A tour of the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, the 12th century palace of the Bishops of Winchester, led by one of Winchester's official Tourist Guides.

This tour will give a detailed historical overview of Wolvesey which was developed to look like a castle during the 1100s . You will find out about the earliest Anglo Saxon Palace, the excavations of the 1960s and what they revealed, and the East Hall built and designed to impress by Bishop Henri de Blois as well as his involvement during the Anarchy in the 1100s. The tour will end with descriptions of Queen Mary and Philip of Spain’s wedding banquet which took place at Wolvesey following their wedding in Winchester Cathedral in 1554.

Timings & Tours 

Friday 12 September: Tour starts at 11am

Location & directions 

Directions: Meet on College Street at entrance to Wolvesey Castle. The entrance to Wolvesey Castle is at the eastern end of College Street, near its junction with College Walk

Contact on day: Karen Dagwell

Booking information 

Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking required

Booking opens: 08 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes: 10 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Max no of people per tour: 12

Est. tour duration: 1 hours

Accessibility Details

The site has uneven gravel and grass surfaces and may be muddy. There are steps to get in. Tour not suitable for children.