A world-class centre for creativity, learning and culture.
Every year more than half a million visitors pass through Winchester Discovery Centre’s doors, making it one of the city’s most visited destinations.
It’s home to Winchester’s main library so an ideal place to discover more about the area’s rich and ancient history. It also houses an 180 seat theatre which features tours from acclaimed singers, musicians and performers. With more than 150 events, gigs, concerts, talks, shows and exhibitions taking place every month, you’re sure to find something to suit.
A short hop from the railway station and the city’s high street, Winchester Discovery Centre is also home to a tourist information centre as well as free Wi-Fi.
Two public art galleries host free touring exhibitions organised by the Hampshire Cultural Trust: last year featured Jane Austen, Iron Age jewellery and artist JMW Turner. There’s also a large separate children’s section in the library with activities and puzzles to keep youngsters entertained.
The café, with its vast floor to ceiling windows and a 19 metre tapestry by artist Alice Kettle, makes an outstanding venue for a coffee or a well-earned lunch. The centre’s gift shop sells a unique range of souvenirs, literary gifts and distinctive cards.
Winchester Discovery Centre is based in the historic Corn Exchange building at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.
10% off the Discovery Centre cafe. Why not stop for a bite to eat, while exploring what the Discovery Centre has to offer?
Download a copy of the voucher here.
You can also download the Winchester Visitor Map to get this special offer and many more.
Access to the library and gallery spaces is free.
Ticket prices for shows vary, please see the website for more details.
By foot
Winchester Discovery Centre is located on Jewry Street near the city centre, next to the Theatre Royal.
Public transport
Winchester railway station is a five minute walk away and the Discovery Centre has its own bus stop, directly outside the main door. The bus station is a 10 minute walk.
By car
A car park, with wheelchair accessible parking, is located on the left hand side and rear of the Discovery Centre, postcode SO23 8SB.
Fully wheelchair accessible – ramped access throughout
Hearing loop
Accessible parking
Accessible toilet
Full accessibility information can be found on the website below:
https://www.disabledgo.com/access-guide/hampshire-county-council/winchester-discovery-centre-2
An evening of Mauritian food and cooking with BBC's MasterChef Winner and cookery author Shelina Permalloo.
Extracts from some of the greatest and most well-loved musicals brought to you in a spectacular evening of song and dance.
A refreshing introduction to three new and exciting writers: Claire Gradidge, Judith Heneghan & Beth O'Leary
Arcelia is a soulful folk trio from the valleys of Kent.
An evening of outstanding LGBT+ Literary Talent, straight from the Southbank Centre.
Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group talk and book-signing with Iranian-born former asylum seeker Dina Nayeri.
Family musical concert to put a swing in your family weekend! In the Performance Hall at Winchester Discovery Centre.
Girls' Night In with authors Kate Hamer, Bev Thomas and introducing Angela Dyson.
Children’s TV stars Callum Donnelly and JezO invite fun-seekers to come aboard as they set sail for ‘Treasure Island’!
200 years ago, John Keats was inspired to write his best-loved poem 'To Autumn' during a visit to Winchester. Now you can be inspired by Keats!
Join Hampshire Cultural Trust for fun family-friendly portrait activities
On tour from London's National Portrait Gallery, this award represents the very best in contemporary portrait painting.
A week of feature film premieres and award-winning short films selected from over 50 countries, in venues across the city of Winchester.
Pick up a copy of our Visitor Map and get free entry for your child to Winchester's working watermill. Hurry - offer ends April 2019.
Experience the gastronomic delights of Hampshire on one of our award-winning food and drink day tours departing from central Winchester.
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.
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.
Join a guided tour with one of Winchester's official tourist guides to take in the city's highlights.
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.
Spring is the perfect time to 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.
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.
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
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 Museum 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
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
