The Great Hall - Winchester

Address: The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ, United Kingdom.
Phone: 1962869864.
Website: historicwinchester.co.uk
Specialties: Historical landmark, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Onsite services, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 3045 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.4/5.

📌 Location of The Great Hall

The Great Hall The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ, United Kingdom

⏰ Open Hours of The Great Hall

  • Monday: 10 AM–5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM–5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM–5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM–5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM

The Great Hall: A Historical Gem in Winchester

For visitors seeking a captivating journey through history, The Great Hall stands as a truly remarkable destination. Located at The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ, United Kingdom, this iconic landmark offers an immersive experience into the heart of medieval England. Accessible via a dedicated phone line at 1962869864, and detailed information available on the official website at historicwinchester.co.uk, The Great Hall is a must-see for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

A Glimpse into Royal History

The Great Hall is more than just a building; it’s a tangible connection to centuries of royal history. Originally constructed by William Rufus in 1093, it has served as a banquet hall, a court of justice, and a venue for significant state occasions. It’s a place where kings and queens once held court, where treaties were signed, and where momentous decisions were made. The hall’s very walls resonate with the echoes of the past, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time.

Architectural Marvel and Stunning Features

The architecture of The Great Hall is a testament to Norman ingenuity. The massive timber roof, supported by incredibly thick pillars, is a particularly impressive feature. The hall’s soaring ceilings and the intricate details of its construction are a sight to behold. During your visit, you'll be captivated by the impressive stained glass windows, each depicting scenes from the reigns of various monarchs. These windows are not merely decorative; they’re a meticulously researched historical record, showcasing the key events and personalities of their respective periods. Many visitors highlight the detail and artistry of these windows as a highlight of their experience – a truly unforgettable visual treat. The sheer scale of the hall is breathtaking, creating a sense of grandeur and awe.

Key Features and Amenities
  • Historical Significance: A pivotal location in English royal history.
  • Stained Glass Windows: Detailed depictions of monarchs and their reigns.
  • Timber Roof: A remarkably preserved example of medieval carpentry.
  • Onsite Services: The hall offers a range of services designed to enhance your visit, including information displays and guided tours (availability varies, check the website).
  • Accessibility: The Great Hall is committed to inclusivity, providing a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
  • Family-Friendly: Good for kids, offering an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
Visitor Feedback and Reviews

The Great Hall consistently receives positive feedback from visitors. With over 3045 reviews on Google My Business, the average opinion is a highly respectable 4.4 out of 5 stars. Guests frequently commend the hall’s historical significance, the beauty of the stained glass, and the overall atmosphere of stepping back in time. Many emphasize the feeling of witnessing history firsthand, describing it as a ‘must-stop’ destination. The hall’s dedication to preserving and presenting its rich history is widely appreciated.

Further Information: For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, tour schedules, and special events, we encourage visitors to consult the website at historicwinchester.co.uk. It’s also advisable to contact the hall directly at 1962869864 to inquire about group bookings or accessibility requirements.

👍 Reviews of The Great Hall

The Great Hall - Winchester
Debra D.
5/5

This place was amazing. I loved all the stain glass windows that had all the kinds and corresponding people of the reign going down through the windows.

The table itself was like looking at King Arthur's Knights round table. I know it's probably not the table, but it's super cool to see in person.

A must stop is recommended here.

The Great Hall - Winchester
Dmytro M.
4/5

We purchased a family ticket for £41, which included access to three museums:

• The Great Hall
• Westgate Museum
• Winchester City Museum

To be honest, I expected more. Out of the three locations, The Great Hall was the most impressive, especially the Round Table of King Arthur—it’s a beautiful place.

However, overall, none of the three locations really stood out, considering the many places we have already visited. I was hoping for something more engaging.

The Great Hall - Winchester
K A.
4/5

Slightly underwhelming for a "Great Hall". The only real pull is the round table and the cables surrounding it.

However, there is a lot of useful and Iinteresting nformation about everything from the walls, ceilings and windows.

Also, ilthe tickets you buy are valid for upto one year so you can visit as many times as you want.

The Great Hall - Winchester
Alistair D.
5/5

Although a small venue it's historical value is huge going back to the 11th century. Well worth a visit even if just to see the world famous round table.

The Great Hall - Winchester
Kevin H.
4/5

Thought the prices were expensive but settled for the 3 attraction 'Explorer' tickets and glad we did. Very interesting look into Winchester's great history and will certainly revisit especially as the tickets are valid for as many visits you want for a year.

The Great Hall - Winchester
Jel
5/5

The Great Hall is one of the historical landmarks to visit in Winchester, England.
The most interesting is to see the iconic Round Table.
Also, there is a small shop to buy souvenirs.
You can include The Great Hall in your bucket list if you will visit Winchester.

The Great Hall - Winchester
Adam W.
5/5

Surprisingly good - more than I expected by quite a lot. It's basically only the one room, with a little exhibition to one side and a small garden, but it's very much impressive. The round table is of course very cool, but the stained glass is all at visible level and great to look at, plus there's the wedding gates which are incredibly detailed, the stunning statue of Queen Victoria, the brass of the late Queen, and lots of information boards about the history of the place. The price is now £8pp and includes the Westgate Museum which is small but interesting - you can't get in for £4 anymore. We went assuming it would be £4 but in the end were glad we payed to look around properly. The little exhibition isn't bad either, although it's mainly just pictures and things to read on walls in a corridor.

The Great Hall - Winchester
Xavier S.
4/5

A splendid piece of ancient history King Arthur's Round table housed in the Great Hall. Sadly only a shadow of its former glory the majestic days of Winchester Castle are long gone. But what remains is surely one of Winchester's many great treasures. Thanks to the helpful and friendly staff. For helping to make the visit a most memorable experience.

The Great Hall - Winchester
Jason B.
5/5

A must-visit for history lovers!

The Great Hall in Winchester absolutely blew me away. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval halls in England, dating back to the early 1200s. The architecture is stunning – huge Gothic windows, soaring stone columns, and a real sense of grandeur. The highlight has to be the legendary Round Table hanging on the wall, believed to have been built in the 13th century and painted during Henry VIII’s reign. You can really feel the weight of history here – once part of Winchester Castle and a key seat of royal power. Super informative displays, friendly staff, and a beautiful garden outside. Highly recommend!

The Great Hall - Winchester
Bloomy L.
5/5

Definitely a must visit. It’s all that’s left of the old castle and dates back to the 1200s. The Round Table on the wall might not be from King Arthur’s time but it’s still really cool to see. Loved the stained glass windows showing all the kings and key figures, and the Norman medieval architecture is just stunning. It’s full of history and the whole place just feels majestic. We did the three venue ticket and thought it was great value. Definitely worth supporting.

The Great Hall - Winchester
David B.
5/5

Everyone focuses on the Round Table.
That's fine, but don't skip the rest.

The staff are very helpful and friendly, and quite willing to spend the extra time explaining the various tickets, what is where, and what the photography rules are etc.

Do take a look at the garden, the giant family tree at the other end of the hall from the table, and the long gallery.

The cafe is good for a quick drink and snack, but if you're planning on a meal, plan on a restaurant.

That's not meant as a criticism AT ALL Just trying to help you plan.

The Great Hall - Winchester
Somewhere E.
5/5

Local project full of middle age history along with the Round table. Impressive.
Worth the visit and definitely worth supporting.
We did the three venue option when buying tickets and thought very reasonable.
Reccomended.

The Great Hall - Winchester
David N.
4/5

Had a "touristy" day. Don't believe I've ever been here before. Now I'm wondering why not. Fascinating! Great to see the Round Table in all its glory. And for the pleasure of many a woman you can get fairly close to the costume worn by Colin Firth when playing Mr Darcy in the BBC adaptation of Pride. & Prejudice. That's got to be worth the entrance fee in itself!! Tickets last for a year so I'll be back in the next few months for sure.

Go up