In line with government guidance, Winchester Discovery Centre is now open but with reduced opening hours.
New measures have also been introduced in response to COVID-19. Please visit the website for up-to-date information before your visit.
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
A week of feature film premieres and award-winning short films selected from over 50 countries, in venues across the city of Winchester.
Events across the city dedicated to contemporary writing and performance and featuring poets from across the world. The organisers have informed us that due to the current situation the Festival has been postponed until October 2021
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.
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.
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
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
