Our most recommended things to do in Winchester

Winchester Treasure Hunt Mystery: The Bishops Golden Tankard

1. Winchester Treasure Hunt Mystery: The Bishops Golden Tankard

The legendary Winchester mystery.. .. unsolved for 500 years.. Until now. Begin your adventure at the site of Winchester's famous medieval round table, and embark on a quest to unravel the unsolved mystery of The Bishop's Golden Tankard! According to legend, a magical golden tankard hidden in the vaults of Winchester Cathedral, had the power to give riches to all who held it.. .. but when Henry VIII arrived and cracked its old case open, the tankard was gone! Was it stolen for money? Or was it an act of revenge? Nobody knew.. But the villain left a trail of clues.. … and this is where you come in. The pages of your Mystery Guide™ take you on an exciting puzzle adventure through the heart of historic Winchester, as you follow the maps, unlock the clues, and unravel the epic tale. Your challenge is to track down hidden objects, decode symbols, and uncover hidden messages, as you eliminate suspects and gradually unpick the crime. And an exciting twist awaits… Make it to the end and you'll be struck by an amazing ‘wow’ moment when the case is solved and the villain is revealed before your eyes! Simply grab your Mystery Guide™, head to the start, and set off at a time that suits you. Don’t let the villain get away... Your time to start is now!

Winchester: Smartphone Self-Guided Heritage Walks

2. Winchester: Smartphone Self-Guided Heritage Walks

If you are Curious About Winchester, take one of our quirky self-guided walks, where you can explore the heart of Winchester. Not only will you visit the better-known places – we make sure you visit the unusual and intriguing ones too! Added to this we provide compelling stories about the history around you, whilst you have fun following our detailed directions, finding answers to our addictive clues and matching pictures to places along the way. You’ll discover "hidden treasures", whilst reading about the history of Winchester and the people and events that have shaped it – whether you’re familiar with Winchester or a first-time visitor, you will spot things you would not have otherwise noticed. Download the walks to your mobile device, then follow the directions and enjoy our self-guided heritage walks at your own pace and level of interest The walks are 1.5 miles and 1 mile respectively. Both walks are suitable for wheelchair and buggy users.

Winchester: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking Tour

3. Winchester: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Discover the legends of King Arthur and other historic tales on a guided walking tour in Winchester. Explore William the Conqueror's Castle before strolling along the highstreet to Winchester Cathedral. Hear the echoes of John Keats' poetry as you wander along the banks of the River Itchen. Make your way to the West Gate to meet your friendly guide and group for the day. Enter Winchester Castle built by William the Conqueror and wander into the Great Hall. Listen to the legends of King Arthur and view the iconic Round Table. Walk along the high street to reach the world-famous Winchester Cathedral one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Admire the grounds and pay your respects to the English novelist Jane Austen who is buried here. Learn about King Alfred the Great and pass by his statue as you experience the beauty of the River Itchen. Stroll along the charming riverbank which inspired John Keats' poetry and see the ruins of Winchester Palace.

The Winchester Ghost Walk

4. The Winchester Ghost Walk

It is 1813… and as the ancient capital of England the historic streets of Winchester are heavy with myth and legend. But beyond the tourist trail lies a dark trail of secrets, ghosts and of an underclass of murderers and thieves. Mixing with the wealth of the Merchants and Clergy the streets were the hiding place of highwaymen, smugglers and politics. Join us we bring these stories to life in a truly immersive experience as ghosts of the past come to tell their tales. It will involve a steep climb uphill and some steps. The tour runs no matter what the weather throws at us - so take precautions. Suitable for 12 years and up when accompanied by an adult.

Winchester: Guided Alfred the Great Haunted Ghost Tour

5. Winchester: Guided Alfred the Great Haunted Ghost Tour

What better way to experience Winchester, than a walk in the ghostly footsteps of King Alfred the Great? We will meet at the Buttercross, as darkness falls. Then see the site of the nation's last female public execution. Then we will see the haunted sites, and hear such grisly tales of Winchester's High Street and Cathedral. Including the dark tales of religious and poltical persecution. After we will visit the eerie ruins of Hyde Abbey, cemetery, and the actual resting place of England's first king.

Devon and Cornwall: 5-Day Tour from London

6. Devon and Cornwall: 5-Day Tour from London

Discover the landscapes and history of the wild Southwest of England on this 5-day minicoach tour. Combining the best of Devon and Cornwall, including the Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor, Lands End, Tintagel Castle, 2 nights in the Roman city of Exeter, and 2 nights in the harbor town of Falmouth, this tour offers a unique view of a beautiful part of Britain. Day 1 Depart London and travel through the old kingdom of Wessex to the historic city of Winchester. The former capital of Anglo-Saxon England boasts a magnificent cathedral and the Norman Great Hall. From this bustling city, head to a quieter but equally profound place, the standing stone circle of Stonehenge. Having explored this mystical place, your tour will continue to Exeter, the Romans most southwesterly fortified settlement and your base for 2 nights. Day 2 Your morning is spent exploring the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, the ancient "Clapper Bridge" at Postbridge, and the historic market town of Tavistock, home to Francis Drake. Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore the Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient walls, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and famous 12th-Century Norman Cathedral. Day 3 Head west to the North Cornish coast and the Elizabethan fishing village of Boscastle. Indulge in a cream tea, take a stroll out to the dramatic headland or learn a spell or two in the Museum of Witchcraft. Travel to the village of Tintagel and the ruins of its headland Castle, whose romantic cliff-top setting is purportedly the birthplace of King Arthur. After lunch, the tour heads to Port Isaac where you can get your Doc Martin fix and fall in love with this picturesque fishing village, before heading south to the bustling port town of Falmouth for the next two nights. Day 4 Explore the most westerly tip of England on this magnificent day, taking in St. Michael’s Mount, the incredible Minack Theater, built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful National Trust beach at Porthcurno. Look out for pirates at Penzance! England’s most westerly point beckons at Lands End before following the dramatic coast, with windswept moors and old stone Celtic communities, up to the artistic haven of St. Ives. Return to Falmouth for the night. Day 5 This morning you say farewell to Cornwall and travel back through the Devon countryside with stops for photos and refreshments before arriving in the famous little town of Glastonbury for lunch. Glastonbury Tor rises high above the town and has mythical connections with King Arthur and Avalon. From here you will return back eastwards to London, a city completely removed from the experiences you have enjoyed in the magical counties of Devon and Cornwall. Staying in a range of locally owned, friendly B&B's and guesthouses, you will enjoy en suite facilities, and tranquility in scenic locations in the lovely southwest of England.

From Manchester: 3-Day Tour of Snowdonia, Wales, and Chester

7. From Manchester: 3-Day Tour of Snowdonia, Wales, and Chester

Day 1: Manchester to the border of Wales Depart from Manchester by coach for your first stop of the day, Conwy. Explore the town and its award-winning, picturesque harbor. View a castle perched by the sea, the "world’s smallest house", and traditional restaurants boasting the best fish and chips. Travel to the Llanberis Slate Museum, after you've soaked up the sea air, and learn about the history of the second largest slate mine in the world. Continue to Beddgelert, known as the "loveliest" village in Snowdonia. Admire the beautiful architecture of the stone houses and arched bridges. Travel through the heart of Snowdonia as the evening comes, arriving at your overnight stop in Aberystwyth. Day 2: Aberystwyth to New Quay Set off from Aberystwyth in the morning for the colorful seaside town of New Quay. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the picturesque beach or grab an ice cream. Visit Laugharne, and stand in awe before this village’s towering castle. Carry on towards Carreg Cennen, an imposing fortress perched on top of a hill, nestled within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Roam across the ramparts and experience stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape. Make your way to Newton House, a palatial building that boasts rich gardens, unique architecture, and famous ghost stories, before returning to Aberystwyth later on that evening. Day 3: Harlech Castle and Chester Watch Snowdonia’s mountains fly by as you make your way to Harlech Castle, one of the most popular castles to see in the whole of the UK. Take the chance to witness the sea views and learn about its war-torn history. Stop for lunch in the little village of Betws-Y-Coed before journeying to one of England’s most historic towns, Chester. Head to the cathedral, rebuilt in the Gothic style from 1250 onward. Arrive back in Manchester in the early evening.

3-day Isle of Wight & the Southern Coast Small-Group Tour

8. 3-day Isle of Wight & the Southern Coast Small-Group Tour

Day 1: Get your sunglasses and sun cream ready, you’re departing London and heading to the sunny, southern Isle of Wight. First, head to the ancient port-city of Portsmouth. This bustling spot blends modern marvels with centuries of sea-faring stories. You can grab a bite to eat here before your guide picks you up and takes you to the ferry at Gunwharf Terminal. It takes less than an hour and there’s plenty of onboard refreshments. Your first stop on the Isle of Wight is the important religious site of Quarr Abbey. The building here is beautiful and combines French, Byzantine, and Moorish designs. Then, you will get to meet some real local heroes. In the evening, you'll arrive at the unforgettably quaint village of Shanklin in time for an early dinner.  Day 2: Today, you’re going to discover the unmissable highlights of the Isle of Wight. After an enjoyable breakfast you will venture to the Yarborough Monument. This is the tallest monument on the island and celebrates the life of a wealthy earl from the 19th century. Continue to a photo-stop at the beautiful views of endless green fields at Brading Downs and then head to Osborne House - Queen Victoria's holiday destination! Explore the Italian-style building and discover pristine green gardens, ornate golden rooms, and historically fascinating artefacts. After witnessing that magnificent man-made marvel, it’s time to see the Isle of Wight’s most beautiful natural wonder, the Needles. These sharp white stacks that stick out of the ocean are beautiful to behold. You can hop on a boat to get close to them and venture to an old defensive battery that’s nearby. Your last stop today is at the cliffs of St. Catherine’s Down. As the sun starts to set, these epic cliffs and green valleys look stunning. You travel back to Shanklin in time for dinner. Day 3: In the morning, say goodbye to Shanklin and head on the ferry back to Portsmouth. Now that you’ve reacquainted yourself with the mainland, travel to one of England’s most history-soaked cities, Winchester. Visit the glorious cathedral, an ancient mill, cute cafes, and more than enough museums. After you’ve studied up on the history of England, it’s time to go have some fun. Visit the home of one of the world’s most popular gins, Bombay Sapphire. Once you’ve had enough of the tipple, it’s time to head back to London. Make a short stop at Runnymede before arriving in London in the evening.

London: Transfer to Southampton Terminals via Winchester

9. London: Transfer to Southampton Terminals via Winchester

The experience begins with pickup from London and leaves the city behind as you head towards Southampton via Winchester. Once the joint capital of England, Winchester has been associated with royalty as far back as the famous Alfred the Great, and boasts an array of historical landmarks including a medieval cathedral. Upon arrival, head to the incredible Winchester Cathedral, the resting place of many Saxon Kings, as well as King William Rufus, and the novelist Jane Austen. Soak up the impressive interior of the building, which has the longest nave in Europe and an original medieval tiled floor. Learn about the history of the cathedral, which in 1554 was used as the venue for the wedding of King Philip of Spain to the infamous ‘Bloody Mary’, also known as Queen Mary Tudor. During your time in Winchester, you can also visit the Great Hall, a seat of many English Kings and Queen, and home to the legendary Round Table of King Arthur. After some time exploring Winchester, hop back on the bus for the last leg of the journey to Southampton which takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. After your arrival at Southampton Cruise Terminals, go straight to the check-in desk where the porters will take care of your luggage and ensure it is delivered to your cabin. Please make sure you use the luggage label in your cruise pack to facilitate this.

Add dates

Things to do in
Winchester

Go beyond Winchester

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Winchester

What top attractions are a must-see in Winchester?

The must-see attractions in Winchester are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Winchester

Want to discover all there is to do in Winchester? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Winchester

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 94 reviews

An absolutely wonderful tour through historic Winchester. Our guide Brian was extremely knowledgeable. Not only did we have a wonderful tour, Brian shared much of his general knowledge too. He was easy to listen to and very patient when we bombarded him with questions. When we come to Winchester next time, we shall definitely enrol on the Ghost tour. Thank you.

Our guide was brilliant, very informative, funny and also supportive over the horrendous rain. We had such a good time! I have recently moved to a village near Winchester and knew very little about the city, now I feel totally at home and in love with Win Winchester. Will book again definitely x

Amazing tour by Bryan as always. We first met Bryan in his Southampton Titanic tour and truly enjoyed it. We were surprised to find him in Winchester too! Tour was enjoyable and well organized. So much to learn about Winchester. Definitely 5 stars!

The best way to see any city is with a guided tour. Bryan was an excellent tour guide with a wealth of knowledge. Didn’t have a bad singing voice either! Would highly recommend Bryan.

Great guide and awesome tour Wish we had more days in the isle though