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.
Opening Times
The Cathedral is open to visitors and pilgrims from 8:30am to 6pm every day except Sunday when it closes at 5.30 pm.
Library & Triforium Gallery Opening Times
Monday: 2 - 4 pm (last entry 3.30 pm). Tuesday - Saturday & Bank Holiday Mondays: 11 am - 4 pm (last entry 3.30 pm)
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
New 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 £2,000,000 annually. To preserve the Cathedral and its mission for future generations, the Chapter decided that, from 1 March 2006, the current visitor policy of entry by donation was to be replaced by one of fixed charges. These charges, which allow access to all areas of the Cathedral that are open, are as follows:
o Adults - £5
o Senior Citizens (65 and over) - £4
o Unbooked Groups (10+) - £4. Booked groups receive a concession through the Visits Officer
o Children under 16 in their families – Free
o Unemployed and full-time students/language schools - £3
Click here to view a letter outlining the rationale for charging.
Visitors to the Cathedral may purchase a Cathedral Pass for £12 at the Entrance Desk or from the Cathedral Office. This pass is valid for one year and entitles the holder to unlimited free access to all public areas of the Cathedral. Application forms can be obtained from the Cathedral Entrance Desk or the Cathedral Office.
Citizens within Winchester City Council's area of responsibility may purchase a Cathedral Pass at the reduced rate of £6 on production of a current Council Tax Bill and utility bill showing the applicant's name and current address. This pass confers the same benefits as the Visitors' Pass above but may only be purchased in advance of a visit. Application forms can be obtained from the Cathedral Entrance Desk or the Cathedral Office.
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
1 The Close
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LS
