Things to do in Winchester

Activities, attractions and tours

Winchester showing heritage architecture and a fountain
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Winchester featuring a city and heritage architecture
Winchester City Mill featuring heritage architecture and a river or creek
Great Hall showing heritage architecture

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Top places to visit

1. Winchester Cathedral

Marvel at the symmetrical towers and vast arched windows of Winchester Cathedral’s magnificent façade and step inside to discover one of the longest naves in Europe. Admire intricate wood carvings and take a look at one of the oldest remaining English bibles.
Learn more
Winchester Cathedral featuring a park, religious elements and heritage architecture

2. Marwell Zoo

Marvel at swimming penguins and spot cheetahs hiding among the trees at Marwell Zoo, Winchester’s expansive wildlife park. Learn about a range of animals while relaxing on a steam train as it slowly weaves its way through this 140-acre (56-hectare) park.
Learn more
Marwell Wildlife featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals

3. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Find out what the inside of a black hole looks like or set off to the far corners of the solar system at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium. Put yourself to the test with the fascinating science center’s range of games, which includes scoring points in wheelchair basketball and landing a plane at Heathrow Airport.
Learn more
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

4. Great Hall

Visit Winchester’s Great Hall to see the famous round table where it is believed King Arthur once sat with his knights. View the building’s rustic stone exterior and elegant arched windows and discover the exquisite wooden décor and grand marble pillars within.
Learn more
Great Hall featuring heritage architecture

5. Hospital of St Cross

Stroll around the courtyard of the Hospital of St. Cross where brethren have been caring for the sick and needy for hundreds of years. Admire stained-glass windows and the carved cross inside the church or step out into the garden to find trees planted by members of the royal family.
Learn more
Hospital of St Cross showing heritage architecture

What to do in Winchester

Popular places to visit

Winchester Cathedral featuring a park, religious elements and heritage architecture

Winchester Cathedral

With its exquisite artwork and fascinating historical relics, Winchester’s Gothic masterpiece is thought to be one of the nation’s finest cathedrals.

Winchester Cathedral
Marwell Wildlife featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals

Marwell Zoo

Head out on a safari in search of hippos, snow leopards and giraffes or check out unusual reptiles at this spacious zoo and wildlife park.

Marwell Zoo
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Try out an extensive selection of interactive exhibits and lose yourself in deep space at one of the U.K.’s largest digital planetariums.

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Great Hall featuring heritage architecture

Great Hall

Admire one of the finest 13th-century halls in England and see the legendary round table of King Arthur at this monument to the city’s medieval heritage.

Great Hall
Hospital of St Cross showing heritage architecture

Hospital of St Cross

Set within tranquil gardens, England’s oldest charitable institution features traditional 15th-century architecture and a stunning Norman church.

Hospital of St Cross
Winchester College

Winchester College

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Winchester College, during your travels in Winchester. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its picturesque gardens.

Winchester College
Winchester City Mill which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture

Winchester City Mill

Set in a charming riverside location, one of the few remaining watermills in England offers an idyllic and enthralling insight into 18th-century engineering.

Winchester City Mill
Wolvesey Castle showing heritage elements and chateau or palace

Wolvesey Castle

Explore fascinating ruins set amid serene parkland to be transported back hundreds of years and discover a magnificent medieval castle.

Wolvesey Castle

University of Winchester

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of Winchester, during your travels in Winchester. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

University of Winchester
Southampton which includes chateau or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Southampton

Andover

Andover

Photo "Littleton" by Peter Facey (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Peter Facey (CC BY-SA)

Littleton

Photo "Kings Worthy" by Pierre Terre (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Pierre Terre (CC BY-SA)

Kings Worthy

Photo "North Baddesley" by Peter Facey (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Peter Facey (CC BY-SA)

North Baddesley

Frequently asked questions

Is Winchester worth visiting?
Known for its walking trails and views, finding awesome things to do in Winchester is a cinch. Be sure to add Winchester Cathedral to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Winchester?
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium and City Museum are two excellent places to start your vacation adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Winchester while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Winchester?
The top tourist attraction in Winchester is Winchester Cathedral, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Winchester?
Three days in Winchester is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travelers spend two days on average. Winchester Cathedral, Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium and Theatre Royal Winchester are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Southampton.
Is Winchester a walkable city?
If touring on foot sounds like your kind of vacation, Winchester is a perfect destination. Find leading sights, including Winchester Cathedral, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Littleton, a cool neighborhood located about 5 kilometers from the city center.
What are some activities to do in Winchester with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all the family, here are some awesome ideas for what to do in Winchester with kids.

What to do in Winchester for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Winchester, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to South Downs Way.
Are there free things to do in Winchester?
From checking out parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Winchester. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Winchester Cathedral is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.