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:
800+ Years of Winchester MayorsStep 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.
Tickets: £15 (plus booking fee).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH
800+ Years of Winchester Mayors - A Guided Walk.
When: Sat, Aug 31, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Tickets: £15 (plus booking fee).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH.
800+ Years of Winchester Mayors - A Guided Walk.
When: Mon, Sep 23, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Tickets: £15 (plus booking fee).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH.
800+ Years of Winchester Mayors - A Guided Walk.
When: Fri, Oct 4, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Tickets: £15 (plus booking fee).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH.
800+ Years of Winchester Mayors - A Guided Walk.
When: Sat, Mar 8, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Tickets: £15 (plus booking fee).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH.
800+ Years of Winchester Mayors - A Guided Walk.
When: Sat, Mar 22, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Tickets: £15 (plus booking fee).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH.
800+ Years of Winchester Mayors - A Guided Walk.
When: Fri, Apr 4, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Tickets: £15 (plus booking fee).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH.
Christmas at Abbey HouseAn opportunity to visit Abbey House, the official residence of the Mayor of Winchester. After a tour round the principal rooms enjoy a glass of mulled wine and mince pies with the Mayor. This tour starts next door at the Visitor Information Centre in the Guildhall.
This is a tour which will give you access to an important public building not normally open to members of the pubic. The tour gives a brief history of the house from about 1700 and its evolution over the years up to its acquisition by Winchester City Council in the 1890s and it becoming the official Mayor’s residence. It will include the principal rooms within the house focusing on their use and the many and varied contents, all of which form part of the Winchester City Council collection. At the end there will be a chance to meet the Mayor, see the Mayor's regalia and ask questions about the role as well as enjoy a Christmas glass of mulled wine and mince pies!
There are stairs and limited space in parts of the house which make this tour unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Numbers are limited so advance booking is recommended. The tour price includes a donation to the Mayor’s charities. Minimum age 12 years old.
Tickets: £16 (including a donation).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH
An opportunity to visit Abbey House, the official residence of the Mayor of Winchester.
When: Wed, Dec 4, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Tickets: £16 (including a donation).
Venue: Visitor Information Centre, The Broadway, Winchester SO23 9GH.