Things to do in Winchester

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

Winchester Attractions

There's something special about smaller cities. Whether you're visiting Winchester for a weekend getaway or you're planning on staying longer, you'll easily fall in love with this destination. In fact, with so many thrilling things to do and fascinating sights to take in, you probably won't want to leave!

If you're ready to explore Winchester, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have an experienced guide show you the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {59 fun activities in Winchester fun activities in Winchester} are also worth looking into.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Winchester must see attractions

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 which includes a garden, a church or cathedral and religious elements

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 which includes heritage architecture

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 which includes heritage architecture

Recommended things to do in Winchester

Number of things to do
59
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bar & Club Night Pass to multiple venues in Southampton: $7
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Winchester

Free Things to Do in Winchester

They say the best things in life are free. Make sure you explore the following around Winchester:

Westgate Museum - Jam-packed with artifacts and displays, this place is heaven for minds that burn with curiosity.

Winchester College - Spend time at this historic landmark and learn a bit about the area's cultural heritage.

Winchester Christmas Market - If you're eager to check out some of the more important or interesting places in the community, this place is worth visiting.

Winchester Cathedral - Gain an insight into the local faith at this spiritual site.

Queen Eleanors Garden - If you enjoy working in your garden, this attraction will fascinate your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Winchester with Kids

There are loads of memorable experiences in Winchester that the entire gang will get a buzz out of. Here are a few of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Winchester? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Winchester

Winchester Cathedral which includes a garden, a church or cathedral and religious elements

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 which includes zoo animals and dangerous 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 which includes 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
The last home of the great novelist Jane Austen. Now a private residence near the Cathedral

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 featuring 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 chateau or palace and heritage elements

Wolvesey Castle

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

Wolvesey Castle

Winchester Christmas Market

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Winchester Christmas Market during your trip to Winchester. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Winchester Christmas Market

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Winchester

Southampton featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and heritage elements

Southampton

Basingstoke

Basingstoke

Photo by Poonam Rayat

Eastleigh

Photo by Joel Mathew

Romsey

Andover

Andover

Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka

Stockbridge

Photo "Barton Stacey" by Chris Talbot (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Chris Talbot (CC BY-SA)

Barton Stacey

Photo "Ampfield" by Trish Steel (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Trish Steel (CC BY-SA)

Ampfield

Frequently asked questions

Is Winchester worth visiting?
Known for its walking trails and views, discovering awesome things to do in Winchester is a breeze. Make sure to add Winchester Cathedral to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Winchester?
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium and Westgate Museum are two great places to kick-start your adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Winchester while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Winchester?
Don't leave without checking out Winchester Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Winchester.
Is three days enough to stay in Winchester?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Winchester Cathedral, Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium and Theatre Royal Winchester with a three-day trip to Winchester. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Southampton.
Is Winchester a walkable city?
With top attractions like Winchester Cathedral nearby, Winchester is every bit a place to explore on foot. Up for visiting some cool neighborhoods within walking distance of the city center? Littleton is only 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Winchester with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Winchester with kids.

What to do in Winchester for adults?
South Downs Way is one of the top things to do in Winchester. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Winchester?
In Winchester, Winchester Cathedral is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Winchester.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia