Planning a visit to Winchester Cathedral? One of Hampshire’s best-known historic attractions, the cathedral combines more than 900 years of history with extraordinary architecture, royal connections and the grave of Jane Austen. Here are five things to know before you go.
1. Winchester Cathedral has more than 900 years of history
Winchester Cathedral is one of Europe’s great medieval cathedrals. Inside, you can explore centuries of English history, including the cathedral’s remarkable mortuary chests, traditionally associated with early kings, queens and bishops.
2. Jane Austen is buried here
One of the biggest reasons people visit Winchester Cathedral is to see Jane Austen’s grave. The author of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility was buried in the north nave aisle in 1817, and visitors still leave flowers and messages in her memory.
3. Look out for the Winchester Bible
The Kings & Scribes exhibition includes the Winchester Bible, one of the most impressive surviving 12th-century English Bibles. The exhibition also explores the cathedral’s Anglo-Saxon and medieval history.
4. Your admission is valid for a year
Adult admission is currently £14.90, or £13.90 when booked online, and works as an annual pass giving you repeat visits for 12 months. Children aged 11 and under can visit free with a paying adult.
5. It is right in the centre of Winchester
Winchester Cathedral is at The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS, making it easy to combine with the city centre, shops, cafés and other Winchester attractions. The cathedral also has its own café and shop.
Opening hours are normally 9am–5pm Monday to Saturday and 12.30pm–3pm on Sundays, although services and events can affect access, so check before travelling.
Book and check the latest visitor information through the official Winchester Cathedral website.