the longest continuous history of any English school. Wykeham rose from unexceptional social origins to become Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England. Wykeham’s career enabled the acquisition of huge personal wealth, which he applied to twin educational purposes: New College Oxford and Winchester College. These were to provide an education for 70 scholars and his motto of Manners Makyth Man is still in place for the 700 pupils who study at the school today.

The College educates boys boarding, aged 13 – 18, and day girls and boys in the Sixth Form, including many of bursaries.

Admission to the College is by guided tour only; these are available all year except between Christmas and New Year. As the College is a working school, some venues may be unavailable due to School use – please check the College website for details.

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Tours from 1st May 2023:

Monday – Sunday 14:15 and 15:30

 

To book your tickets please click here.

For group bookings of 10 or more, please contact the Tours team or by phone on 01962 621209. Please check the college website for up-to-date information on closures.

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Tour Tickets: Adults £10, Concessions £8:50 (No charge for children under 11)

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Road

Parking is limited around the College and visitors are advised to use the either the Park and ride or city centre car parks. Follow signs to the Cathedral and walk through the Cathedral Close to St Swithun’s Street, turn left under Kingsgate Arch and bear left into College Street. The Porters Lodge, (main entrance) to the College can be found on the right hand side.

Public transport

From railway station follow signs to the City centre and Cathedral. From the Broadway follow signs to the Cathedral.

From the Cathedral walk through the Cathedral Close to St Swithun’s Street, turn left under Kingsgate Arch and bear left into College Street. The Porters Lodge, (main entrance) to the College can be found on the right hand side.

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Chapel

Members of the public are welcome at Chapel Services during term time and on guided tours, which are available daily all year except between Christmas and New Year.

Guided Tours

The one hour tours, led by experienced Tour Guides, concentrate on the medieval heart of the College, including Chamber Court, around which the 70 scholars still live and study; the 14th century Gothic Chapel with the largest wooden vaulted roof in Europe; College Hall, the original dining room still in use today; the 17th century redbrick schoolroom; and the medieval Cloisters. Some changes to the tour may be made if venues are unavailable due to school use, which may mean a visit to Chantry or the War Cloister could be included. The Treasury is not included on this tour, but can be visited after free of charge.

The Treasury

The Treasury, a beautiful museum in the converted stables, houses the College’s extensive collections of art and archaeology. It is open 2 – 4pm daily and is free to visit.

Every September, Winchester College opens for Heritage Open Days with tours of the archives, Fellows’ Library, Science Collections and a range of expert talks and special events. For more information, visit www.winchestercollege.org/visit-us

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There is limited wheelchair access

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A group tour of Winchester College of ten or more people can be arranged at times to suit your visit. Pre-booking is essential for group tours and foreign language tours may also be available for your group, please enquire when you book. School groups are also welcome. Groups of 10 or more should pre-book by emailing the Tours team or by phone on 01962 621209.

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The unique and beautiful surroundings of Winchester College provide a magnificent backdrop for private hire. Our many buildings, gardens and grounds have played host to a wide range of occasions, including weddings, film and TV locations, private and business events and sporting camps to name a few. More information here.

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