What's on in the area

City Museum

Daily

Cost: Free (school parties should book in advance)

Hours: Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12pm-5pm
Nov-Mar: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 12pm-4pm

The City Museum in Winchester traces the story of the city through extensive archaeological exhibits and a fine local history collection.

The museum recalls the city's prehistoric origins, its emergence as one of the largest towns in Roman Britain, and the reign of Alfred the Great, under whom it became the capital of Wessex and the Anglo-Norman kingdom. After this the exhibits show how Winchester fell into decline, starting with the Middle Ages, when government was moved to London, the devastation by the Black Death in the 14th century and the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII.

The museum ends on a lighter note with the city's revival period, starting with the building of a palace by Charles II, which made it into a fashionable market town, and its development as a shopping centre and tourist destination from the 19th century onwards.

Please note that from November to March the museum is not open on Mondays. For more information, please visit the Winchester City Council website.

City Museum