Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)
Hampshire, England
Photo: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Winchester, 0.7 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
College St, Winchester SO23 9NB
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
Open daily, 10am-5pm
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- No dedicated car park; nearest public parking is in Winchester, about a five-minute walk away.
- Facilities
- No on-site facilities besides a small gift shop; picnicking is allowed on the grounds.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads are welcome.
- Safety
- Deep water and falling masonry are marked hazards; climbing on the ruins is not permitted.
The ruined palace of the medieval Bishops of Winchester, built between 1129 and 1171 by Henry of Blois - and the site of Mary I's wedding banquet to Philip of Spain in 1554. It's free, unstaffed, and run by volunteers, right in the heart of Winchester.
At a glance
Who to know
Mary I · celebrated her wedding banquet to Philip of Spain here in 1554
Worth the trip
Standing where Mary I celebrated her wedding to Philip of Spain in 1554 - a specific, dateable event tied to a specific spot in the ruin.
Before you go
It's opened and closed by volunteers giving up their free time, so hours can be irregular - reviewers say don't be surprised if it's shut when you arrive, and bring wellies if it's been raining, since the ground can get wet.
What visitors say
Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) reviews · 4.4 / 5 across 1,049 Google reviews
Reviewers value Wolvesey as a free, peaceful medieval ruin close to Winchester Cathedral, rich with history connected to the Bishops of Winchester.
A few practical notes recur: the site can flood after rain (wellies recommended), parts have been fenced off due to natural deterioration, and opening hours can be irregular since it's staffed by volunteers rather than always open.
“What the remains of the castle tells a unique story of the area history. Entry is free but bring some wellies if it has been raining. ☔️”- Adam Cohen, visitor review
History
Henry of Blois
Developed over centuries as the Bishop of Winchester's residence, Wolvesey was substantially rebuilt by Henry of Blois from 1135 to 1138. It hosted Queen Mary I's wedding banquet in 1554 before its destruction by Roundheads during the English Civil War.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Common questions about Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)
Where is Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)?
Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) is in Hampshire, England, at College St, Winchester SO23 9NB.
Is Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) free to visit?
Yes - Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by English Heritage. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)?
Standing where Mary I celebrated her wedding to Philip of Spain in 1554 - a specific, dateable event tied to a specific spot in the ruin.
Is Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) a ruin or still intact?
Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) is a ruin.
