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Twilight tour of the tower of Winchester Cathedral

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Thomas Valois

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Tower Tour - Winchester Cathedral

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• Hampshire    
• Winchester    
• Winchester - Places to Visit    
• Winchester Cathedral

Tonight I took a tower tour, that started at 3.30pm and ended at 5pm in the dark. It was magical to look over the Christmas Market from the top of the Cathedral. The whole tour was a wonderful experience, climbing the spiral staircase to the bell tower and rooftop. Not for those of us who maybe claustrophobic or unable to climb narrow steps, but for those that can what a fantastic wonderful tour with interesting and really entertaining guides. Highly recommend.

Visited the cathedral today and had a guided tour This was extremely good and the guide was excellent. A very historical building with amazing history that goes back so far. Well worth a visit , a thumbs up from us

A lovley traditional Cathedral right in the heart of Winchester. Much to see but as with many Cathedrals a Statuary Entrance Fee which i am reluctant to pay. i know these buildings cost a fortune to maintain but they ARE Churches , Houses of God . Entry should be by Voluntary Donations (as some are).

A stunning setting for what could have been (in my opinion) a fabulous festive production of The Nutcracker. It was however on this occasion a production more suited to a small church hall rather than the outstanding and vast setting of the cathedral. The acoustics also didn’t help as we strained to hear what was going on. It would have also helped if the cathedral was decorated for Christmas. Very odd to not have any of the typical musical accompaniments to this iconic story. So many parents had brought young children who understandably couldn’t sit still for the required hour and three quarters and ran up and down the aisle endlessly. All in all totally disappointing. An opportunity was lost to put on an amazing festive event.

We enjoyed the tour from Virginia, one of the many volunteers. She pointed out many things we would have missed and imparted lots of interesting facts. The building is magnificent and afforded lots of photo opportunities.

Fabulous and informative. Wonderful exhibition and knowledgeable and kind staff. I am looking forward to returning

Winchester Cathedral

Quick links

• Kings & Scribes: The Birth of a Nation
• Group visits

Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, one of Southern England’s most historic buildings, Winchester Cathedral boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art. Once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal power, this fascinating site has played host to Kings and Queens for centuries, including William the Conqueror, Mary Tudor and Prince Philip of Spain.

Steeped in history, one of the best ways to explore the Cathedral is with a trained Guide, who will be able to tell you all about its colourful past, including wonderful stories about the people associated with the Cathedral, such as William Walker, the diver who saved the Cathedral in the early 1900’s. As part of the tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the massive vaults of the Cathedral’s early Norman crypt, the ornate Renaissance chantry chapels, Jane Austen’s grave and the Great West Window. Frequent guided tours are available Monday to Saturday, from 10:00am – 3:00pm and are included in the admission fee (subject to availability).

All groups, large and small, are welcome. Winchester Cathedral can arrange general interest and themed guided tours, provide catering packages and assist with other aspects of planning, such as the length of visit, advice on travel and parking, and neighbouring sites of interest. A special rate of £10 per person applies for groups of 10 or more and includes entry and a standard Cathedral tour.

Visitors who are feeling adventurous can also climb the Cathedral Tower, which offers magnificent views across Winchester and the surrounding county. You will see the ringing chamber, the great Cathedral bells and walk the full length of the Nave roof with its huge wood beams. Visit the Winchester Cathedral website or phone the Box Office for more information (additional fees apply to Tower Tours, booking in advance is essential and a signed health and safety form is required).

A wide range of events take place throughout the year. From classical concerts, open-air theatre and family trails to art exhibitions, light installations and the Christmas Market, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Evensong held at 5.30pm Monday – Saturday and 3.30pm Sunday.

Occasionally the Cathedral may need to close for special services and events. All temporary closures are listed in the Cathedral website.

Walking: From the VIC turn left and walk up the High Street shopping area. Take the 2nd turning left into Market St. The Cathedral is straight ahead with the Visitor Centre, (Shop, Refectory & Paul Woodhouse Suite) located opposite the cathedral on the right. The Cathedral is signposted from the city centre.

By train: Winchester is on the main line from London Waterloo with trains running several times an hour (journey time approximately 1 hour). It is also easily accessible by train from Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Basingstoke and Oxford. For information on train times and prices across the South Western Railway Network visit www.southwesternrailway.com For information on other train times and prices contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

By bus: For local bus services visit the Stagecoach website : https/www.stagecoachbus.com/

By road: Winchester is well connected to the motorway network and can be easily accessed from all directions. Located just off the M3 (Junctions 9, 10 & 11), it’s an easy journey by road from London (1.5 hours) and Southampton (20 minutes). Take the A34 from Newbury (35 minutes), Oxford (1 hour) and the A30 from Salisbury (40 minutes).

City car parks and Park & Ride: There is no parking within the Cathedral Close or the immediate vicinity. Winchester has a number of short-stay and long-stay car parks throughout the city. It has an excellent Park & Ride service, with three car parks easily accessible from the M3 motorway and only minutes away from the city centre. A frequent bus service operates from all Park & Ride car parks to all main areas of Winchester city centre. For further information about travel and parking in Winchester, visit Winchester City Council website .

Winchester Cathedral welcomes groups, large and small.

Taking a guided tour with one of the cathedral’s expert guides can make the visit all the more special so they encourage group organisers to make use of their guides where possible. Read more about group visits to Winchester Cathedral here .

• Foreign language leaflets available including Chinese
• Wheelchair access to Cathedral ground floor and upper ground floor via a chairlift
• Induction loop
• Touch and hearing facility
• Braille guide
• Sensory trail for pre-booked groups
• Disabled toilets
• Wheelchair access to the Visitors’ Centre

For more information relating to the Cathedral’s accessibility please click here.

Also on offer is ‘Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation’, a spectacular three-level exhibition in the South Transept which takes visitors on an interactive journey, showcasing some of the nation’s greatest treasures. Highlights of this experience include the Winchester Bible, one of the UK’s finest illuminated manuscripts, the 17th-century Morley Library and the story of the Cathedral’s mortuary chests, believed to contain the remains of Saxon royalty.

There are four exciting galleries to explore – find out more here…

Adult – £13.50

Concession – £12.00

Student – £7.00

Children under 16 (with family) – Free

For details of services in the coming days, please go to the  specific service listings page.

Winchester Cathedral is open all year, though is occasionally closed to the public for special services and events. All temporary closures are listed in the  Cathedral  website.

Opening Times

On occasion, for special services and events, temporary closures or limited access are necessary. If you are making a special visit please do check our list of  temporary closures .

Cathedral Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm Sun: 12pm-3pm

Mon-Sun: 9:30am–5pm

Mon-Sun: 9:30am-5pm

Kings & Scribes: The Birth of a Nation Mon – Sat: 10.30am – 4.30pm Sun: 12-3pm

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Take the Tower Tour - Winchester Cathedral

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• Hampshire    
• Winchester    
• Winchester - Things to Do    
• Winchester Cathedral

Take the Tower Tour

The cathedral is quite beautiful. The staff is very friendly, offering information on the cathedral and town. It is well worth wandering around for an hour or two, but if you have time and are not claustrophobic, take the tower tour. The guide is very knowledgeable, taking you up back staircases into the different levels of the structure, including the bell ringing room and bell tower, eventually ending on the roof, with magnificent views of the town and surrounding countryside.

The cathedral is a great visit. After being in London i was very impressed that we had access to almost the entire building - including behind the altar. We arrived late on a weekday and there were very few tourists there - so no lines. Don't forget to find the cellar and the treasury.

How does one rate one cathedral better than another? Each has their own unique history and qualities of beauty. This is one of the oldest cathedrals in England holding the remains of important people and kings from well back before 1000 AD. The guides here were very knowledgeable and willing to share what they knew with you. Different stories and characters to be discovered at every turn. Though it is difficult to rate them, Winchester does rank at the top of the numerous cathedrals we visited in our 3 week stay in southern England.

I love this Cathedral having lived in the city for 23 years and having been christened around the corner, however I think it's a real shame you HAVE to pay now. I would always give a substantial donation whenevr I brought visitors to see it, however now they are far less likely to be taken inside as I don't like being told I have to pay to show my friends and family my local heritage.

Winchester Cathedral was used for the opening shots of 'Visit England' and it really is one of the better Cathegrals in England. Bringing history to live to walk the stones walked by many previous kings and queens and see something of the history of England. Top Top: If you are student take your student ID, big doscount on entry fees.

A trip to Winchester would not be complete without a trip to the cathedral. It costs £5 for an adult ticket and tours are also available, there are some set days which also have trips up the tower which are extra. It is a beautiful and magestic building, the crypt is also worth a visit whilst there.

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You are here > Home > What's On > Christmas Tower Tours at Winchester Cathedral

Christmas Tower Tours at Winchester Cathedral

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Experience the best views over Winchester and the Cathedral Christmas Market and Ice Rink from the top of Winchester Cathedral's Tower. Tour starts at 2:15pm on various dates throughout 21/11/2019 until 19/12/2019. Tickets £10. Please contact the Cathedral Box Office for further details by phone or email. 

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You are here: Things To Do > Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral

Type: cathedral / minister.

Tel: 01962857275

Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, one of Southern England's most historic buildings, Winchester Cathedral boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art. Once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal power, this fascinating site has played host to Kings and Queens for centuries, including William the Conqueror, Mary Tudor and Prince Philip of Spain. 

Steeped in history, one of the best ways to explore the Cathedral is with a trained Guide, who will be able to tell you all about its colourful past, including wonderful stories about the people associated with the Cathedral, such as William Walker, the diver who saved the Cathedral in the early 1900's. As part of the tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the massive vaults of the Cathedral’s early Norman crypt, the ornate Renaissance chantry chapels, Jane Austen's grave and the Great West Window. Frequent guided tours are available Monday to Saturday, from 10:00am – 3:00pm and are included in the admission fee (subject to availability). 

​​All groups, large and small, are welcome. Winchester Cathedral can arrange general interest and themed guided tours, provide catering packages and assist with other aspects of planning, such as the length of visit, advice on travel and parking, and neighbouring sites of interest. A special rate of £10 per person applies for groups of 10 or more and includes entry and a standard Cathedral tour.

Visitors who are feeling adventurous can also climb the Cathedral Tower, which offers magnificent views across Winchester and the surrounding county. You will see the ringing chamber, the great Cathedral bells and walk the full length of the Nave roof with its huge wood beams. Visit the Winchester Cathedral website or phone the Box Office for more information (additional fees apply to Tower Tours, booking in advance is essential and a signed health and safety form is required).

Also on offer is ‘Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation’, a spectacular three-level exhibition in the South Transept which takes visitors on an interactive journey, showcasing some of the nation’s greatest treasures. Highlights of this experience include the Winchester Bible, one of the UK's finest illuminated manuscripts, the 17th-century Morley Library and the story of the Cathedral’s mortuary chests, believed to contain the remains of Saxon royalty.

A wide range of events take place throughout the year. From classical concerts, open-air theatre and family trails to art exhibitions, light installations and the Christmas Market, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Book Tickets

Guide prices.

Free entry for children under 16 visiting with family. Ticket price includes unlimited return visits within 12 months. Free admission for Hudson Heritage Pass Holders. For Groups, the special rate per person is £11pp

Accessibility

• Disabled Parking
• Disabled persons toilet
• Guide Dogs Permitted
• Induction Loop System
• No dogs (Guide dogs accepted)
• Wheelchair user accessible
• Catering for groups
• Catering Provided
• On-Site cafe/restaurant
• Outdoor eating area
• Refreshments Available

Children & Infants

• Babes in Arms
• Baby changing
• Children’s packs
• Children's Meals
• Family Friendly, Children Welcome
• Highchair(s) available

Establishment Features

• All weather attraction
• Audio Tours
• Conference facilities
• Garden / Grounds for visitors use
• Groups by arrangement
• Groups welcome
• Guided tours
• Guided tours by arrangement
• Licensed for alcohol
• Licensed for weddings & ceremonies
• Marquee Space Available
• Meeting rooms
• Open all year round
• Open Christmas
• Open New Year
• Open on bank holidays
• Special Opening for Groups by Arrangement

Leisure Facilities

• Themed Nights

Parking & Transport

• Railway station within 5 miles
• Railway station within walking distance

Payment Methods

• MasterCard accepted
• Visa accepted

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

• Dutch printed material
• French printed material
• German printed material
• Italian printed material
• Japanese printed material
• Literature in Dutch
• Literature in French
• Literature in German
• Literature in Italian
• Literature in Japanese
• Literature in Spanish
• Spanish printed material
• Ukrainian printed material

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted

TripAdvisor

Map & directions.

Click here to view the map.

Road Directions

From the TIC turn left and walk up the High Street shopping area. Take the 2nd turning left into Market St. The Cathedral is straight ahead with the Visitor Centre, (Shop, Refectory & Paul Woodhouse Suite) located opposite the cathedral on the right.Signposted from the city centre.

Opening Times

* Occasionally times may vary for services and events so please visit the website if making a special visit. Services are held daily and all are welcome.

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Winchester Cathedral

A 5-minute walk from The Winchester Royal Hotel, The Winchester Cathedral is a great place to visit when exploring this historic city with so much to discover and an inspiring day out for all ages.

Come and explore Europe’s longest medieval Cathedral with more than 1000 years of history to discover. Welcoming 300,000 visitors annually, The Winchester Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction, as well as with pilgrims, families and school groups.

Discover the beautiful illuminated Winchester Bible, 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings, contemporary art and the awe and wonder of this magnificent building.

A walk round the Cathedral takes you through centuries of English church architecture, from the massive vaults of its early Norman crypt to the ornate glories of its Renaissance chantry chapels. It’s also home to some great works of art, including paintings, sculptures and carvings.

The Cathedral is famous for its beautiful chantry chapels, where daily masses were said for the bishops who built them. A total of seven, all in different styles, were added between the 14th and 16th centuries. This is more than any other English cathedral, reflecting Winchester’s great power, wealth and royal connections.

The best way to experience Winchester cathedral is on one of their tours. Join the Cathedral Tour if you’d like a great introduction to the Cathedral and an in-depth look into its history and how it’s left a mark on the building, from Anglo-Saxon times to when the Normans invaded.

Hear about the oldest part of the Cathedral on the Crypt Tour, which is the least altered and provides a beautiful setting for Antony Gormley’s sculpture Sound II. Or climb 213 steps to the top of the tower with our Tower Tour and experience the breath-taking views that surrounds the Cathedral – not for the faint hearted however!

The Winchester Cathedral is an inspiring day out for all ages, especially with its free Children’s trail. Full of wonderful stories, fascinating facts and strange traditions, let your children lead the way using the map and uncover lots of fun activities along the way…

Look out for events that frequently take place at the Cathedral throughout the year. From open-air theatre, classical concerts, exhibitions and themed lunches.

If you feel a bit peckish after all your exploring, pop into The Cathedral Café for a delicious lunch, Hampshire cream tea or cup of tea and a pastry.

Don’t forget to take a memento from your visit and pop into The Cathedral Shop. Whether you want to dig a little deeper into the history, architecture or life of the Cathedral with one of their many informative books on sale, buy a souvenir to remember your visit or interested in buying a CD of choral, church or classical music, they have it all!

The Refectory and Terrace are both fully accessible, with toilet facilities in the building and also in the courtyard outside, including disabled access and baby-changing facilities.

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Wolvesey Castle

On your trip to The Winchester Royal Hotel, why not visit Wolvesey Castle? It’s a great day out for all the family, those who are interested in history, or those wanting to find the ideal spot for a picnic and its completely admission free!

Great Hall & Round Table

You must have heard of the infamous Round Table? Located in The Great Hall, which is an atmospheric 13th- century hall featuring the legendary table which is romantically linked to King Arthur and his knights.

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The Assumption Belfry and Ivan the Great Bell Tower

View from a corner of Assumption Cathedral on the architectural ensemble of the Assumption Belfry (at the left) and Ivan the Great Bell Tower (at the right) built in the Moscow Kremlin in 16th century. The tower’s name implies that it had once housed St. John’s Church, and that it used to be the tallest building in Moscow (height with cross is about 80 m). For many decades the bell tower was also the main watchtower in the Kremlin, and later also a fire tower. Petrok Maliy, the Italian architect who built the Kitai-Gorod wall in Moscow, started the construction of the church of the Resurrection, later renamed Church of the Nativity, next to the Ivan the Great Tower in 1532. Decades later was converted to a four-tier belfry for large bells, known today as the Assumption Belfry after its main 64-ton bell placed in the middle of the fourth tier. The Assumption bell tolled only on great holidays and to announce events of exceptional significance.

Photo #043 taken on June 29, 2016 during a tour of Moscow Kremlin with my dear client from Lebanon, Jacques Saade.

About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

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• Date: June 29, 2016 05:14:00 am EDT
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• Tags: Russia , Moscow Kremlin , Kremlin Towers , Ivan the Great Bell Tower , Belfry , Assumption Belfry , Assunmption Bell , Moscow

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Conopy Arches Over The Cross - Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra

During the repair of the porch of the Dormition (Assumption) Cathedral in 1644, a spring was shot up and at the end of 17th century it was built a special chapel named "Chapel-over-the Well". Many of pilgrims were cured by this water, and people took it to the sick to heal them.

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Dormition Cathedral

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• Welcome from the Dean
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Dates for 2022 Christmas & Rooftop Tower Tours

Please note that you will need to ring the Box Office on 01962 857 275 to check if your preferred date listed below is still available. 

Christmas Tower Tours 2.15pm-3.45pm

Mon 21 Nov Tue 22 Nov Wed 23 Nov Thur 24 Nov Fri 25 Nov Mon 28 Nov Tue 29 Nov Wed 30 Nov Thur 1 Dec Fri 2 Dec Sat 3 Dec Mon 5 Dec Tue 6 Dec Thur 8 Dec Fri 9 Dec Sat 10 Dec Mon 12 Dec Tue 13 Dec Wed 14 Dec Thur 15 Dec Fri 16 Dec Sat 17 Dec Tue 20 Dec

Rooftop Tours 3.30pm-5pm

Mon 21 Nov Tue 22 Nov Wed 23 Nov Thur 24 Nov Fri 25 Nov Mon 28 Nov Tue 29 Nov Wed 30 Nov Thur 1 Dec Fri 2 Dec Sat 3 Dec Mon 5 Dec Tue 6 Dec Thur 8 Dec Fri 9 Dec Sat 10 Dec Mon 12 Dec Thur 15 Dec Tue 20 Dec

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You can support the Cathedral in many ways, from including making a donation, to volunteering or becoming a Friend of the Cathedral. Your support makes a valuable contribution to our work.