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Winchester Cathedral, Winchester

4.5

#1 of 51 in Things to do in Winchester

Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in England, with a nave that's one of the longest in all of Europe. The blend of Norman and Gothic architecture is a sight to behold. Underneath the ornate arches, a collection of memorials and artwork spans centuries. The haphazard appearance of the stained glass in the west window is a result of the destruction wrought by Oliver Cromwell's forces during the English Civil War. In 1660, the broken glass was gathered up and rearranged randomly. Look for the flooded crypt, where a statue called Sound II looks as if it is floating on top of the water. Note the Russian Orthodox influence of the St. Smithun's Memorial, designed by Sergei Fyodorov. Put Winchester Cathedral on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Winchester trip generator.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,993 reviews

Google

4.5

Ans G

August 21, 2017

Enorm fraai dak, veel te zien, prachtig houtwerk , echt een aanrader om te bezichtigen . Je kunt zelfs een rondleiding krijgen maar wij gaan liever onze eigen weg more »

Huge beautiful roof, lots to see, gorgeous woodwork, really a must to visit. You can even get a tour but we prefer our own way

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ciroagua

August 21, 2017

Purtroppo non ho avuto la possibilità di visitarla da dentro, ma da fuori appare maestosa e bisogna quantomeno visitarla da fuori e poi girare intorno tra il verde! more »

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to visit it from within, but from the outside it looks majestic and you have to at least visit it from outside and then turn around in the Green!

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Lisa L

August 21, 2017

Absolutely brilliant cathedral. Could have spent the day there. The price includes excellent tours. Don't miss Jane Austin's grave (in the floor not on the wall!). more »

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Dan dare

Stunning ceiling and beautiful choir area. Friendly guides and able to walk about with few restrictions. Picture was taken using the mirror in the Cathedral

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Sasch Mayer

I've visited a lot of English Cathedrals in my time, but Winchester basically blew me away. From the outside, this cathedral is not as ornate as some others (such as Ely, for instance). Once you get inside, however, the building is frankly stunning in its sheer grandeur. Well worth the entrance fee.

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Kas Wynn

Stunning building with so much history. Information about artefacts is clear and succinct so you can read about people and events quickly

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G Hartland

From the quirky west windows (smashed up by Cromwell, and then turned into a scatter box of coloured glass from the remains) to the fab set of icons, from the peace of the fisherman's chapel, to the grandeur of a formal service, this is beautiful. Best experienced during a concert by The Sixteen, when the voices just stay in the air after the singers stop. The virgers (yes, Winchester has its own unique way of spelling things) are helpful, and the pastoral folk are lovely. It has a new Dean, Catherine, and the Precentor, Sue is an innovator. Worth attending.

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Wild Traveller

£8 entry fee very steep (I don't care if it allows entry for a year, we're tourists and only here once!) I feel exploits the fact Jane Austin is buried within the church. Wells and Liverpool Cathedral both MUCH more stunningly beautiful, impressive and welcoming.

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Where to stay in Winchester

Hotels, B&Bs, and inns offer rooms on the upper floors of the historical town center's Victorian, Georgian, and Tudor buildings. These look out over the pedestrian streets, markets, and shops, as well as provide a convenient location to the main attractions. Cottages for rent near the River Itchen are set among thick trees near the water, but are still within walking distance of many of the city attractions.

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Winchester Cathedral, Winchester

Ans G

ciroagua

Lisa L

Dan dare

Sasch Mayer

Kas Wynn

G Hartland

Wild Traveller

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