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

☎️1962869864

⏰ 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 Journey Through History

The Great Hall, located at Address: The Castle, Castle Ave, Winchester SO23 8UJ, United Kingdom, stands as a truly remarkable historical landmark and a captivating tourist attraction. Connected to the wider Winchester Castle complex, it offers a tangible connection to centuries of British history, particularly the reigns of Kings Henry II and Richard I. Visitors are transported back in time as they explore the hall’s impressive architecture and learn about its significant role in medieval court life.

Location and Accessibility

Situated within the walls of Winchester Castle, The Great Hall benefits from its prestigious location within a historic setting. The castle itself is a significant landmark in Winchester, a city steeped in history and offering a wealth of other attractions. Getting to The Great Hall is straightforward; it's easily accessible by car or public transport. Parking is available, and the site is equipped with wheelchair accessible parking lot to ensure inclusivity for all visitors. The entrance itself is also wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to comfortably explore this magnificent space.

A Glimpse into the Past

The Great Hall’s history dates back to the 13th century, initially constructed by King Henry II. It was later extensively remodeled during the reign of King Richard I, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. The hall’s design is deliberately grand, reflecting the power and prestige of the monarchy. The central feature, often the subject of much admiration, is the magnificent table – a colossal piece of furniture that served as the focal point for royal banquets and important state occasions. It is said to have been large enough to seat over 70 guests, and its sheer size evokes a sense of awe and wonder. The table itself is not the original, but a carefully crafted replica that accurately captures the scale and grandeur of the original. Its presence instantly transforms the hall into a stage for imagining royal feasts and diplomatic meetings.

Key Features and Highlights

Stained Glass Windows: The hall is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows, each depicting scenes from the reigns of Henry II and Richard I. These intricate works of art offer a visual narrative of the period, showcasing important historical events and figures. The level of detail in the windows is remarkable, offering a mesmerising display of colour and craftsmanship.
The Great Table: As previously mentioned, the immense table dominates the hall, representing a significant architectural and historical feature.
Exhibition Spaces: The Great Hall houses various exhibition spaces that display artifacts and documents related to the castle’s history and the medieval period. These exhibits provide valuable context and deepen the visitor’s understanding of the hall’s significance.
Onsite Services: The site offers onsite services, including visitor information, restrooms, and a gift shop.

Visitor Feedback and Reputation

The Great Hall consistently receives positive feedback from visitors, as evidenced by its impressive average opinion: 4.4/5 on Google My Business. Many visitors describe the experience as “amazing,” highlighting the captivating atmosphere and the remarkable details of the hall. The stained glass windows are frequently cited as a particular highlight, with visitors expressing their delight at observing the intricate depictions of historical events. The sheer scale of the table evokes a sense of stepping back in time, allowing visitors to genuinely imagine the grandeur of medieval court life. The overall impression is one of a worthwhile and memorable visit. The site’s accessibility features further enhance the experience, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can fully appreciate its beauty and historical importance.

Recommended Information for Visitors

Opening Hours: It’s advisable to check the Website: historicwinchester.co.uk for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they can vary depending on the season.
Ticket Prices: Ticket prices are available on the website and vary depending on age and concessions.
Duration of Visit: Allow approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to fully explore the hall and its exhibits.
Photography: Photography is permitted for personal use.
Accessibility: As mentioned, the site is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms available. Audio guides are also available for those who would like a more detailed explanation of the hall’s history and features.

The Great Hall is more than just a building; it’s a portal to the past, offering a unique and immersive experience for history enthusiasts and visitors of all ages. With its stunning architecture, captivating exhibits, and convenient accessibility features, it is undoubtedly a good for kids and adults alike.

👍 Reviews of The Great Hall

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.