Winchester, England: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026
Situated at the western edge of the South Downs National Park, Winchester beckons with its rich history, remarkable heritage, and captivating medieval architecture. The city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, with bustling market stalls and a wide array of award-winning eateries, making it an ideal destination for a memorable short break.
As England’s ancient capital and the historic seat of Alfred the Great, Winchester holds a special place in the country’s heritage. The city’s crowning jewel is the renowned Winchester Cathedral, known for its magnificent medieval nave, which holds the distinction of being the longest in Europe. However, Winchester has much more to offer beyond its iconic cathedral. During our recent visit to this enchanting city, we discovered a wealth of attractions and experiences that added to the charm of our stay. From delving into the city’s captivating history to indulging in its culinary delights, Winchester provides a multifaceted and unforgettable experience for its visitors.
Table of Contents
- History of Winchester
- 26 Best places to See in Winchester
- Nunnaminster
- Wolvesey Castle
- Winchester Guildhall
- Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail
- St Mary Magdalen Hospital Alms-houses
- City Walls of Winchester
- The Chesil Rectory
- Chesil Theatre
- King Alfred Statue
- Winchester City Mill
- Winchester College
- Winchester Cathedral
- Kingsgate
- Winchester Cathedral Close
- Jane Austen's House
- Winchester's Pilgrim's Hall & Priors Gate
- Winchester City Museum
- Buttercross Monument
- Winchester Corn Exchange
- Winchester Great Hall
- Westgate Museum
- Winchester's Military Museums
- Hyde Abbey Gatehouse
- St Catherine’s Hill
- Hospital of St Cross
- Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
- 12 Best Day Trips from Winchester
- Where to Stay in Winchester
- Best Time to Visit Winchester
- Visiting Winchester in Spring
- Visiting Winchester in Summer
- Visiting Winchester in Autumn
- Visiting Winchester in Winter
- How to get to Winchester
History of Winchester
Winchester: Ancient Origins
Winchester has a long history, dating back to Roman times when it was known as Venta Belgarum. It was a significant Roman settlement and later became the capital of Wessex.
Winchester: Saxon and Medieval Periods
During the Saxon era, Winchester became the capital of King Alfred the Great’s kingdom. The city’s prominence continued into the medieval period, with the construction of Winchester Cathedral and the Great Hall.
Winchester: Tudor and Stuart Eras
Winchester maintained its importance during the Tudor and Stuart periods. It was a favorite residence of monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The city also played a role during the English Civil War.
Winchester: Modern Developments
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Winchester evolved into a vibrant market town and cultural center. Today, it is known for its historical landmarks, educational institutions, and picturesque landscapes.
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
Visiting Winchester for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Winchester on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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26 Best places to See in Winchester
This complete guide to Winchester not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Winchester and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Nunnaminster
Tucked beside Abbey House and Gardens in the heart of Winchester, the Nunnaminster is one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” historic sites that rewards curious travelers. What you see today is a small but compelling display of archaeological remains set below street level in Abbey Passage, paired with interpretation panels that help you picture an entire religious complex…
Location: Abbey Passage, Winchester, SO23 9LL | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Nunnaminster
Location: Abbey Passage, Winchester, SO23 9LL | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Nunnaminster
Wolvesey Castle
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel
Wolvesey Castle is one of those places that quietly surprises you: a ruined, riverside palace complex where you can still sense the scale of medieval power, even with the roof long gone. Set just behind Winchester Cathedral and framed by the River Itchen, it’s an open-air wander through stone walls, arches, and footprints of grand halls—free to enter, easy to…
Location: Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace), College Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: (Summer) 01 April – 30 September: Daily: 10:00–17:00. (Winter) 01 October – 31 March: Daily: 10:00–16:00. | Price: Free Entrance | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Wolvesey Castle
Location: Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace), College Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: (Summer) 01 April – 30 September: Daily: 10:00–17:00. (Winter) 01 October – 31 March: Daily: 10:00–16:00. | Price: Free Entrance | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Wolvesey Castle
Winchester Guildhall
CC BY-SA 2.0 / David Pearson
Winchester Guildhall is one of the city’s most impressive street-level landmarks: a bold Gothic Revival building with a commanding clock tower, carved details, and the kind of presence that makes you look up even if you’re just passing through. It sits on The Broadway, right on the edge of the historic centre, so it naturally becomes a navigation point as…
Location: Guildhall Winchester, The Broadway, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00; Sunday & Bank Holidays (May–August): 10:00–15:00. Main halls and historic rooms are typically accessible only during meetings, private hire, or public events. | Price: Free to see from outside; entry is typically via events, exhibitions, or appointments (ticket prices vary by event). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Guildhall
Location: Guildhall Winchester, The Broadway, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00; Sunday & Bank Holidays (May–August): 10:00–15:00. Main halls and historic rooms are typically accessible only during meetings, private hire, or public events. | Price: Free to see from outside; entry is typically via events, exhibitions, or appointments (ticket prices vary by event). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Guildhall
Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Trevor Harris
The Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail is a flat, scenic route that traces the River Itchen south from Winchester, linking city landmarks with quiet water meadows and long stretches of chalk-stream calm. It begins close to the historic centre and feels like a natural extension of the streets you’ve just explored, which is why many travelers rate it as one of…
Location: Wolvesey Lodge, The Weirs, Winchester SO23 9NX, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail
Location: Wolvesey Lodge, The Weirs, Winchester SO23 9NX, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail
St Mary Magdalen Hospital Alms-houses
St Mary Magdalen Almshouses sit in one of Winchester’s most soothing pockets, right by the River Itchen and the riverside path locals call The Weirs. You’re not coming here for a ticketed “attraction” so much as a lived-in historic streetscape: warm brick façades, tidy boundaries, and the sense that Winchester’s old charitable traditions still have a real presence in the…
| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting St Mary Magdalen Hospital Alms-houses
| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting St Mary Magdalen Hospital Alms-houses
City Walls of Winchester
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Philip Halling
Winchester City Walls aren’t a single “site” so much as a set of surviving fragments and alignments that still shape how the city feels as you walk it. In places, you’ll spot stretches of flint and stone running behind streets or edging green spaces; in others, the walls are more about the sense of a boundary—where the old city once…
Location: Roman wall Winchester SO23 9LH United Kingdom | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting City Walls of Winchester
Location: Roman wall Winchester SO23 9LH United Kingdom | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting City Walls of Winchester
The Chesil Rectory
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Des Blenkinsopp
The Chesil Rectory sits on Chesil Street, just outside the busiest part of central Winchester, and it’s one of those places that feels like a time capsule you can casually wander into. From the road you’ll spot its distinctive twin gables, the overhanging upper storey, and the timber-framed character that instantly marks it out as one of the things to…
Location: The Chesil Rectory, Chesil Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Friday: 12:00–15:30 & 17:30–23:00. Saturday: 12:00–15:30 & 18:00–23:00. Sunday: 12:00–16:00 & 18:00–22:00. | Price: Free to see from the street (it’s a restaurant, so you only pay if you eat or drink). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting The Chesil Rectory
Location: The Chesil Rectory, Chesil Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Friday: 12:00–15:30 & 17:30–23:00. Saturday: 12:00–15:30 & 18:00–23:00. Sunday: 12:00–16:00 & 18:00–22:00. | Price: Free to see from the street (it’s a restaurant, so you only pay if you eat or drink). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting The Chesil Rectory
Chesil Theatre
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Des Blenkinsopp
Chesil Theatre sits on Chesil Street, just off Winchester’s main flow, in a building that still reads as a church the moment you spot it: flint-and-stone walls, a compact medieval footprint, and that unmistakable sense that you’re stepping into a place with a long memory. It’s one of the things to do in Winchester that feels genuinely local, because it’s…
Location: Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: First Saturday of every month: 10:30–12:30 (Open Morning). Performance days: Doors open 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. | Price: Tickets (varies by production): typically £18 (adult) & £12 (students/under 18). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Chesil Theatre
Location: Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: First Saturday of every month: 10:30–12:30 (Open Morning). Performance days: Doors open 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. | Price: Tickets (varies by production): typically £18 (adult) & £12 (students/under 18). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Chesil Theatre
King Alfred Statue
CC BY-SA 3.0 / BobW66
The Statue of Alfred the Great rises above The Broadway at the eastern end of Winchester’s historic centre, a larger-than-life bronze figure that’s hard to miss as you approach the High Street. It is one of the top sights in Winchester not because it takes long, but because it instantly anchors you in the city’s Saxon story, with the Cathedral…
Location: King Alfred the Great - Statue, The Broadway, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting King Alfred Statue
Location: King Alfred the Great - Statue, The Broadway, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting King Alfred Statue
Winchester City Mill
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Geoff Cooper
Winchester City Mill is a National Trust-run watermill on the fast-flowing River Itchen, tucked just off the city’s historic core on Bridge Street. It’s a wonderfully compact place where the sound of rushing water does half the storytelling for you, and where you can step from busy streets into a calmer, riverside pocket in minutes. What I love about this…
Location: National Trust - Winchester City Mill, Bridge Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: (Summer) Thursday – Sunday: 10:00–17:00. (Winter) Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00–16:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester City Mill
Location: National Trust - Winchester City Mill, Bridge Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: (Summer) Thursday – Sunday: 10:00–17:00. (Winter) Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00–16:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester City Mill
Winchester College
CC BY-SA 2.5 / Andrew Powers
Winchester College is one of the most atmospheric historic visits in the city, founded in 1382 and still anchored in its original medieval heart. Visiting is done primarily through guided tours that lead you into a remarkably preserved world of flint-and-stone courtyards, cloisters, and the famous Seventh Chamber, often described as the oldest schoolroom in the country. It’s an experience…
Location: Winchester College, College Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday - Sunday: 13:45 & 15:00 | Price: Adult £12.60; Concession £11.70; Children under 11 free; Carers free. Treasury: Free. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester College
Location: Winchester College, College Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday - Sunday: 13:45 & 15:00 | Price: Adult £12.60; Concession £11.70; Children under 11 free; Carers free. Treasury: Free. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester College
Winchester Cathedral
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Hassocks5489
Winchester Cathedral rises from the heart of the historic city, just beyond the High Street, where the medieval streets start to feel quieter and more enclosed by ancient stone. It is one of the top attractions in Winchester for the simple reason that it delivers on every level: scale, craftsmanship, and the kind of hush you only get in buildings…
Location: Winchester Cathedral, The Cl, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:00–17:00. Sunday: 12:30–15:00. | Price: Adult (17+): £14 (£13 online); Student: £8 (£7 online); Child 12–16: £6 (£5 online); Child 11 & under: Free with a paying adult. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Cathedral
Location: Winchester Cathedral, The Cl, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:00–17:00. Sunday: 12:30–15:00. | Price: Adult (17+): £14 (£13 online); Student: £8 (£7 online); Child 12–16: £6 (£5 online); Child 11 & under: Free with a paying adult. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Cathedral
Kingsgate
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Hassocks5489
St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate Church is one of those Winchester places you can walk past a dozen times without realising what you’re missing. Set above Kingsgate, one of the city’s surviving medieval gateways, it feels like a secret tucked into the fabric of the old walls—part church, part architectural curiosity, and entirely memorable once you’ve found the entrance. The charm is how…
Location: St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate Church, Saint Swithun Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Daily: 10:00–16:00. | Price: Free (donations welcome). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Kingsgate
Location: St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate Church, Saint Swithun Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Daily: 10:00–16:00. | Price: Free (donations welcome). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Kingsgate
Winchester Cathedral Close
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Magnus Manske
Winchester Cathedral Close is one of those places that doesn’t announce itself with a ticket desk or a single “main attraction” sign—yet the moment you step through the gateways, the city feels quieter, older, and more intimate. You’re in a pocket of Winchester where medieval boundaries still matter, where walls double as house backs, and where the everyday life of…
Location: Cathedral Close, Winchester, UK | Hours: Daily: 07:00–22:00. | Price: Free. | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Cathedral Close
Location: Cathedral Close, Winchester, UK | Hours: Daily: 07:00–22:00. | Price: Free. | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Cathedral Close
Jane Austen's House
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Peter Broster
Jane Austen’s Grave in Winchester Cathedral is one of those rare travel moments where a famous name becomes quietly personal. You’ll find her memorial stone in the north nave aisle, set into the cathedral floor, and it has a simplicity that feels fitting: no theatrics, just a calm space where readers from around the world pause, reflect, and leave with…
Location: 8 College Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:00–17:00 Sunday: 12:30–15:00. | Price: Adult (17 and over): £14 (£13 online). Student: £8 (£7 online). Child 12 – 16: £6. Child 11 and under: Free with a paying adult. | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Jane Austen's House
Location: 8 College Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:00–17:00 Sunday: 12:30–15:00. | Price: Adult (17 and over): £14 (£13 online). Student: £8 (£7 online). Child 12 – 16: £6. Child 11 and under: Free with a paying adult. | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Jane Austen's House
Winchester's Pilgrim's Hall & Priors Gate
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Hassocks5489
Tucked beside Winchester Cathedral, Pilgrims’ Hall and Prior’s Gate make a brilliant little stop when you want maximum atmosphere for minimal effort. The gate marks a historic threshold into the Cathedral Close, and just beyond it you’ll find a half-timbered, storybook corner that feels like Winchester distilled—flint walls, ancient timbers, and a quiet shift in mood the moment you step…
Location: Priors Gate St Swithun St Winchester SO23 9LS | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:00–17:00. Sunday: 12:30–15:00. | Price: Free to visit and photograph from the Cathedral Close. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester's Pilgrim's Hall & Priors Gate
Location: Priors Gate St Swithun St Winchester SO23 9LS | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:00–17:00. Sunday: 12:30–15:00. | Price: Free to visit and photograph from the Cathedral Close. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester's Pilgrim's Hall & Priors Gate
Winchester City Museum
CC BY-SA 3.0 / BabelStone
Winchester City Museum is a brilliant, three-floor introduction to the city’s story, tucked right into the historic centre at The Square, a short stroll from the cathedral. It’s the kind of museum that feels immediately approachable: not huge, not overwhelming, and packed with well-chosen objects that make Winchester’s past feel specific and surprisingly personal. What makes it such an easy…
Location: Winchester City Museum, The Square, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00. Sunday: 11:00–17:00. Closed on 24–26 December & 1 January. | Price: Adult £8.00; Child (5–15) £5.50; Concession £7.00; Under 5: Free; Family ticket (up to 5 people, max. 2 adults) £26.00. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester City Museum
Location: Winchester City Museum, The Square, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00. Sunday: 11:00–17:00. Closed on 24–26 December & 1 January. | Price: Adult £8.00; Child (5–15) £5.50; Concession £7.00; Under 5: Free; Family ticket (up to 5 people, max. 2 adults) £26.00. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester City Museum
Buttercross Monument
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Hassocks5489
The Winchester Buttercross (often called the High Cross or City Cross) is one of those landmarks you don’t plan a day around, but you’re genuinely glad you stopped for. It rises unexpectedly from the bustle of the High Street on a set of octagonal steps, a tall, many-pinnacled Gothic-style cross that feels almost lace-like when you look closely. Because it…
Location: Buttercross Monument, High Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Buttercross Monument
Location: Buttercross Monument, High Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Buttercross Monument
Winchester Corn Exchange
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wayland Smith
The Winchester Corn Exchange sits on Jewry Street, just a couple of minutes from the High Street, in a building that still carries the confidence of its original purpose: a big civic space designed for crowds, commerce, and conversation. Today it operates as The Arc, a welcoming cultural hub that combines the public library with gallery spaces, talks, and performances,…
Location: The Arc Winchester, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB, UK | Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:30am - 5:00pm Sunday: 11:00am - 5:00pm | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Corn Exchange
Location: The Arc Winchester, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB, UK | Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:30am - 5:00pm Sunday: 11:00am - 5:00pm | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Corn Exchange
Winchester Great Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel
Winchester Great Hall is the headline survivor of Winchester Castle: a soaring medieval space of stone arches, stained glass, and a vast timber roof that still feels built for kings, courts, and ceremonies. You’ll find it just off Winchester’s High Street at The Castle, close to the Westgate and an easy walk from the Cathedral area, so it slots neatly…
Location: The Great Hall The Castle Castle Ave Winchester SO23 8UJ United Kingdom | Hours: Daily: 10:00–17:00. Closed on 24 December – 26 December & 1 January. | Price: £9.00 (online £8.10); Child (5–15): £6.50 (online £5.85); Concession: £8.00 (online £7.20); Under 5s: Free; Family: £29.50 (online £26.55). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Great Hall
Location: The Great Hall The Castle Castle Ave Winchester SO23 8UJ United Kingdom | Hours: Daily: 10:00–17:00. Closed on 24 December – 26 December & 1 January. | Price: £9.00 (online £8.10); Child (5–15): £6.50 (online £5.85); Concession: £8.00 (online £7.20); Under 5s: Free; Family: £29.50 (online £26.55). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Great Hall
Westgate Museum
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Westgate Museum
Westgate Museum is housed inside the Westgate itself, a surviving fortified medieval gateway right at the top of Winchester High Street—so you quite literally walk into history. It’s compact, vertical, and full of character: stone passages, timbered rooms, and the satisfying feeling that the building is the main exhibit, not just the container. If you like viewpoints as much as…
Location: Westgate Museum, High Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Daily: 10:00–17:00. Closed on 24 December – 26 December; 01 January. | Price: Adult £9.00; Concession £8.00; Child (5–15) £6.50; Under 5s free; Family ticket £29.50. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Westgate Museum
Location: Westgate Museum, High Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Daily: 10:00–17:00. Closed on 24 December – 26 December; 01 January. | Price: Adult £9.00; Concession £8.00; Child (5–15) £6.50; Under 5s free; Family ticket £29.50. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Westgate Museum
Winchester's Military Museums
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Hassocks5489
Winchester’s Military Museums sit inside Peninsula Barracks on Romsey Road, just beyond the city’s historic core, and they are one of those places that pleasantly over-deliver. Instead of a single museum building, you get a cluster of six collections that let you dip into different strands of British military history in a single visit, from rifle regiments and Waterloo-era storytelling…
Location: Winchester's Military Museums, Romsey Road, Winchester, UK | Hours: HorsePower: Monday – Friday: 10:00–12:45 & 13:15–16:00; Saturday: 12:00–16:00. Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00–16:30; Saturday & Bank holidays: 10:30–15:00. The Gurkha Museum: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00. The Rifleman’s Museum: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–16:00. Royal Logistic Corps Museum (Worthy Down): Tuesday – Saturday: 09:30–16:00. Adjutant General’s Corps Museum: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00. Sunday: Closed. | Price: HorsePower £5 adult; The Gurkha Museum £6.50 adult (£5 concession); The Rifleman’s Museum £6.50 adult (£5.50 concession). Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, Adjutant General’s Corps Museum, and Royal Logistic Corps Museum are free. Children under 16 are free at the paid museums. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester's Military Museums
Location: Winchester's Military Museums, Romsey Road, Winchester, UK | Hours: HorsePower: Monday – Friday: 10:00–12:45 & 13:15–16:00; Saturday: 12:00–16:00. Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00–16:30; Saturday & Bank holidays: 10:30–15:00. The Gurkha Museum: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00. The Rifleman’s Museum: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–16:00. Royal Logistic Corps Museum (Worthy Down): Tuesday – Saturday: 09:30–16:00. Adjutant General’s Corps Museum: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00. Sunday: Closed. | Price: HorsePower £5 adult; The Gurkha Museum £6.50 adult (£5 concession); The Rifleman’s Museum £6.50 adult (£5.50 concession). Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, Adjutant General’s Corps Museum, and Royal Logistic Corps Museum are free. Children under 16 are free at the paid museums. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester's Military Museums
Hyde Abbey Gatehouse
CC BY-SA 3.0 / JohnArmagh
Hyde Abbey Gatehouse is the kind of Winchester sight you can almost walk past if you are not looking for it, and that is part of the charm. Set in the Hyde area just north of the historic centre, this surviving gateway is a compact, photogenic piece of medieval stonework that once marked the threshold of Hyde Abbey, and today…
Location: Hyde Abbey Gatehouse, King Alfred Place, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24Hours (Accessible at all times). | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Hyde Abbey Gatehouse
Location: Hyde Abbey Gatehouse, King Alfred Place, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24Hours (Accessible at all times). | Price: Free | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Hyde Abbey Gatehouse
St Catherine’s Hill
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Shazz
St Catherine’s Hill is the kind of place locals use to reset their day: a chalk downland hill just outside central Winchester, reached by a short walk but offering a real sense of “being out” once you’re on the slopes. The climb is part of the fun—there are steep sections and steps—then you’re rewarded with wide views over the city…
Location: St. Catherine's Hill, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free. | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting St Catherine’s Hill
Location: St. Catherine's Hill, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free. | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting St Catherine’s Hill
Hospital of St Cross
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Hassocks5489
About a mile south of Winchester’s centre, The Hospital of St Cross feels like a quiet step back in time—an almshouse community founded for charitable care, arranged around a calm inner courtyard and entered through an impressively characterful gatehouse. It’s not a “big-ticket” attraction in the modern sense; it’s the kind of place that draws you in with stonework, silence,…
Location: The Hospital of St Cross, Saint Cross Back Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: (Summer) 1 April – 31 October; Monday – Saturday: 09:30–17:00. Sunday: 13:00–17:00. (Winter) 1 November – 31 March; Monday – Saturday: 10:30–15:30. Closed on Sunday (except for church services). | Price: Adults: £7.50 (Standard) / £8.00 (Gift Aid/Donation); Students & Senior Citizens: £5.00 / £5.50; Children under 13: £4.00 / £4.50; Registered carers: Free (with eligible visitor). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Hospital of St Cross
Location: The Hospital of St Cross, Saint Cross Back Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: (Summer) 1 April – 31 October; Monday – Saturday: 09:30–17:00. Sunday: 13:00–17:00. (Winter) 1 November – 31 March; Monday – Saturday: 10:30–15:30. Closed on Sunday (except for church services). | Price: Adults: £7.50 (Standard) / £8.00 (Gift Aid/Donation); Students & Senior Citizens: £5.00 / £5.50; Children under 13: £4.00 / £4.50; Registered carers: Free (with eligible visitor). | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Hospital of St Cross
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Peter Facey
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is an interactive science attraction on the edge of the city at Morn Hill, set within the South Downs National Park and about three miles from central Winchester. It’s the kind of place that pulls you straight into doing rather than just looking: buttons to press, experiments to try, big demos to watch, and plenty…
Location: Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Telegraph Way, Winchester, UK | Hours: Saturday – Sunday: 09:30–17:00; School holidays: Daily: 09:30–17:00. Monday – Friday (term time): Closed (open for school groups only). Closed on 24 December – 26 December. | Price: Standard entry (Adult/Child 3–16): £17.50; Advance (14+ days): £14.00; Under 3: Free; Planetarium show: +£4. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Location: Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Telegraph Way, Winchester, UK | Hours: Saturday – Sunday: 09:30–17:00; School holidays: Daily: 09:30–17:00. Monday – Friday (term time): Closed (open for school groups only). Closed on 24 December – 26 December. | Price: Standard entry (Adult/Child 3–16): £17.50; Advance (14+ days): £14.00; Under 3: Free; Planetarium show: +£4. | Website | Distance: 114.7km
Visiting Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Best Day Trips from Winchester
A day trip from Winchester offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Winchester provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.
Marwell Zoo
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian McLean
Marwell Zoo is a large, countryside zoo just outside Winchester, set across wide, walkable grounds that feel more like a wildlife park than a quick city attraction. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole day without feeling rushed: big enclosures, plenty of breathing space between zones, and enough variety to keep both kids and adults engaged…
Location: Marwell Zoo, Thompson's Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, UK | Hours: (Summer) Daily: 10:00–17:00. (Winter) Daily: 10:00–16:00. Closed on 25 December & 26 December. | Price: From £19.00 adult and £15.50 child (3–16) when booked in advance online; under-3s free (on-the-day prices are higher). | Website | Distance: 8.0km
Visiting Marwell Zoo
Location: Marwell Zoo, Thompson's Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, UK | Hours: (Summer) Daily: 10:00–17:00. (Winter) Daily: 10:00–16:00. Closed on 25 December & 26 December. | Price: From £19.00 adult and £15.50 child (3–16) when booked in advance online; under-3s free (on-the-day prices are higher). | Website | Distance: 8.0km
Visiting Marwell Zoo
Southampton
Southampton, located on England’s south coast in Hampshire, is a vibrant port city that offers a well-balanced mix of maritime heritage, green open spaces, and modern urban living. Visitors often start their exploration around the bustling waterfront, where cruise ships dock and leisure boats sail by. The area around Ocean Village Marina is especially appealing, filled with restaurants, cafés, and…
Visiting Southampton
Visiting Southampton
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Highclere Castle
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Launus
Highclere Castle is the genuine article: an aristocratic country house in Hampshire set in sweeping parkland, instantly recognisable as “Downton Abbey” even if you’ve only seen a few scenes. It sits near the village of Highclere, a short hop from Newbury, and feels wonderfully removed from the city without being hard to reach—exactly the kind of place where a day…
| Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00–16:00. Gardens, Tearooms & Gift Shop: 09:30–17:00. Park gates: 17:30. Closed on Friday & Saturday during summer public opening. | Price: Castle & Gardens: Adult £25.00; Child (4–16) £15.00; Under 4: Free. Castle, Egyptian Exhibition & Gardens: Adult £32.00; Child (4–16) £17.50; Under 4: Free. | Website | Distance: 29.9km
Visiting Highclere Castle
| Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00–16:00. Gardens, Tearooms & Gift Shop: 09:30–17:00. Park gates: 17:30. Closed on Friday & Saturday during summer public opening. | Price: Castle & Gardens: Adult £25.00; Child (4–16) £15.00; Under 4: Free. Castle, Egyptian Exhibition & Gardens: Adult £32.00; Child (4–16) £17.50; Under 4: Free. | Website | Distance: 29.9km
Visiting Highclere Castle
Chichester
Chichester, a cathedral city in West Sussex, holds significant historical importance with traces of Roman settlement evident throughout the city. Roman baths, a city wall (later replaced by a Georgian wall), an amphitheatre (now transformed into a park), and the ancient Roman road known as State Street connecting Chichester to London all stand as reminders of its Roman past. The…
Visiting Chichester
Visiting Chichester
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Poole
Visiting Poole offers a charming coastal experience in the South West of England, set along the beautiful Dorset coastline. The town is renowned for its expansive natural harbour, one of the largest in Europe, which provides a stunning backdrop for exploring the area’s maritime activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, boat trips to nearby islands, and peaceful…
Visiting Poole
Visiting Poole
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Oxford
Visiting Oxford offers a unique blend of rich academic tradition and vibrant modern culture, all set within the picturesque landscape of South East England. The city is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful college gardens, and charming cobbled streets that invite exploration. Whether wandering through the historic university buildings or enjoying a leisurely punt along the River Cherwell, Oxford presents…
Visiting Oxford
Visiting Oxford
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Bath
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Diego Delso
Visiting Bath is a rewarding experience, set in the scenic South West of England. The city is renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture and compact layout, making it easy to explore on foot. Bath offers a rich cultural scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and festivals taking place throughout the year. Visitors often enjoy leisurely walks along the River Avon and…
Visiting Bath
Visiting Bath
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Brighton
Visiting Brighton, nestled on the coast of East Sussex in South East England, is a refreshing blend of seaside charm and lively urban culture. The city’s pebbled beach and iconic pier are classic attractions, offering fairground rides, arcade games, and sweeping sea views. A stroll along the promenade, especially at sunset, is a quintessential Brighton experience, with the sound of…
Visiting Brighton
Visiting Brighton
London
London, located in the southeastern part of England, is a vibrant and diverse global city offering something for every type of visitor. The city’s iconic skyline features a blend of historic landmarks and modern architecture, creating a dynamic atmosphere that is both rich in culture and innovation. From world-famous museums and galleries to bustling markets and theatres, London provides countless…
Visiting London
Visiting London
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Bristol
Visiting Bristol offers a dynamic experience in the South West of England, combining vibrant city life with rich cultural attractions. The city is well known for its lively harbourside, where visitors can enjoy a mix of restaurants, bars, and galleries along the waterfront. Bristol’s compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, with a blend of historic architecture…
Visiting Bristol
Visiting Bristol
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Gloucester
Visiting Gloucester offers a charming blend of urban culture and scenic surroundings in the heart of the South West England region. The city’s compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with a variety of shops, cafes, and markets creating a lively atmosphere. Visitors often enjoy strolling along the Gloucester Docks, a revitalized historic waterfront area filled with restaurants, galleries,…
Visiting Gloucester
Visiting Gloucester
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Chepstow
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Steve Slater
Chepstow, located in Monmouthshire, is a charming town that serves as the gateway to Wales. Nestled along the banks of the River Wye, it offers breathtaking scenery and a mix of historic and modern attractions. Visitors can explore its bustling high street, filled with independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. The town’s award-winning redevelopment has enhanced its pedestrian areas, making…
Visiting Chepstow
Visiting Chepstow
Where to Stay in Winchester
The best area to stay is in the historic center, where boutique hotels offer access to Winchester Cathedral, medieval streets, and the Great Hall. For a countryside retreat, staying in a country inn nearby provides a peaceful escape.
A 2 to 3-day stay is ideal for exploring the city’s history, walking along the River Itchen, and enjoying local pubs. A 4-day stay allows for day trips to the New Forest, Stonehenge, or Jane Austen’s house in Chawton.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Winchester. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Winchester Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Winchester
Visiting Winchester in Spring
Spring in Winchester offers mild temperatures and blooming gardens. It’s an ideal time to explore the city’s parks, gardens, and historic sites.
Visiting Winchester in Summer
Summer brings warm weather perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy festivals, river walks, and visits to historical attractions like Winchester Cathedral and the Great Hall.
Visiting Winchester in Autumn
Autumn in Winchester is characterized by cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. It’s a great time for scenic walks, cultural events, and exploring the countryside.
Visiting Winchester in Winter
Winter in Winchester offers a peaceful retreat with fewer tourists. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, visit museums, and warm up in cozy cafes and restaurants.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 7°C 48°F
- February 8°C 51°F
- March 11°C 56°F
- April 16°C 64°F
- May 16°C 65°F
- June 21°C 73°F
- July 23°C 77°F
- August 23°C 78°F
- September 20°C 72°F
- October 15°C 62°F
- November 11°C 55°F
- December 10°C 53°F
How to get to Winchester
Traveling to Winchester by Car
Driving to Winchester is convenient via the M3 motorway. This mode of travel offers flexibility to explore the surrounding areas and scenic routes.
Traveling to Winchester by Train
Winchester is well-connected by train, with regular services from London and other major cities. The journey from London takes about an hour.
Traveling to Winchester by Bus
Bus services connect Winchester with other cities in Hampshire and beyond. It’s a budget-friendly and straightforward way to reach the city.
Traveling to Winchester by Plane
The nearest airports to Winchester are Southampton Airport and London Heathrow Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus to reach Winchester.
