Information
Winchester Cathedral has its origins in the 7th century, when a Christian Church was first built on this site. Since then it has played a fundamental part in the life of this ancient City and a role in the history of our nation.
All are welcome to come to the Cathedral as visitors or pilgrims, which is normally open from 8.30 to 6pm every day (5.30 on Sundays). Services and Events may cause certain areas to be closed at times, so you are encouraged to enquire if you are making a special visit.
These pages provide useful information about opening times, tours, our visitor centre and the range of other things that you will find here.
Worship
Open daily for worship and prayer from 7.30am until 6pm (5.30pm Sunday). There is no charge for those who come to public worship or to pray privately. Monthly service times are listed here.
Visitor Opening Times
Occasionally times may vary for special services and events, please check our closures list if making a special visit.
9am - 5pm - Monday to Saturday
12.30pm - 3pm - Sunday
Admission
There is no admission fee for those attending services or praying privately. Entrance is by donation on Sundays and certain Holy Days (Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Christmas Day)
Adults: £6. We ask UK tax payers to Gift Aid where possible.
Children under 16 with family: Free
Concessions (over 65s) and groups of 10 or more: £4.80
Full time students/language schools, and unemployed: £3.50
Annual passes are available from the Cathedral for £10. Audio Tour: £3 (in addition to admission fees)
Library & Triforium Gallery Opening Times
April - October
Monday: 2 - 4 pm (last entry 3.30 pm). Tuesday - Saturday & Bank Holiday Mondays: 10.30 am - 4 pm (last entry 3.30 pm)
November, December & March
Wednesday & Saturday: 11 am - 3.30 pm
January - February
Saturday: 11 am - 3.30pm
Free Children's Trail
A fun and educational children's trail is available throughout the year to help children and their families get the most out of their visit. Learn about the Cathedral and some of the interesting characters who have visited, worshipped, and worked in the Cathedral as well as finding beasts, animals and people carved in wood and stone.
The Cathedral provides holiday activities for children and their families to take part in during the school holidays. Please see the events page for further details.
Calligraphers
To end October Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am – 3.00pm. Closed until 13th Dec then open Tues. to Sat. 11am-3pm until Christmas depending on availability of scribes.
The Calligraphy Desk will then be closed from New Year until late March
Information Desk
To October 30th Mon – Sat 9.30am – 4.30pm Sundays 1.pm – 4.30pm
From Oct 31st – 1st Mar - open Mon.-Sat. 9.30am-4pm Sundays 1pm - 4pm
Entrance Desk
October - November open Mon. to Sat. from 9.30am – 4.30pm
December, January and February 10.00am – 4-00pm
Visitors' Centre
October – Refectory Café open 9.30-5.00pm, Cathedral Shop open 9.30-5.30pm
Nov. 1st- Mar 1st – Every day Refectory Café open 9:30 to 4.30pm,
Cathedral Shop open 9:30-5:00pm
Parking & Maps
Please note that parking space is limited, and available only to those on duty in the Cathedral except on Sundays.
Please click here for the following maps.
The City Centre
The Close
Winchester Tourism
Winchester Tourism provides a range of information for those visiting the city.
Tel: 01962 840500
Email: tourism@winchester.gov.uk
Website: www.visitwinchester.co.uk
Disabled Access
The ground floor areas of the Cathedral are accessible. There are ramps and a wheelchair lift. There is a T-Loop and a Touch and Hearing Centre. Please contact us if you will require further assistance during your visit.
Group Visits
We recommend that groups book in advance. Please contact our Visits Secretary 01962 857225 visits@winchester-cathedral.org.uk
For school and education visits please contact our Director of Education 01962 857224 cheryl.bryan@winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Visitor Policy
The Cathedral receives no state aid, and the level of donations has, unfortunately, been insufficient to sustain its Mission and Ministry, and the maintenance and conservation of its fabric, which costs some £4,000,000 annually. To preserve the Cathedral and its mission for future generations, the Chapter decided that, from 1 March 2006, the visitor policy of entry by donation was to be replaced by one of fixed charges, as listed above.
Click here to view a letter outlining the rationale for charging.
Visitors to the Cathedral may purchase a Cathedral Pass for £10 at the Entrance Desk or from the Cathedral Shop. This pass is valid for one year and entitles the holder to unlimited free access to all public areas of the Cathedral.
Membership of The Friends of Winchester Cathedral entitles a visitor to free entry and a 25% discount on the full price for each guest. Application forms are available at the Cathedral Entrance Desk.
Parishes within the Winchester Diocese are each entitled to apply for 6 passes which can be loaned out to community members wishing to visit the Cathedral. The Parish Pass entitles the holder plus 3 guests to free entry to the Cathedral. Parishes wishing to take up this offer should apply in writing to:
The Cathedral Office
9 The Close
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LS
