Winchester College

Founded in 1382, Winchester College has the longest continuous history of any English school and it still occupies its original medieval buildings. The school's founder, William of Wykeham, was Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England. Wykeham's intention was to provide the best possible education to those who would go on to serve society, valued not by birthright but by personal qualities and achievements.

Winchester College survived the upheavals of the Reformation and Civil War relatively unscathed. The school has since undergone many modernising reforms, but it retains many elements of its medieval origins and remains true to the aims of its founder.

The College welcomes visitors seven days a week to its museum, Treasury, on guided tours, as well as to public events throughout the year: College Tours run daily and focus on the school’s history and medieval architecture; War Cloister Tours are to mark one hundred years since the opening of the College’s tranquil private war memorial; Garden Tours explore the vast biodiversity and horticultural history of the College’s beautiful hidden gardens; Treasury houses the school's outstanding collections of art and archaeology, displayed across four galleries in the medieval Warden’s stables. and is open from 2:00pm-4:00pm, 7 days a week. Entry is free; Chapel Services are open to members of the public during term time. Entry is free.

Directions 

Parking is limited around the College and visitors are advised to use public transport, the Park and Ride, or city centre car parks. Follow signs to the Cathedral and walk through the Cathedral Close to St Swithun’s Street, turn left under Kingsgate Arch and bear left into College Street. The Porters’ Lodge (main entrance) to the College can be found on the right hand side.

Group Visits

For bookings of 10 people or more, please contact Winchester College via visitus@wincoll.ac.uk or ring the Tours Coordinator on 01962 814 611. Please note that group bookings for Garden Tours in 2024 are now full, but they welcome expressions of interest for 2025.

Venue Hire

The College offers a range of versatile venues for private hire within magnificent Grade I and Grade II listed buildings and 250-acre grounds. Find out more here.

Facilities & Accessibility

• No public toilets available.
• No onsite parking.
• Some areas are non-wheelchair accessible

Prices

• Adults: £12.00
• Concessions: £10.50
• Under 11s: Free
• Treasury: Free
• Chapel Services: Free