Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Winchester, which is part of the Church of England. The 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 significant role in the history of our nation. This Cathedral Church, so named because it houses the throne (or ‘cathedra’) of the Bishop of Winchester, has its origins in the seventh century, when a Christian Church was first built on the site. Since then it has played a fundamental part in the life of this ancient city, and a role in our nations history.
Begun in 1079 in the Romanesque style, this Cathedral is at the heart of Alfred's Wessex and a diocese which once stretched from London's Thames to the Channel Islands. Its bishops were men of enormous wealth and power, none more so than William of Wykeham, twice Chancellor of England, Founder of Winchester College and New College Oxford. The chantry chapels and memorials of these great prelates are a feature of the Cathedral. These influential bishops also developed, re-fashioned and adorned this great Cathedral. There pilgrims sought the shrine of local saints, notably a former bishop, Saint Swithun, whose festival (15 July) was said to set the pattern for the weather for the next forty days.
VISITORS INFORMATION
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
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
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
ADDRESS:
The Cathedral Office
9 The Close
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LS