Winchester Cathedral events

A special interest tour with our knowledgeable guides exploring a thousand years of remembrance, resilience, and reverence.

Limited spaces: Only 12 participants per tour.
Saturday 7th November at 11:00am and 2:00pm and Wednesday 11th November at 10:30am

The Cathedral was born out of conflict between Saxons and Normans. Since its early beginnings when the first stone was laid in 1079 our Cathedral records and bears the marks and memories of conflict throughout the ages from the Hundred Years War, the Wars of the Roses, the English Civil War, overseas campaigns and wars to the truly awful First and Second World Wars to current conflicts. This tour showcases one of the most comprehensive collections of military and war memorials in the country and takes visitors up into the bell ringing chamber, the loft space above the Nave and through the rich collection of memorials in the main body of the Cathedral to the humblest of war memorials in the Crypt.

Important Information

• Due to the nature of the route, this tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
• Participants must be comfortable climbing 125 steps (with breaks) to access certain parts of the tour.
• The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, including ascent and descent.
• Suitable for ages 12+. (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Book here: https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/conflict-and-the-cathedral-tour/

Winchester Cathedral costs approximately £14,000 a day to run, and your admission fee plays a vital role in supporting its future. With no government or Church of England funding, we rely on visitor income to help care for and preserve this extraordinary building for generations to come.

Photo credit: Visit Winchester

Details
Fun for all the family, Winchester Cathedral's popular Winter event returns and everyone is welcome to join in.
Winchester Cathedral’s Family Lantern Parade returns on Monday 23 November 2026 with this year’s theme, Angel’s Message.
Parade from Winchester Cathedral through Winchester with your lanterns and light the way back to the cathedral where The Very Reverend Chris Palmer, Dean of Winchester will pick three winners in the categories listed below.
Prize categories:
• Best Small Lantern (under 1 metre)
• Best Large Lantern (over 1 metre)
• Best Community Lantern (for an organisation, group, school, club or business)
To register your participation in the Lantern Parade click ‘book now’ at the top of the page.
Please note that registering interest is not essential for attendance but would be appreciated by Winchester Cathedral so preparations can be made for expected numbers.
In the event of exceeding our maximum capacity in the Cathedral you may be invited to wait outside until the parade begins at 6.30pm, if you book a ticket, you will be guaranteed entry.

### Make your own lantern

You are encouraged to make your own lantern at home by reusing and recycling items which would otherwise have gone in the bin. Re-purpose your materials into something wonderful and give it a new lease of life at this year’s Lantern Parade.
It is important that only battery operated candles are used inside your lantern creations, no live flames please.

### Timings

Gather in the cathedral with your lanterns, from 5.30pm – You are welcome to gather in the cathedral with your lanterns from 5.30pm.
Carol singing, from 5.45pm – Sing along to festive classics that will warm your hearts and get you into the spirit of Advent and Christmas.
Judging of lanterns, from 6.00pm – The Very Reverend Chris Palmer, Dean of Winchester will begin to work his way through the lanterns, do look out for him and let him know what inspired your creation.
Group photo of all lanterns, from 6.15pm – An annual tradition, don’t forget to say cheese!
Get ready for the start of the parade, 6.30pm – Start to make your way out of the Great West Doors as the parade begins.
Parade route:
The parade will head past Bar Gate, turning left at Pret A Manger, heading up the High Street to the Buttercross monument where you’ll steer left, walking through the passage between L’Occitane En Provence and Kneaded, you’ll then walk across the diagonal on the cathedral grounds and the parade will end outside the West Front of the cathedral.
Closing speech and winner announcement, from 7.00pm – Depending on how long the parade will take, the closing speech and winners announcement, by The Reverend Dean Chris is expected to take place at 7pm.
Event closes,at 7.15pm Thanks for taking part in this year’s Lantern Parade, we hope to welcome you again next year

5th December 2026 - 3rd January 2027
A joyful and immersive way to experience the wonder of Christmas, where the Nativity comes to life and families can become part of the story in this fun and interactive festive experience. No booking required.
Follow the Christmas Story through Winchester Cathedral on a fun and interactive family trail this festive season. Step into the Nativity story and discover its characters in a whole new way as you explore six exciting activity stations around the Cathedral. Along the way, kids can make your own angel, learn to play Little Donkey on the xylophone, try your hand at herding your own family and enjoy a variety of festive challenges and surprises.

Collect your trail sheet and journey through the Christmas story, from the angel’s message to the arrival in Bethlehem. Perfect for curious minds, little explorers, and families looking to share a memorable Christmas adventure together, this hands-on trail brings the Nativity story to life through creativity, play, and discovery.

This family-friendly trail is included with your annual pass at no extra cost, and children aged 11 and under go free with a paying adult. Simply collect the trail from the Welcome Desk upon arrival.

Visit during Cathedral opening times.
Monday–Saturday: 9.00am–5.00pm
Sunday: 12.30pm–3.00pm. Last entry 30 mins before close.
Find how to join https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/christmas-story-family-trail/