The Great Hall
The Great Hall
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
About
The Great Hall is one of the finest surviving medieval aisled halls of the 13th century and is all that remains of Winchester Castle. The Great Hall is open daily to the public offering a unique historical experience and the chance to see the greatest symbol of medieval mythology: King Arthur's Round Table. Visitors can also see Queen Eleanor's garden, a recreation of an enclosed medieval garden, providing an injection of nature. Entry charges apply, please visit our website for further details.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Chris K16 contributionsWell worth itWell worth a visit and price is good. Even the history of the place and the cost to maintain it, £4 is not much to pay. Not the biggest place on Earth but still worth every penny. For anyone complaining how "expensive it is", I'm sure they all go to get a very overpriced coffee in Costa or Starbucks. This is worth so much more than that. This is my second visit and I will be backVisited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 7, 2023
- Chesndave35 contributionsGreat guided tourVery interesting history, make sure you have the free guided tour as the guide adds much more than the information panels. Can spend an hour here plus the guide. Very inexpensive when you look at more popular attraction which offer a lot less.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 2, 2024
- MarcusHurleyCalne, United Kingdom10,472 contributionsWell preserved 13th century Great HallThis is a well preserved great hall, a remnant of the castle that was finally destroyed after the Civil War. The hall has lots of information boards and the Round Table (a 13th century creation) gives a fascinating insight into the medieval mindset. The Long Gallery gives an illustrated history of the hall, including its use as a law court until the 1970s. Queen Eleanor's Garden is just outside the hall. Staff here were excellent and we bought the combined ticket that covers the Hall, Westgate Museum and City Museum.Hi there, thank you for your visit to the Great Hall. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time here, and hope to see you again soon!Written July 25, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 15, 2024
- DorsetbeanBournemouth, United Kingdom58 contributionsGood start to one's own history tourA good introduction to a historical part of the city. The famous Arthur's Round Table, the great silver gates to commemorate the wedding of Charles and Diana, the little herb garden outside and what seemed to be a well-stocked gift shop. Doesn't take long to visit and is part of the entrance fee with the Westgate Museum, just a minute's walk past the ruins of the old castle.Hi there! Thank you for your review of the Great Hall and Westgate Museum, we hope to see you again soon!Written July 25, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 21, 2024
- permia64,692 contributionsFabulousIt’s a tremendous exquisite build and all that remains of Winchester Castle that was founded in 1067 by William the Conqueror. It was one of the first Norman Castles in England. Henry III was born in the Castle and commissioned this fabulous Hall in the early 1200s. It was used for banquets, discussing state affairs and for Law Courts. An inspiring space today it serves as a museum and it hosts civic events. A gorgeous set of gates known as the Wedding Gates is a favourite backdrop for photos for same. A King Arthur’s Round Table is proudly displayed on the wall.Hi there, thank you for your review of the Great Hall! We're glad you enjoyed your visit, and we hope to see you again soon!Written July 25, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 16, 2024
- lexmillerBurlington, Massachusetts1,152 contributionsDon't miss this on your visit, all that remains of Winchester Castle, mind bogglingVisit the Great Hall and the Westgate, included in the same ticket admittance. These two buildings are the only ones that remain of the massive Winchester Castle, which was built by William the Conqueror (wow!!). Lots to see in the Great Hall, be sure to read and absorb the informative and fascinating signages and of course don’t miss the actual Knights of the Round Table of Arthurian legend, table, on the wall - incredible! The huge sculpture of Queen Victoria is mesmerizing, and be sure to walk around it to see the carvings in the back, fascinating. The garden is beautiful and calming. A definite must-see on your visit to Winchester.Hi there, thank you for your kind review of the Great Hall. We are incredibly pleased that you enjoyed your visit and immersed yourself in our long history! We hope to see you again in the future!Written September 8, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 6, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,266 reviews
Excellent
579
Very good
515
Average
139
Poor
20
Terrible
13
lexmiller
Burlington, MA1,152 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Visit the Great Hall and the Westgate, included in the same ticket admittance. These two buildings are the only ones that remain of the massive Winchester Castle, which was built by William the Conqueror (wow!!). Lots to see in the Great Hall, be sure to read and absorb the informative and fascinating signages and of course don’t miss the actual Knights of the Round Table of Arthurian legend, table, on the wall - incredible! The huge sculpture of Queen Victoria is mesmerizing, and be sure to walk around it to see the carvings in the back, fascinating. The garden is beautiful and calming. A definite must-see on your visit to Winchester.
Written August 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thank you for your kind review of the Great Hall. We are incredibly pleased that you enjoyed your visit and immersed yourself in our long history! We hope to see you again in the future!
Written September 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
permia
Ireland64,692 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
It’s a tremendous exquisite build and all that remains of Winchester Castle that was founded in 1067 by William the Conqueror. It was one of the first Norman Castles in England.
Henry III was born in the Castle and commissioned this fabulous Hall in the early 1200s. It was used for banquets, discussing state affairs and for Law Courts.
An inspiring space today it serves as a museum and it hosts civic events.
A gorgeous set of gates known as the Wedding Gates is a favourite backdrop for photos for same. A King Arthur’s Round Table is proudly displayed on the wall.
Henry III was born in the Castle and commissioned this fabulous Hall in the early 1200s. It was used for banquets, discussing state affairs and for Law Courts.
An inspiring space today it serves as a museum and it hosts civic events.
A gorgeous set of gates known as the Wedding Gates is a favourite backdrop for photos for same. A King Arthur’s Round Table is proudly displayed on the wall.
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thank you for your review of the Great Hall! We're glad you enjoyed your visit, and we hope to see you again soon!
Written July 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dorsetbean
Bournemouth, UK58 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
A good introduction to a historical part of the city. The famous Arthur's Round Table, the great silver gates to commemorate the wedding of Charles and Diana, the little herb garden outside and what seemed to be a well-stocked gift shop. Doesn't take long to visit and is part of the entrance fee with the Westgate Museum, just a minute's walk past the ruins of the old castle.
Written May 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! Thank you for your review of the Great Hall and Westgate Museum, we hope to see you again soon!
Written July 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BirminghamUKVisitor
Birmingham, UK252 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
The Hall houses the Round Table, which is amazing, but the information boards explain so much more about this fascinating place. You can smell the history in every stone. There's also a beautiful garden and high quality gift shop.
Written May 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello there, we are so glad that you enjoyed your visit to the Great Hall. It's great to hear that you found our information panels informative, and the garden a beautiful part of your visit. We hope to see you again soon!
Written July 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK10,472 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
This is a well preserved great hall, a remnant of the castle that was finally destroyed after the Civil War. The hall has lots of information boards and the Round Table (a 13th century creation) gives a fascinating insight into the medieval mindset.
The Long Gallery gives an illustrated history of the hall, including its use as a law court until the 1970s. Queen Eleanor's Garden is just outside the hall. Staff here were excellent and we bought the combined ticket that covers the Hall, Westgate Museum and City Museum.
The Long Gallery gives an illustrated history of the hall, including its use as a law court until the 1970s. Queen Eleanor's Garden is just outside the hall. Staff here were excellent and we bought the combined ticket that covers the Hall, Westgate Museum and City Museum.
Written April 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thank you for your visit to the Great Hall. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time here, and hope to see you again soon!
Written July 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cyrilthesquirrel
London, UK555 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This is a must place to visit, one of the finest 13th century Medieval aisled hall, home of King Arthur's Round Table, most interesting and very well laid out and very good information boards
Written February 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IdahoChick
Moscow, ID194 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Fascinating, well-kept historical site, well worth the visit and inexpensive to go in, compared to other historical sites. The fact that you can get a free guided tour by a local volunteer is worth the already very reasonable entrance price. We love coming here every time we visit the UK (we're based in the USA). I attended secondary school in Winchester and have visited the Great Hall many, many times, but seeing the Round Table--especially taking first-time visitors there--never gets old. There's always something new to learn, some new historical artifact I notice each time. Queen Eleanor's Garden is small, but lovely. The exhibits are thoughtfully laid out. The gallery is fascinating, and I love all the little details designed to spark kids' interest--the scavenger hunt on the information panels, the rack of medieval dressing-up clothes to borrow, the cool but affordable souvenirs in the gift shop. Great way to spend an hour. The little Westgate Museum next door is worth a peek, too.
Written January 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chesndave
New Zealand35 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Very interesting history, make sure you have the free guided tour as the guide adds much more than the information panels.
Can spend an hour here plus the guide. Very inexpensive when you look at more popular attraction which offer a lot less.
Can spend an hour here plus the guide. Very inexpensive when you look at more popular attraction which offer a lot less.
Written January 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlindMouseGB
Isle of Wight, UK68 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Visited Winchester from the Isle of Wight with my partner who lives in London. Only there overnight, and the Great Hall was top of the list of things that we wanted to see.
It was our first stop on Friday afternoon but, when we arrived, it was closed. No signs, no explanation and no warning, either outside the building, on their Facebook page or the official website which indicated it was open.
Thinking that at least we could visit in our way back on the Saturday, we saw the door was open and went in, only to be told that it was closed to visitors due to a private function. We were not even let in to take a photo of the round table.
Bitterly disappointed as this was not advertised anywhere.
With the popular Christmas Market on and the week before Christmas, I am sure that we were not the only people let down.
Really not good enough. Please update websites and social media so that people do not waste their time making an effort to visit from out of the area and leave feeling let down.
It was our first stop on Friday afternoon but, when we arrived, it was closed. No signs, no explanation and no warning, either outside the building, on their Facebook page or the official website which indicated it was open.
Thinking that at least we could visit in our way back on the Saturday, we saw the door was open and went in, only to be told that it was closed to visitors due to a private function. We were not even let in to take a photo of the round table.
Bitterly disappointed as this was not advertised anywhere.
With the popular Christmas Market on and the week before Christmas, I am sure that we were not the only people let down.
Really not good enough. Please update websites and social media so that people do not waste their time making an effort to visit from out of the area and leave feeling let down.
Written December 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris K
16 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Well worth a visit and price is good. Even the history of the place and the cost to maintain it, £4 is not much to pay. Not the biggest place on Earth but still worth every penny. For anyone complaining how "expensive it is", I'm sure they all go to get a very overpriced coffee in Costa or Starbucks. This is worth so much more than that. This is my second visit and I will be back
Written December 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Was this hall ever used as a court in the 70/80’s ?
Written October 11, 2018
Yes, it was were the courts were held until the 70's, the great door at one end takes you through to the current courts and the hall is used I think for investment of judges and a variety of things prior to going through the great doors to the courts.
Written April 13, 2019
would I be able to bring my wheelchair bound mother and is there a disabled toilet
Written January 28, 2016
Yes, the Great Hall is accessible and a disabled toilet is available, I cant post a link to the official website but it contains detailed access information.
Note that the Great Hall is up quite a steep hill from town centre so if travelling by train it would be best to visit Great Hall first and then walk down into town.
Written March 31, 2016
Hi, I hear that parking is a problem & queues tail back on M3 to even get into Winchester. I know there's a park & ride but not on Sundays, when we are going for Christmas Market. Have you any tips please, I'd be very grateful. Thanks
Written December 14, 2015
Probably too late for you but there is a multistory car park located quite close to the Great Hall
Written March 31, 2016
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