Tours
There are two types of tours available: the public tour
and the pre-booked tour. Public tours are available on
a drop in basis and pre-booked tours can be booked for private groups
of five or more. Visitors are advised that opening times are subject to
change in order to accommodate services and events. Please contact us
if you are making a special visit.
PUBLIC TOURS
Cathedral Tour
A general history and overview of the Cathedral. Duration: 1 hour. Mon. to Sat. tours at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.
At other times, impromptu tours may be possible depending on availability of voluntary guides. Please ask for their duty team leader 10am – 4pm.
Please contact Michael Honeysett to pre-book adult group visits (01962) 857225. Children’s groups - Cheryl Bryan on (01962) 857224
Tower Tour
Climb the Cathedral Tower and admire the panoramic sights over the city
and as far as the Isle of Wight. Explore the bell chamber and walk the
entire nave roof with its tremendous timbers. Duration: 1 ½ Hours.
Maximum of 12 per tour. Age restricted to 12-70 years. Narrow stairwells
and heights.
Jun – Sep: 2.15pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat and 11.30am Sat
Oct - May. 2.15pm Wed; 11.30am & 2.15pm Sat
At other times by advance booking for groups
Price: £5.00 – Tickets from the Entrance Desk Age limit: 12 to 70
Combined Entrance & Tower Tour: £8
Crypt Tour: Currently available daily Monday to Saturday 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Explore the fascinating Crypt,
which houses the acclaimed Sound II sculpture by Anthony Gormely.
Maximum of 12. Steps and uneven floor.
The tour lasts about 20 minutes and tickets are available from the Entrance Desk.
No additional donation required. The tour is subject to the water level
PRE-BOOKED TOURS
These tours are available to groups of 5 or more and must be booked in advance. Please note; the public tours can be booked at anytime for private groups.
Craftsmen and Artists
Masons, carpenters, sculptors, textile-artists and icon-makers are some of the craftsmen around whom tours can be based. They focus on one subject: embroideries or contemporary art, or a mix of two or more: the Winchester Bible with wall paintings and tiles; or sculptors with woodwork or glass.
Jane Austen - Her Life and Times
Jane Austen died in Winchester in 1817; by family request she was buried in the nave, close to familiar acquaintances - the bedrock of Hampshire Georgian society. This tour offers visitors an intimate and often amusing insight into her life.
Lights of the World
Stained Glass - a relatively unexplored cathedral treasure. Bring binoculars for best viewing. Winchester Cathedral offers the opportunity to study glass from the workshops of medieval masters of the 14th, 15th and early 16th century and to follow the enthusiastic Victorian revival and the Arts and Crafts movement to the present day.
An Architectural Odyssey
Follow the evolution of the monumental Norman cathedral through the subsequent development of the medieval period to the Reformation and early Renaissance. The interesting relationship between building materials, construction techniques and design will be explored.
Supertour
A unique opportunity to take an in-depth tour of the cathedral, brining to life the events of nearly 1000 years; encompassing monarchs, bishops, monks, plague, Reformation and civil war together with the work of medieval and contemporary craftsman.
Medieval Times
A view of this great church from 1079 to 1475 - seeing what its builders produced; the works of carvers, painters, glassmakers and tillers. See ancient books and documents, including the Winchester Bible. Hear also stories of the men and women, bishops and monks associated with the monastery and the financial and political problems they faced.
Behind our Military Memorials
The Cathedral is home to over 50 different Military memorials. See what they reveal about our military, political and social history. Specific areas which may be covered include The Victoria Cross, the Crimean War, the Small Wars of Victoria's Reign, Local Regiments and others. Discuss your preference when booking.
Tudor Tour
The religious upheavals of the Reformation, the cultural revolution of the Renaissance and the powerful personalities of the Tudor monarchs have all left their mark on Winchester Cathedral. Come and see this fascinating period of history brought to life.
Mothers' Union Tour
Hear the enchanting story of Mary Sumner, founder of the Mothers' Union. Her life, and connections with Winchester, her vision and how the Mothers' Union was eventually recognised and continues to flourish worldwide.
Close Encounters
Explore over 1000 years of history in the Close - starting from the Saxon site, through monastic times, the turbulence of the Civil War and its aftermath, up to the present day. Visit Pilgrim's Hall with its 14th century hammer beam roof - listen to a Saxon water course and discover the lives of some of the Close inhabitants, for example Mary Sumner and Isaak Walton.
Tour Packages: our award winning refectory offers catering packages that can be booked with the tour of your choice. Three choices: Morning tea/coffee with cake/biscuit, soup & sandwiches with tea/coffee or a Hampshire cream tea.
Evensong: Listen to our world famous Cathedral Choir at Evensong during the school term.
Please contact the Visits Secretary for booking enquiries on telephone 01962 857225 or at visits@winchester-cathedral.org.uk
