Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)
Hampshire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Winchester, 0.7 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
College St, Winchester SO23 9NB
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- No dedicated car park; nearest public parking is in Winchester, about a five-minute walk away.
- Facilities
- No on-site facilities besides a small gift shop; picnicking is allowed on the grounds.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads are welcome.
- Safety
- Deep water and falling masonry are marked hazards; climbing on the ruins is not permitted.
The ruined palace of the medieval Bishops of Winchester, built between 1129 and 1171 by Henry of Blois - and the site of Mary I's wedding banquet to Philip of Spain in 1554. It's free, unstaffed, and run by volunteers, right in the heart of Winchester.
Who to know
Mary I · celebrated her wedding banquet to Philip of Spain here in 1554
Worth the trip
Standing where Mary I celebrated her wedding to Philip of Spain in 1554 - a specific, dateable event tied to a specific spot in the ruin.
Before you go
It's opened and closed by volunteers giving up their free time, so hours can be irregular - reviewers say don't be surprised if it's shut when you arrive, and bring wellies if it's been raining, since the ground can get wet.
Reviewers value Wolvesey as a free, peaceful medieval ruin close to Winchester Cathedral, rich with history connected to the Bishops of Winchester. A few practical notes recur: the site can flood after rain (wellies recommended), parts have been fenced off due to natural deterioration, and opening hours can be irregular since it's staffed by volunteers rather than always open.
“What the remains of the castle tells a unique story of the area history. Entry is free but bring some wellies if it has been raining. ☔️”- Adam Cohen, visitor review
Common questions about Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)
Where is Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)?
Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) is in Hampshire, England, at College St, Winchester SO23 9NB.
Is Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) free to visit?
Yes - Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by English Heritage. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)?
Standing where Mary I celebrated her wedding to Philip of Spain in 1554 - a specific, dateable event tied to a specific spot in the ruin.
Is Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) a ruin or still intact?
Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace) is a ruin.
