Free Entry
Open to view at any time. No access to the interior
Address:
Clink Street, Southwark, London, SE1 9DG
Winchester Palace was once one of the largest and most important buildings in all of medieval London. Built in the early 13th century as a home to the powerful Bishops of Winchester, the palace was mostly destroyed by fire in 1814.
Today visitors can see the impressive architecture of the remaining walls of the Great Hall, including a magnificent rose window that adorns the west gable.
Winchester Palace is managed by Bankside Open Spaces Trust, which has planted a medieval-style garden in the remains of the Great Hall.
Read more about the history of Winchester Palace.
Before You Go
How to Find It: The ruins of Winchester Palace can be viewed from the pavement on Clink Street between the Golden Hinde replica ship and the Clink Prison Museum, just to the east of corner with Stoney Street.
Parking: There is no car park at Winchester Palace and very limited metered on-street parking in Park Street, Southwark Street and just off St Thomas' Street, or in Jubilee Place at Borough Market. Please be aware the site is in the Congestion Charging Zone.
Public Transport: It is advisable to use public transport to get to Winchester Palace if possible. The site is very close to London Bridge train station and is just off a number of bus routes.
Facilities: The nearest public toilets are at Borough Market, either in Jubilee Place or in Market Hall.
Drone flying: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions. Please see our drone filming guidelines for more details, or email our Filming team.
Plan a Great Day Out
The site is on the Thames Path National Trail so can be visited on a walk from the area around Southbank Centre, exploring historic Bankside on the way, or from Greenwich, passing through areas of redeveloped dockyards and warehouses.
Have a day out in London's history by visiting other historic sites in the centre of the capital. Across the river from Winchester Palace you'll find a section of the Roman London Wall. In Westminster visit the Jewel Tower and the Chapter House and Pyx Chamber.
At Hyde Park Corner, the glittering interiors of Apsley House offer a fascinating insight into the life of the Duke of Wellington, and house one of London's finest collections of art. Next door, the grand Wellington Arch stands as a testament to the Duke's achievements, and offers fantastic views from its balconies.