Museums Guide to Winchester – What to See and Where to Go

Winchester may not be one of the biggest or most famous English cities, but it is one of the most important. The Hampshire county town was a Roman town called Venta Belgarum, and throughout the changing epochs and eras in Britain, Winchester has maintained its position as one of the country's most important sites. Winchester also has an impressive assortment of museums and cultural sites.

Don't be fooled by the size of this city. It packs a high density of museums and exhibits, taking you through virtually every epoch and significant event in the country's history. Families, history enthusiasts, couples, and even larger groups can all find something to their liking in this city, whether it be the religious points of intrigue, the showcasing of Winchester's military might, or the scientific exhibits. From Royal Hussars to Planetariums, we will guide you through Winchester's characteristic array of museums.

Kinds of Museums and Experiences You Can Organise

The casual visitor can immerse themselves into the history of the city, which was one of the most important religious authorities, and the heart of royal power and military might. On this page, you can find out everything there is to know about Winchester's museums, as we take you through each of the important ones and give you a taster of what they hold in store for visitors.

Military & National History Museums

It's impossible to ignore Winchester's pivotal role in arms manufacturing, and how this city created some of the most iconic guns of the 19th century. Yet the military history museums also observe the city's famous Royal Green Jackets regiment, the Royal Hussars and the Gurka colonial regiments. Thus, you get a pretty diverse look into Britain's military history.

Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum

Part of Winchester’s Military Museums in Peninsula Barracks, this museum tells the story of one of the British Army’s most celebrated infantry regiments. It features personal stories, weaponry, uniforms, and the remarkable Waterloo diorama.

Gurkha Museum

The Gurka Museum takes you through 200 years of military service, detailing the lesser known stories and thought provoking role of the Gurkas in British military history. From their origins in Nepal, this museum is a journey of how the Gurkas were brought into the British military, and their service from 1815 onward.

The Rifles Museum

At the Rifles Museum, you can check out all the armoury and equipment used in modern military units. This is not a museum solely for the military buffs or Call of Duty fans, it has interactive exhibits and weaponry from Waterloo to modern ops gear. You could easily take the family here and go onto the HorsePower, Royal Green Jackets and other military museums in Winchester.

HorsePower – The Museum of the King’s Royal Hussars

Explore cavalry history in Winchester. From Napoleonic times to tank warfare, the HorsePower museum shows the importance of cavalry in the military, and how the horse's role changed throughout the last couple of centuries. This is a museum where you can get close up to impressive uniforms, sabres, and photographs, so you can immerse yourself in the history.

The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum

Learn about the county Regiment for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight at this old barracks. Calling it an old barracks, however, does no justice to the building, which is a typical example of Georgian architecture at its finest. Here, you can read about the regiment's history, and the stories of locals who served in some of the most important global conflicts of the last 200 years.

Medieval & Religious Heritage

Asides the obvious, the Winchester Cathedral, there are loads of religious points of interest for casual observers to check into. Winchester has held religious power for centuries, and it has transformed through the adoption of Roman Catholicism, the break and the Reformation, right up to the present day, in Britain's multicultural and cosmopolitan religious scene.

Winchester Cathedral Museum

Winchester Cathedral Museum

You can't visit Winchester and miss the Cathedral. It is like missing out Big Ben in London, basically missing out on the city's major landmark. This is one box most people tick off straightaway. Head down to the Cathedral, take in the inspiring architecture, and for a more thorough experience, you can head to the Cathedral Museum.

City Museum

The City Museum

Located in the heart of the city near the cathedral, this museum gives a sweeping view of Winchester’s evolution, from Iron Age settlement to Roman town, Anglo Saxon capital, and beyond. It is a great starting point for your museum marathon. Here, you will fill in all the blanks of your knowledge of the history of Winchester. After ticking this box, you will be ready to soak up more about Winchester's history, and have the perfect foundation for your further museum exploring.

Science, Art & Innovation

Winchester's output does not stop at military innovations and religious artefacts. The city also has its fair share of scientific curiosities and artistic engagements. Allow your imagination to run wild at these sites, where creativity meets technological innovation.

Winchester Planetarium

Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

Just a short drive from the city centre, this family-friendly destination makes science fun and immersive. Think hands-on experiments, space exhibitions, and one of the UK’s largest standalone planetariums.

The Arc

The Arc (formerly Winchester Discovery Centre)

An evolving cultural hub, The Arc combines contemporary art exhibitions, design showcases, and digital installations. It's perfect for those with an interest in modern creativity and community culture.

Industry & Trade

Winchester also houses a few museums dedicated to the city's trading and craftsmanship roots. Rounding off the historical experience of Winchester, these sites stand out for being something a little different from the others on our list.

Westgate Museum

Once a fortified medieval gateway to the city, this small but atmospheric museum tells the story of Winchester’s civic history. Climb to the roof for a unique view over the High Street.

The Great Hall & King Arthur’s Round Table

Technically a historical monument, The Great Hall also functions as a museum in its own right. Admire one of the finest surviving medieval halls and the legendary Round Table.

Suggested Museum Day Routes

If you need a little inspiration on how to structure your visits, we have a few recommendations. Whether you are more interested in the military history, want to explore the religious roots of the city, or just want a bash of everything, we have you covered.

Classic City Walk

  • The City Museum
  • Winchester Cathedral Museum
  • Westgate Museum
  • The Great Hall & Round Table
  • Optional Add-On: The Arc

This route is ideal for those who want a light, historical sampler of the city without straying too far.

Military History Trail (Half-day trip)

  • Peninsula Barracks
  • Royal Green Jackets Museum
  • Gurkha Museum
  • HorsePower
  • Rifles Museum
  • Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum

The museums here are clustered together, making for an easy and immersive military-themed tour.

Royal & Religious Winchester Route

  • The Great Hall & King Arthur’s Round Table
  • Westgate Museum
  • Winchester Cathedral Museum
  • The City Museum (optional)

You don’t have to travel much to tick off these museums, and ending with the City Museum helps wrap up the experience.

Hidden Gems & Local Treasures Route

  • The Arc
  • Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum
  • Westgate Museum

If you have done the military or religious museum marathons, you can always check off these museums for something off the beaten track.

Summarising the Winchester Museum Experience

Winchester Museums

It goes without saying, when it comes to things to do in Winchester, there's a little something for everyone. The museums are all easily accessible on foot or via car, and, provided you like a good day of museum touring, you can easily pack a few into a single day. You can get the same level of detail and intrigue as, say London, but without the same lengthy queues and long waits.

You can make a weekend of it, pick out a few to fill in the hours between your programme, or just casually walk into a museum to gain inspiration. They are all worth exploring, and paint up the history of one of Britain's most storied cities.