Themed Tours

Explore Winchester’s rich heritage in more depth. Join one of Winchester’s professional guides for a 90 minute walking tour, starting at Winchester Visitor Information Centre, Broadway, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9GH.

Winchester is alive with natural, historic and architectural treasures. Each year the Guides offer a programme of walking tours which allow them to share their special interests and enthusiasms. See some of the private buildings and hidden places of Winchester or follow a theme to uncover stories of the past. Enjoy some traditional seasonal delights as the year draws to a close – have some fun at Halloween or enjoy the special atmosphere of Winchester and Abbey House at Christmas.

Note: Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Eventbrite website by clicking below or on the day from the Visitor Information Centre if not already sold out.

This year’s Themed Tours and others, including Sherlock Holmes, the Battle of Cheriton and Eastern Winchester, can be booked as private tours. See the Group Tours page for more information.

For more information on the Themed Tours contact the Visitor Information Centre:
Tel: 01962 840500
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

800+ Years of Winchester Mayors

Step back in time with the Mayor's Walks in Winchester, a captivating series of guided tours presented by the Winchester Area Tourist Guides Association. Celebrating the city’s mayoralty, recognised as the oldest in England after London, these walks delve into the contributions of Winchester’s mayors over the last eight centuries. Starting at 2.30pm from the Guildhall steps, each walk offers intriguing stories, from the possibly imaginary first Mayor to a banquet that tragically impacted the Cathedral Dean and local oyster industry, and the fascinating tale of how King Alfred’s statue came about thanks to a Mayor named Alfred.

Led by a qualified Winchester tourist guide, the walks provide a unique perspective on the city’s rich history, including how past mayors managed royal visits, invading armies, and significant public works such as schools and clean water systems. Learn about their diverse roles and surprising efforts, including an attempt to improve the local accent.

The tour concludes at the Mayor’s official residence, Abbey House, a historical site not typically open to the public. Here, participants will enjoy a delightful tea and the chance to meet the current, 825th Mayor, Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith. This informal gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to extend your experience, ask questions, and engage in lively conversation about Winchester’s storied past.

Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to explore Winchester’s history through the lens of its mayors and enjoy a memorable afternoon in one of England’s most historic cities. Guests are welcome to stay at Abbey House until 4.30pm.

Please note that the tea and opportunity to meet the Mayor is in the upstairs reception room and there is no lift.