Trip Planner: Europe / UK / England / Hampshire / Winchester / Historic Sites / Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester

4.5

#1 of 51 in Things to do in Winchester

Church Tourist Spot

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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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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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,855 reviews

Google

4.5

Ranger297

Cathedral's are stunning places, they are a statement, grand & steeped in history. This review is more for the grounds,than the interior. The grounds are splendid, people seem draw here. It's relaxing... more »
babybunny95

I've visited the Cathedral many times, from childhood to middle age(!) and it still inspires me. So much history, beautiful architecture and fantastic stories. Luckily managed to catch the music festi... more »
ACM42

A wonderful building, not as big as York Minster but much more like a Church. Particularly well interpreted in a tasteful and user-friendly way. Congratulations to all involved. 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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