Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
About
Winchester Cathedral is one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe, nestled at the heart of historic Winchester. It has been a place of worship and welcome for over 900 years and is one of the most historically significant buildings in Britain. Step inside to marvel at the longest medieval Nave in Europe, admire stunning architecture and encounter priceless treasures including the 12th-century Winchester Bible. Winchester Cathedral is the resting place of Saxon royalty and Jane Austen, the much-loved English novelist. Don't miss the new exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation which takes visitors through 1,000 years of history from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day. One of the best ways to explore is with a guided tour, available from 10am - 3pm Monday to Saturday. After your visit, take time to enjoy delicious home-cooked food in the Cathedral Refectory with its medieval walled garden or browse the Cathedral Shop for souvenirs and exclusive gifts.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- SojetteAnnapolis, Maryland85 contributionsWeekend in WinchesterEnjoyed the city and cathedral last month, we had amazing weather and the crowds where limited which allowed us to see the local area and spend time inside the Cathedral. Very walkable and great selection of local restaurants, great pub food as well as Thai. Recommend a walking tour and visit to the Great Hall and a walk along the High.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- Musicians Mum1,313 contributionsHeart of the ancient cityMagnificent ,iconic edifice, set within the heart of the city, surrounded by old buildings which form the close. Entrance fee payable, which is worth it if one has the time and money to spend looking at the interior. May be cost prohibitive for visitors on a shoestring budget holiday. Otherwise the exterior ,which can be looked at from all sides .still requires a good 30 minutes to enjoy.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 October 2023
- SevenoaksJohn125 contributionsFabulous BuildingFantastic Building. Being a history lover I always make a point of visiting cathedrals. I was initially disappointed on arrival as there had been a service which delayed opening but obviously its a place of worship so perfectly understood. On reopening I was first in ,in front of many others and was concerned that I may not get on a tour or there would be too many people however numbers dissipated and the guide soon took over. It was a fabulous tour run by Ruth Stroud who was knowledgeable, informative and amusing . I will be back when next in the areaVisited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 18 November 2023
- ianb111Melbourne, Australia855 contributionsSpectacularly beautiful.For some time now, I have been longing to visit Winchester Cathedral. Now, with my recent trip, that longing has been fulfilled. I took so many photos that it took me an age to sort them al out, discarding those that were not relevant, or were not the best quality. No wonder a song was recorded about this cathedral in 1966.To see the beauty inside this amazing cathedral certainly does break your heart. I could go on and on with describing the cathedral, but words really do not do it justice. It has to be seen to be believed.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 18 November 2023
- Erik the VikingWoking, United Kingdom221 contributionsRewarding views but only for the able bodiedThe Cathedral is truly magnificent. We were fortunate enough to be in time for a guided tour which was extremely interesting. The guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out many sights that would have been missed by just wandering round We also did the tower tour later in the day. Again the tour guide was wealth of information.Do not take this tour if you are claustrophobic or suffer from bad mobility. If you do it rewards you with a wonderful view of the city If you are going soon the Christmas market is located just outsideVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 November 2023
- Chris K17 contributionsSecond visit, well worth itLove ancient buildings and Winchester Cathedral does not disappoint. Yes it's a bit pricey but when you think how much it costs to run the building each day, it's not surprising it costs so much. Is it worth a visit? Yes. Jane Austen fans must come to visit her grave. If you're not into history or religion, probably not of interest to you. This was my second visit and I am looking forward to returningVisited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 December 2023
- JayneHTB592 contributionsInteresting exhibitionsWe visited during the Christmas market and the cathedral looks lovely with the lights playing around it. Inside we missed the guided tour but found the many exhibitions really fascinating. A special thankyou to the Library Guide who is well worth talking to especially regarding the globes.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 December 2023
- Chesndave35 contributionsBest cathedralI spent the best part of 3 hours here, fascinating place. Make sure you have the free guided tour to get the expert commentary. I have seen a lot of cathedrals in UK and Europe and this was the best experience. Saw on a wet day in January so was very quiet which is, I think, an advantage.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 2 January 2024
- Julie W15 contributionsAwe-inspiring.We have recently moved near to Winchester and visited the cathedral during a pre-Christmas visit to this beautiful city. It was very impressive with lots to look at and read about. The intricate carvings on the wooden pews and the stunning stone carvings on the alter are truly amazing ! You can join a tour (free with the entrance ticket ) or wander unaccompanied. We chose to go alone, but we will try a tour next time as I'm sure you learn much more. We had an American visitor with us, who had never been abroad before. She summed it all up by saying, ' Honestly, I just don't have the words to describe how I feel right now!'. A lovely experience.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 January 2024
- Sarah BTeignmouth, United Kingdom655 contributionsCathedral interiors to die for...not to be missedIf you're in the South of England and have historical leanings you are going to want to go to Winchester, and if you are in Winchester going to the Cathedral is a must do. The current cathedral was built between 1079 and 1532 and several architectural styles can been seen which reflect the initial design and expansions and alterations over the centuries. It holds the record as the longest Medieval cathedral in the world. It's a bit of a Gothic masterpiece and I love it.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 January 2024
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4.5
4,676 reviews
Excellent
3,187
Very good
1,086
Average
226
Poor
79
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99
LMDBP
York, UK46 contributions
Aug 2020
I was really looking forward to going to this Cathedral as I have a keen interest in religious buildings and have visited many throughout the country, however I found this one such a disappointment. After paying we were greeted with a display in the centre of the cathedral of a feature of different coloured fabrics which was frankly out of place and an eye sore. No matter where you went you could see it and it ruined views from every angle of this magnificent building, not to mention photo opportunities. We went to the silent prayer area which stated you could sit quietly and contemplate right next to a sign saying it was closed. I then went to sit in another area to enjoy the space to find two members of staff having a very loud conversation about someone called Martin. When we went to the reading room/library it was cordoned off so I asked if I could take a photo, which I was promptly told no by a lady sitting in a chair behind the cordon. As we left I went to go the the Cathedral toilet next to the shop and guess what? It was closed. I don't mind paying to get into a Cathedral however you get very little for your money here. These buildings are my heritage and history and its such a shame some have been restricted. Take a leaf out of Wells' book and ask for a contribution and people can pay what they can afford and what they think it's worth.
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane M
Victoria, Australia139 contributions
Dec 2019
Fascinating look at how English history has been written through the ages via previous kings and queens with particular focus on religion. Damage wrought by Cromwell’s army is visible in the many headless statues on display while the considerable damage to the building was repaired. The building itself is beautiful, an architectural triumph which imparts such a sense of peace and tranquility in spite of its immense proportions.
An additional attraction is Jane Austen is also buried here. The entry fee entitles you to visit as often as you like for a year, I took advantage and returned a number of times as there was so much to see.
An additional attraction is Jane Austen is also buried here. The entry fee entitles you to visit as often as you like for a year, I took advantage and returned a number of times as there was so much to see.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JAHPHFJP
Graffham, UK184 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We have visited Winchester many times, but decided to do the tower tour this time. The guide was very knowledgeable and tour lasted 1 and half hours. The stairs up are very narrow and worn in places, and you can't leave bags anywhere. View from the top of the tower is great, and amazing to be in the body of the building.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberts69
Northampton, UK18,964 contributions
Oct 2021
Having grown up in the Winchester area I have visited Winchester Cathedral many times over the last 4 decades and it never fails to impress... It is stunning inside and out. The cathedral as it stands today was built from 1079 to 1532 and is the 6th largest Cathedral in the UK (out of the 42 that exist) and is the longest medieval cathedral in the world. It sees just under 400K visitors a year despite it being quite expensive to visit at ÂŁ9.95 for an Adult ticket ÂŁ6.50 for Students and children under 16 are FREE. If you do buy a ticket it is valid for re-entry for a year. Famous author Jane Austen, who died in Winchester on 18 July 1817, had her funeral in the cathedral, and she was buried in the north aisle.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Secret Travel Notes
London, UK290 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We had no idea how remarkable Winchester Cathedral is. Firstly, it is huge; and boasts one of the longest naves of any cathedral in Europe. Secondly, it has many famous names associated with it including Jane Austen, buried here and St Swithun, who is associated with 40 days of food or bad weather. Thirdly, there is a new exhibition about writing and books from early times which includes 4 editions of the handwritten Winchester Bible, which is a treasure. The ticket price includes a hugely knowledgeable guide and there is more to learn about this cathedral than you ever imagined. And even if you don’t want to do the historical detail, it’s simply huge and magnificent.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tripper989
Isle of Man, UK71 contributions
Dec 2019
During my visit to Winchester it rained constantly so indoor attractions were a favoured option. Took a guided tour and the guide was very knowledgeable about the complete history of the building and it's construction methods, both the alterations to building style and the underpinning were fully explained in great detail. Also attended a carol service in the evening and it was great to see the Cathedral full of Christmas cheer.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony C
Preston, UK257 contributions
Sept 2020
Impressive cathedral that provides a good welcome despite the restrictions. The city itself is enjoyable combining rich history with a bustling town centre and obviously the Cathedral is at the centre of this. Prices are a little high but this building has so much history from medieval kings and bishops through to Jane Austin but remains a magnificent place of worship to this day.
Written 7 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alliohna
490 contributions
Sept 2021
I was not keen on paying ÂŁ10 entrance fee, but really enjoyed the tour around the Cathedral which is included in the admission. There were only a few people inside as not many want to pay the fee, which worked out great for us being quiet and crowd less. We had to wait around 10 minutes inside for others to join us for the tour. I had trouble hearing the masked tour guide especially when the organ was playing. My highlights of the tour: Russian icons and the ancient ( more than 1000 years old ) bible.
Written 27 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inspired
Oxford, UK1 contribution
Feb 2020
A truly excellent visit. A large group was split into 3, each with its own guide. Already a fascinating building full of history, the guides brought the cathedral to life - extremely knowledgeable with plenty of interesting and amusing anecdotes. Wonderful works of art on view as well. Can not recommend a guided tour highly enough.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annabelle S
56 contributions
Nov 2021
My husband and I happened to come in quite late. We went to the exhibition that was there at the time which was really good, and the staff seemed happy to talk to you. There were also some interactive elements which were fun! I thought the pieces of information they chose to share were genuinely interesting and really well thought out.
The cathedral itself is beautiful and huge, but I was truly won over when the choir started singing in preperation for the evening's service. Their voices softly rang out through the entire cathedral, but at certian points, in the crescendo of their song, the cathedral was almost shaking with their voices. It was incredible!
My only slight complaint was it was rather expensive. It was big and beautiful, but the exhibit is said to be free anyway so it seems the tickets would cost the same regardless, and it mentions the tickets being valid for 12 months but the chances are you're just going to be visiting so you won't be back to get that use out of them.
The cathedral itself is beautiful and huge, but I was truly won over when the choir started singing in preperation for the evening's service. Their voices softly rang out through the entire cathedral, but at certian points, in the crescendo of their song, the cathedral was almost shaking with their voices. It was incredible!
My only slight complaint was it was rather expensive. It was big and beautiful, but the exhibit is said to be free anyway so it seems the tickets would cost the same regardless, and it mentions the tickets being valid for 12 months but the chances are you're just going to be visiting so you won't be back to get that use out of them.
Written 7 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
I recently moved to winchester and someone brought me the annual pass for the cathedral - however it was in my aunts name (the person who brought it)
Does this matter?
Written 10 February 2023
The best advice i can give you is show them and explain and take it from there..i don't see that they would object but asking them would help you out.
Written 3 June 2023
Can I just get a photo outside the cathedral without buying a ticket
Written 10 July 2022
Hi can we just buy tickets to look round the cathedral by ourselves or is it just tours they do? Thanks
Written 30 January 2022
Hi there, you can look round the cathedral yourselves, but the guides are in effect free as they are volunteers. Also they give you a lot of history that you might miss by just looking. But if you want to look around yourself it’s not a problem. Hope that helps.
Written 1 February 2022
I have a ticket purchased this summer do I have to rebook to visit again this year?
Written 24 November 2021
If you bought a ticket this year (2023) then you can still go as the ticket is for a WHOLE year. Try to remember to bring ticket with you though.
Written 9 October 2023
Yes it does but you need to go to the website for more info on booking tickets and for other info that i wasn't able to help you with.
Written 9 October 2023
Do you need tlo book in advance to visit the cathedral? and how much is the tower tour?
Written 3 September 2020
No booking needed for the cathedral, unsure on the tour as I never took it but it may say on their website
Written 4 September 2020
Hello,
We would like to do the tower tour this summer with two children. My daughter is 12 but my son only 10... Is it possible or not ?... Thanks
Written 10 June 2019
The minimum age for the Tower Guided tour is 12 years, so your 10 year old would not be able to take the tour.
Written 11 June 2019
Did they allow your dog inside the Refectory - and in the Cathedral too?
Written 20 September 2018
We did not need to go inside the Refectory as there was plenty of seating, and cover, outside as well as dog bowls. We took it in turns to go into the cathedral so best to give them a call and ask. I know some churches are happy to let God's creatures in while others are concerned that they might disturb the peace.
Written 23 September 2018
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