Overview

Head to Winchester Cathedral and marvel at one of the most spectacular Gothic buildings in all Europe. Built on the site of an early Christian church, the Grade I listed building dates from 1079. It has gone through various architectural transformations over the centuries. Soaring gothic arches were added in the 14th century and then the cathedral was made more ornate in the two centuries that followed. Much of the cathedral you see today was complete by the 16th century.

Inside you will find exquisite 14th century oak carved choir stalls bathed in the colourful light that spills from the soaring medieval stained glass windows. There's a low-vaulted stone crypt, which you can see from a viewing platform, which is home to a life-size statue of a man by British sculptor Antony Gormley. And literature fans shouldn't miss the tombstone of novelist Jane Austen, who was laid to rest here in 1817. Your admission ticket includes a one-hour guided tour of the cathedral and a 20-minute tour of the crypt.