The Great Hall with Westgate Museum

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Where legend and history meet

Discover age-old stories of heritage, myth and lore, uncover the hall's battle scars and immerse yourself in the history of ancient secrets at Winchester's Great Hall. 

Take in the impressive, majestic surroundings and historic architecture, watched over by the iconic Round Table of Arthurian legend, which takes pride of place within the hall. The Great Hall was one of the largest and finest halls in England and is certainly one of the most exceptional of that period to have survived today. Its many features include stained-glass windows, a judges’ gallery and wrought steel gates that were installed in 1983 to commemorate the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.

From its life as a royal residence, to a defensive stronghold, a courtroom and now a thriving tourist destination, discover the place where history was made, and heritage is felt.

Westgate Museum - A medieval gateway to Winchester

Located at the top of the High Street in the historic city of Winchester, Westgate Museum is housed inside a surviving, fortified medieval gateway. The museum tells the story of this remarkable building and the history of Tudor and Stuart Winchester. It also offers unrivalled views over the city from its roof.  

A debtors’ prison for 150 years, this beautifully refurbished, ancient scheduled monument is the last of the main medieval gates into the city. Today, Westgate Museum’s displays include a famous collection of pre-imperial weights and measures and a fine painted ceiling commissioned by Winchester College in anticipation of a visit by Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain on the occasion of their marriage in Winchester in 1554.

Nearest parking at Tower Street Car Park.