Winchester: The Complete Guide
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.
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. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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25 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!
Wolvesey Castle
Location: Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace), College Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Open 10am-4pm daily October to 1st March | Price: Free Entrance | Website | Distance: 0.10km
Visiting Wolvesey Castle
St Mary's Abbey, Winchester
Visiting St Mary's Abbey, Winchester
Winchester College
Location: Winchester College, College Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday - Sunday 14:15 and 15:30 | Price: Adults £10, Concessions £8.50 (No charge for children under 11) | Website | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting Winchester College
River Itchen Walk
Visiting River Itchen Walk
Winchester Cathedral
Location: Winchester Cathedral, The Cl, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9.00am–5.00pm, Sunday: 12.30pm–3.00pm. Last entry 30 mins before close. Morning Prayer 8am Holy Eucharist 8.30am Evensong 5.30pm | Price: Adult - £12.50 | Website | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting Winchester Cathedral
Winchester City Mill
Location: National Trust - Winchester City Mill, Bridge Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Wed-Sun10:00 - 17:00 | Website | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting Winchester City Mill
King Alfred Statue, Winchester
Location: King Alfred the Great - Statue, The Broadway, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting King Alfred Statue, Winchester
St Peter's Church, Chesil, Winchester
Location: Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester, UK | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting St Peter's Church, Chesil, Winchester
The Chesil Rectory
Location: The Chesil Rectory, Chesil Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday to Thursday Lunch 12noon – 14:30 | Dinner 17:30 – 21:00 Friday & Saturday Lunch 12noon – 14:30 | Dinner 17:30 – 21:30 Sunday Lunch 12noon – 15:00 | Dinner 18:00 – 20:30 | Website | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting The Chesil Rectory
City Walls of Winchester
Location: Roman wall Winchester SO23 9LH United Kingdom | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting City Walls of Winchester
St Mary Magdalen Hospital Alms-houses
Visiting St Mary Magdalen Hospital Alms-houses
Winchester Guildhall
Location: Guildhall Winchester, The Broadway, Winchester, UK | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting Winchester Guildhall
Winchester Cathedral Close
Location: Cathedral Close, Winchester, UK | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Winchester Cathedral Close
Winchester's Pilgrim's Hall & Priors Gate
Location: Priors Gate St Swithun St Winchester SO23 9LS | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Winchester's Pilgrim's Hall & Priors Gate
Jane Austen's House, Winchester
Location: 8 College Street, Winchester, UK | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Jane Austen's House, Winchester
Winchester City Museum
Location: Winchester City Museum, The Square, Winchester, UK | Hours: Daily 10:00 - 17:00 | Price: Adult: £8.00 | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Winchester City Museum
Buttercross Monument, Winchester
Location: Buttercross Monument, High Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.50km
Visiting Buttercross Monument, Winchester
Winchester Castle
Location: The Great Hall The Castle Castle Ave Winchester SO23 8UJ United Kingdom | Hours: 10am to 5pm daily (last entry is 4.30pm). There is no advance booking, simply buy your tickets on arrival. | Price: Adult: £4 Child (5-16 yrs): £3 | Website | Distance: 0.70km
Visiting Winchester Castle
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: 0.70km
Visiting Winchester Corn Exchange
Winchester's Military Museums
Location: Winchester's Military Museums, Romsey Road, Winchester, UK | Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm (last admission 3.30pm) | Price: Adults £5.00 | Website | Distance: 0.90km
Visiting Winchester's Military Museums
Hyde Abbey Gatehouse, Winchester
Location: Hyde Abbey Gatehouse, King Alfred Place, Winchester, UK | Hours: 24Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.00km
Visiting Hyde Abbey Gatehouse, Winchester
Hospital of St. Cross
Location: The Hospital of St Cross, Saint Cross Back Street, Winchester, UK | Hours: Summer (1st April to 31st October) 9.30am-5.00pm (Monday to Saturday) 1pm-5pm (Sundays)Winter (1st November to 31st March) 10.30am-3.30pm (Monday to Saturday) Closed on Sunday except for church services | Price: Adults: £7.50 | Website | Distance: 1.60km
Visiting Hospital of St. Cross
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Location: Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Telegraph Way, Winchester, UK | Hours: Weekends and school holidays - 9:30am to 5pm | Price: Adult / Child - Setween £13.75 - £17.25 - See website | Website | Distance: 3.10km
Visiting Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Marwell Zoo
Location: Marwell Zoo, Thompson's Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, UK | Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Price: Adults £26 | Website | Distance: 8.00km
Visiting Marwell Zoo
Highclere Castle: Aka Downton Abbey
| Hours: Morning Admission: Admission between 10:00am – 12:30pm Midday Admission : Admission between 12:30pm – 2:30pm Afternoon Admission: Admission between 2:30pm – 4:00pm. | Price: Adult: £22.50; Child (4-16): £14.00 | Website | Distance: 29.90km
Visiting Highclere Castle: Aka Downton Abbey