Winchester Cathedral - Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, and of St. Peter and St. Paul and of St. Swithun

(Winchester, Hampshire, England, UK)

The city's number one attraction, Winchester Cathedral is certainly what most tourists come to see first and is official named the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, and of St. Peter and St. Paul and of St. Swithun. This magnificent religious structure is one of England's biggest and is reputedly amongst its largest and most impressive.

Famed for its fine Gothic Perpendicular architecture, Winchester Cathedral lies just a short distance to the south of the city's original minster. Built between the years of 1070 and 1093, and originally Romanesque in style, poor planning and workmanship resulted in many problems soon after and the central tower actually completely collapsed in 1107. As a result, a huge programme of reconstruction and renovation work commenced at the turn of the 13th century and lasted right up until the middle of the 15th century, at which time its present day Gothic facade was complete.


Between 1905 and 1912, further restoration work was carried out when it was thought that Winchester Cathedral would eventually collapse, due to seriously water-logged foundations, which were rebuilt over this period by a dedicated diver. In total, more than one million bricks were used to stabilise the structure and preserve it for future generations.

General Information

There are many interesting features of the cathedral itself and visitors are often surprised to find the tomb of Jane Austen in the northern aisle. Jane Austen actually died close by in 1817, after coming to Winchester for medical treatment during her final days.

The regular crypt tours of Winchester Cathedral are well worth joining and usually start from the northern transcrypt area. Led by experienced guides who provide insightful commentary along the way, these tours take in attractions such as the modern Sound II statue, which was sculpted in 1986 by Antony Gormley, the artist most famous for his 'Angel of the North' creation near Newcastle. However, do bear in mind that during periods of wet weather, the crypt is known to flood and tours are therefore cancelled.

Daily tours of the entire cathedral are a little more reliable and take place Monday to Saturday. Those feeling energetic may even consider climbing the cathedral tower, at the top of which you will be greeted by astonishing views, which stretch as far as the Isle of Wight on fine days.

Other striking features of Winchester Cathedral include the 15th-century 'Great Screen' and mortuary chests within the presbytery, and the Epiphany Chapel and its extensive collection of Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows. Visitors should also visit the Triforium Gallery and southern transept library, where many ancient treasures are housed, such as the 12th-century Winchester Bible. Outside, the surrounding Cathedral Grounds are especially pleasant, with lots of green spaces for picnicking. Nearby, the Dean Garner Garden is another popular attraction and stands on the former site of the Benedictine Monastery's dormitory.

In recent years, Winchester Cathedral appeared in the 2006 movie blockbuster 'The Da Vinci Code', with its interior being used as a double for Westminster Abbey in London.

Address: 9 The Close, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LS, England, UK
Tel: +44 01962 853137
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 19:30; cathedral tours, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00; Sunday services - 08:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 15:30
Admission: charge by donation