Everyone is Welcome
You do not have to be a Christian or a regular attender at a Church of England Church to come to worship at Winchester Cathedral. Everyone is welcome to attend services.
Around 25 services take place each week and many of these services are available to join online through The Cathedral Player as well as Facebook Live.
Regular services, such as Choral Evensong, are free of charge, no booking required.
Services that require a free-ticket will be listed on the ‘What’s On’ page.
Our hope for you as you worship at Winchester is that you may encounter and be transformed by the presence of God in Jesus Christ. However, we understand that people join us for many reasons – including to complete a visit, to understand more, or to hear the world-class choral music. Whatever your reason, you are very welcome.
Although some people like to dress smartly to attend church, there is no requirement to do so: please simply wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for a place of worship.
How to find Service information
Please click here visit the Service Listings page for details of upcoming services.
Accessibility
Some of the worship takes place in the Cathedral ‘Quire’, which is up a flight of stairs, but there is also step-free access for those who need it. More information about accessibility can be found here.
Finding your way around
The majority of the larger sung services take place in the ‘Quire’ or in the ‘Nave’, and you will mostly find unreserved seating. Other services happen in the small chapels around the Cathedral. There is always a sign near the entrance telling you what services are taking place that day and where the next service is to be held.
For our large main services you will be met by a Virger or Sidesman at the top of the Nave and given a booklet containing the order of service, outlining the service proceedings. They can also show you where to sit, and even recommend a good seat, if you ask.
To ensure there is a prayerful environment filming and photography are not authorised during any service.
Services are often relayed on screens throughout the building and you should be aware that many of the service are live-streamed on The Cathedral Player.
Order of Service
To guide you through each service you will be offered a service book or booklet, which with the person leading, will guide you how to join in, including when to sit or stand. These are suggestions and it is up to you whether to join in with others in the congregation or not.
There are large print orders of service available, and the Cathedral has a hearing loop system for services in the Quire and Nave.
During the Eucharist, the congregation will be invited to share in the bread and wine. If you receive communion in your own church, you are welcome to receive communion here. If you don’t, you are welcomed to come up to accept a blessing (you can signal this by crossing your arms across your chest in an X shape or bringing up a service order). Alternatively, please feel free to stay seated if this is your preference.
There may be a collection during the service, which is a chance to make a donation to the Cathedral. Sidesmen will come near to you offering a basket or bag to place a cash donation in or you can give using the tap-to-donate machines that they will also have. If you are a UK taxpayer you can use the Gift-Aid envelopes close by, which enable us to claim extra on your donation. If it is easier, all orders of service have a QR code which will take you through to a webpage to donate when scanned (you can use your mobile phone for this).
After the service
Directions will be given by Virgers and Sidesmen to the Cathedral exit once the service has finished. If there has not been a collection during the service there is an opportunity to donate on your way out, but there is no obligation. Baskets for cash donations are usually available, as well as contactless card machines. If you are a UK taxpayer you can use the Gift-Aid envelopes close by, which enable Winchester Cathedral to claim extra on your donation.
