Winchester Cathedral is one of England’s oldest cathedrals, built in 1079 as the Royal Church of the Saxon Kings. It’s the burial site of King Alfred the Great and Jane Austen and was a filming site for The Crown and The Da Vinci Code, making it one of the top filming locations in the South West. From the 150-foot tower to the underground crypt, there’s plenty to see and do here.
Ready to discover 1,000 years of history? We’ve got everything you need to know about Winchester Cathedral.
Things to see and do at Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral attracts around 300,000 visitors annually. From choral concerts to tower tours, there’s something for everyone here.
Winchester Cathedral has ticketed entry.
Winchester Cathedral admission fees:
| Tickets |
Prices |
| Adult |
£13.50 |
| Concession |
£12 |
| Student |
£7 |
| Group |
£11 |
| Children under 16 (with family) |
Free |
For more information, visit the Winchester Cathedral ticket site.
Architecture
Winchester Cathedral is an enticing blend of architectural styles, with its Anglo-Saxon roots enhanced by Norman and Gothic influences. It features Norman pillars, Gothic arches and intricate medieval carvings, showcasing a rich tapestry of English religious history.
The Crypt
The Crypt is one of the cathedral’s oldest surviving sections, originating in 1079. With stout columns and low vaulted ceilings, it has tombstones, war memorials and Sir Antony Gormley’s stunning ‘Sound II’ sculpture.
Crypt tours are free with admission, no booking required.
Please note: during the wet winter months the crypt can flood. If this is the case Winchester Cathedral are unable to run tours, but you can still see the crypt from a viewing platform.
Kings & Scribes
Kings & Scribes is a permanent exhibition capturing the history of Winchester Cathedral from its Anglo-Saxon beginnings to today. See the Winchester Bible (the largest surviving medieval Bible) and explore the Morley Library, containing over 3,000 books printed before 1850.
Kings & Scribes is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 to 16:30 and 12:30 to 14:30 on Sunday.
Concerts
The cathedral hosts live choral music with regular performances from the Winchester Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, Winchester College Chapel Choir and Choral Society. It also has organ concerts and music and art experiences, such as Moon Medley, featuring artwork, music and dance. Browse the cathedral's what's on page.
Tours
The Cathedral Tour is an hour-long tour through the cathedral’s history and architecture. Expert-guided Special Interest tours tackle various subjects such as art, glass and Jane Austen (it’s the novelist’s final resting place). The Tower Tour takes you to the cathedral’s peak to see the ringing chamber, the bells, the nave roof and a stunning view over Winchester! There is also a free monthly Touch Tour for the blind and visually impaired. Learn more about the tours.
Events
Winchester Cathedral hosts various events showcasing art, science and religion. Previous events include Crown and Coronation, the immersive light and sound show by Luxmuralis featuring stunning imagery projected on the cathedral walls.
Things to do near Winchester Cathedral
There’s plenty more to explore if you want to prolong your cultural visit to Winchester. Winchester Military Museums has six museums dedicated to various branches of the armed forces. From the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum to the Rifles Museum, it’s a must-visit for military enthusiasts.
Discover more of Alfred the Great and Jane Austen’s stories at Winchester City Museum, dedicated to the city’s history. Roam the 13-century Great Hall, opposite the cathedral, and uncover its links to King Arthur.
Tips for enjoying Winchester Cathedral
- Winchester Cathedral is open from 9:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Saturday and 12:30 to 15:00 on Sunday - check for closure notices on its website before your trip just in case
- Dogs are welcome in the cathedral but aren’t allowed at events or inside the café.
- Large bags and suitcases should be left at home, and the cathedral has no luggage facilities.
Food and drinks
The Cathedral Café has coffee, afternoon tea and various lunch options showcasing local ingredients. The ancient walled garden with picnic tables has cathedral views – the perfect place to unwind and discuss your visit.
The Cathedral Café is open daily from 9:30 to 17:00.
Winchester Cathedral accessibility
There is ramped access to the cathedral, gift shop and café, and stairless access to the inner close. Accessible toilets are located in the Fleury Building and Café. The Kings & Scribes exhibition has a lift allowing access to all three floors. Blue badge holders can park in Colebrook Street, a 3-minute walk away.
Visually impaired visitors can request a braille guide, and those with hearing impairments are also welcome to maps and information leaflets. Companion tickets are free. Assistance dogs are welcome.
For more information, visit the Winchester Cathedral accessibility page.
