Free Entry
Open 10am-5pm daily 1 Apr - 30 Sept, 10 am-4pm 1 Oct - 31 Mar
Address:
College Street, Winchester, Hampshire, S023 9NB
The medieval Bishops of Winchester were rich and powerful men, the relations and advisers of kings. Wolvesey, standing a stone's throw from Winchester Cathedral, was their main residence throughout the Middle Ages. The extensive remains date largely from the great 12th century palace of Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen.
Though ruinous, the buildings still evoke an impression of their former grandeur. The last great occasion here was on 25th July 1554, when the East Hall was transformed with silk and gold hangings for Queen Mary and Philip of Spain's wedding banquet.
Read more about Wolvesey's history.
Before You Go
Parking: There are a number of public car parks in Winchester, not managed by English Heritage. The closest one is Colebrook Street, a five-minute walk from the site.
Opening Times: Daily 10am to 4pm to October to March. View details.
Access: Parts of the site are uneven and can become muddy, due to the location of the site it is liable to flooding after heavy rain so may be closed at short notice. Whilst we will do our best to put a note on the website when this happens it is not always possible to do so.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
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
Continue your tour of the Bishop's Palaces by visiting Farnham Castle Keep and Bishop's Waltham Palace. You could also head to the coast and visit Portchester Castle, about a 45 minute drive from Winchester. Enjoy a picnic in the castle grounds, or on the Solent shore, and find that special reminder of your day in the gift shop.
