Winchester Castle (Great Hall)
Hampshire, England
Photo: Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Fred Cherrygarden, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Johan Bakker, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Hampshire County Council
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Winchester, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Great Hall with Round Table
Pinpoint
The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ
Telephone 01962 398327
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
All that survives of Winchester's medieval castle is the Great Hall - but it's the hall that holds the famous Round Table, a genuine medieval artefact that Henry VIII had repainted with a Tudor rose after visiting in 1516, even though the table was already centuries old by then. It's a compact site, but a dense one.
At a glance
Who to know
Henry VIII · had the Round Table repainted with a Tudor rose in 1516
Worth the trip
The Round Table itself, painted with the Tudor rose Henry VIII commissioned - medieval object and Tudor propaganda in one piece of furniture.
Before you go
A single ticket gets you unlimited return visits for 12 months, which is worth knowing if you're local; some reviewers feel the entry price is a touch high given how quickly you can get round, so factor that in if you're short on time.
What visitors say
Winchester Castle (Great Hall) reviews · 4.4 / 5 across 3,300 Google reviews
The Round Table is the clear standout across these reviews, mentioned as a highlight by nearly everyone alongside the stained glass and dress-up area.
Most describe it as a small site that doesn't take long to see, and one reviewer felt the ticket price was a little high given how short the visit is, though still considered it worthwhile.
“A very nice and quiet historical spot to visit! On the other hand, I asked myself if it's worth coming to Winchester, just for the most famous Round table, I guess the answer is quite clear!”- Dodo Bird, visitor review
History
William the Conqueror · 1067
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1067, Winchester served as a royal seat for Norman and medieval monarchs. Henry III added the magnificent Great Hall between 1222 and 1235; Henry VIII later had the famous Round Table repainted with a Tudor rose during his 1516 visit.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Common questions about Winchester Castle (Great Hall)
Where is Winchester Castle (Great Hall)?
Winchester Castle (Great Hall) is in Hampshire, England, at The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Winchester Castle (Great Hall)?
Yes - Winchester Castle (Great Hall) is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Hampshire County Council. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Winchester Castle (Great Hall)?
The Round Table itself, painted with the Tudor rose Henry VIII commissioned - medieval object and Tudor propaganda in one piece of furniture.
Is Winchester Castle (Great Hall) a ruin or still intact?
Winchester Castle (Great Hall) is a partial ruin - Great Hall with Round Table.
