Things to do in Winchester

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Winchester (2025) - Must-See Attractions

Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Things to Do in Winchester

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Winchester Cathedral, Marwell Zoo, Walking Tours, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Winchester

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Historic cathedral with stunning architecture and informative guided tours, featuring a bell tower climb and Jane Austen's grave. Enjoy seasonal markets and local dining nearby.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Zoo prioritizes animal welfare with spacious natural habitats, including a new tropical house and a focus on a snow leopard exhibit. Features road train rides and sightings of active red pandas.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historical hall featuring storied stained glass windows, a replica of King Arthur's round table, and a picturesque medieval garden. Provides guided tours for depth into its rich past.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Interactive military history museum with an engaging Battle of Waterloo diorama, detailed exhibits across ages, and a notable collection of medals. Ideal for history enthusiasts.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic water mill surrounded by lush gardens and active wildlife, includes a working waterwheel, guided tours, and local crafts. Enjoy the serene river setting and on-site café.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Interactive science centre tailored for children under 10, with hands-on exhibits and live shows that engage young minds. Includes a planetarium and indoor play areas, ideal for family visits.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic ruins near the college with informative displays and river views, ideal for history enthusiasts. Features a walk through well-preserved grounds and a glimpse into royal nuptials.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Military museum in Peninsula barracks with interactive displays and narratives detailing the Gurkhas' contributions to British military history, featuring staged scenes and historical artifacts.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Interactive museum on three floors showcasing chronological Roman, Medieval, and Anglo-Saxon history with hands-on activities and period costumes.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Information hub located on the high street, providing visitors with detailed maps and self-guided walking tours. Features a selection of local merchandise and leaflets on nearby attractions.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Other Top Attractions around Winchester


Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
From quick jaunts to full-day outings.



Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

What travellers are saying

  • Tim H
    Northampton, UK294 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A truly beautiful experience and the history exhibition is a must see, so much to do and take in it will take more than one visit.

    Nice shop with a good variety of goods and a fabulous restaurant with very reasonable prices tops off the visit
    Written 21 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paula J
    128 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Because it was low season, there was quite a bit of maintenance work going on. However, we still managed to see most of the animals. At the entrance you are asked if you want to buy a map but you can download one, or there are plenty of maps around the park.
    Written 6 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EmmyO
    Bracknell, UK32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We attended the Santa experience on 7/12. The Christmas markets had been cancelled due to the weather, which meant it was very quiet when we were there. I think the experience was good value for money at £18.50 per child. There were arts and crafts, free drinks (hot chocolate, tea, coffee, squash and mulled wine) and mince pies. Father Christmas was authentic and all the staff running the day were polite, friendly and engaging. The hall was nicely decorated and felt very festive. I would definitely recommend the experience.
    Written 8 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hector
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great little museum showing the whole history and origins of the Rifles in an easy to understand way! A credit to the volunteers who run it!
    Written 6 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Malibu_Jenny
    Reading, UK504 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    National Trust should have more properties like this. Slap bang in the middle of Winchester’s city centre, surrounded by the shops on the high street and easily reached by public transport, this mill is packed full of character and deserving of the efforts made to save it.

    It’s currently free of charge to enter, but to be honest I would have been annoyed at paying an entrance fee; the mill wheel is currently out of action and none of the display models for grain and so on were working. It was a bit sparse inside the barn area, but I think they were in the process of taking down Christmas decorations.

    We were excited to learn about the otters, though we didn’t spot any with the binoculars provided - it was the middle of the day. The recorded footage is enjoyable to watch too. There’s a little boat shaped garden that sits in the middle of the river to explore and a small cafe and bookshop.

    The mill wheel downstairs and the loud and dramatic rush of water through the mill stream are the highlight. It’s a small property but so interesting and so in tune with its surroundings.

    The lady on the desk was friendly and we made a donation and left with an otter badge. You won’t be in here long, but it’s definitely worthwhile if you’re visiting Winchester. If you’re accompanied by small children, the playground and gardens directly across the road are perfect for a run-around afterwards.
    Written 22 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul L
    49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Having not been on a bike for over a year and 60 in a few months god only knows why over dinner one evening and a conversation about a bike ride on the southdowns 15 years ago ended up with my 12 year old granddaughter and myself deciding we would have a half term ride along the lovely southdowns national trail , several times my granddaughter asked when the downs started as we only ever seemed to go up hill, downhills were complicated but the wheel sized pot holes in the Chalk paths and trenches.
    Hills obviously bigger and steeper than 15 years ago . Although we actually had a sore but great time and made memories she can both treasure .
    Written 2 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hannah G
    7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went to see mesmerica which was a great experience. Unfortunately it was cold and wet and there was nowhere inside to sit before the showing as the museum part was closed. My mom is elderly and got very cold. Too far back for her to walk back to the car to wait. The staff were helpful in that they provided a chair for her and a jacket to wrap up in but I would ask that if the museum is hosting an independent show like mesmerica they the have somewhere inside for people to wait!
    Written 1 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sheepygold
    london5,526 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We bought a self guided walking tour from Tourist Information and this was a point of interest on the map. This is a very important medieval building with enough information boards dotted around to give you an idea of its function. A few areas are cordened off due to falling masonry. Allow 20 minutes.
    Written 12 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alison H
    Woking, UK18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a fabulous museum, and, may I add, the best welcome we have ever received! Interesting, informative, interactive, and above all, we felt how conscientiously the displays have been presented for us to learn from. We have enormous respect for the courage and fearlessness of these brave men, and I am proud and honoured to work amongst them and their families.
    Written 22 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amethyst
    London, UK10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very welcoming and beautifully curated museum that is very manageable over 60 - 90+ mins.

    I was particularly taken with the laminated cards on the Roman Gods on the third floor rating their intelligence, impact etc.
    Written 22 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kirstine2013
    Albuquerque, NM784 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Despite reading that parking could be a problem, we were lucky to find a parking place near the entrance. Even though the climb was muddy, steps took us up onto plateau where we could see far across Winchester. Passing through the circle of trees we were very aware of the meeting of two powerful energy lines at the very top creating a calming effect. The Chartres labyrinth has been well maintained and is worth walking in its entirety before proceeding to the top, as, we were told, did the Knights' Templar before setting off on the crusades.
    Written 26 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • georgiana_z
    Bucharest, Romania5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Christine was amazing. So keen to share her knowledge of the place in the lower city tour, always with a smile on her face despite the 2 rain intervals. You could see how much she loves the city, its history, and interacting with new people.
    Highly recommend.
    Written 22 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All Winchester HotelsWinchester Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Winchester
All things to do in Winchester
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire