HERITAGE OPEN DAYS, 10-13 September 2015
Every year on the second weekend of September, heritage sites across England open for visits, free of charge – including some places which aren't open at other times. There are similar schemes across Europe during September. Here is a list of what's happening in Winchester this year:
Guided tour of Winchester College
College Street, Winchester, SO23 9NA
Concentrating on the medieval heart of the College, guided tours last around an hour and include Chamber Court, which takes its name from the Scholars' and Fellows' chambers enclosing it, the 14th Century Gothic Chapel with one of the earliest examples of a wooden, vaulted roof, College Hall, the original Scholars' dining room, "School", the 17th Century redbrick schoolroom, and the medieval cloisters.
Only a few places available on Thursday 10th, 1015 & 1130. Booking required by 31 August, 01962 621209 or enterprises@wincoll.ac.uk. Not suitable for children under 11.
Chesil Theatre
4 Chesil Street, Winchester, SO23 0HU
Theatre management, set construction, costume design, lighting designs and applications, sound arrangements, special effects. History of theatre and church. The building (formerly the church of St Peter, Chesil) has a colourful history and is first mentioned in the Winton Domesday Records dated 1148. Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th, 1000-1600.
No booking required, but maximum 6 people per tour. Not suitable for children under 5.
St John's House/YMCA Winchester
The Broadway, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9BE
St John's House is one of the oldest buildings in Winchester, with roots back to the 13th Century. You will discover hidden gems in our café situated in the building's undercroft and relive the music of Paganini and Liszt who once played in our Regency ballroom. There will be leaflets and volunteers on hand to answer any questions and to show visitors various parts of the building. Find out about the hidden door and the fake windows, and when you have finished, enjoy a well-earned hot drink and cake in the café.
Thursday 10th and Friday 11th 0900-1700, Sunday 13th 1000-1600. No booking required.
Winchester Quaker Meeting House
16 Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LH
The Meeting House is a three story Georgian building (c.1774) with many interesting features. It was a private dwelling, then St Lawrence Rectory, before being bought by the Quakers in 1973. It has a large walled garden with a stream running through. There are views of the cathedral and Wolvesey Palace and Castle. There will be an exhibition of drawings and sketches by Andrew Rutter, made in and around Winchester. Cream teas will be served.
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th, 1300-1700. No booking required
And specially for CWT members:
Hampshire Cultural Trust
Behind-the-scenes tours of the Trust's collections at Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane, Winchester SO23 8RD, home to the county's special collections of archaeology, arts, natural sciences and social & industrial history, and of Winchester City's collections at the nearby Bar End store.
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Two sessions available on Friday 11th, 0930-1230 and 1330-1630. Booking is essential: please ring 01962 826700.
Access information Please check with the sites if you have special access needs. Most of these sites have no on-site parking for visitors, so plan to park at one of the nearby public car parks.
More information at www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/laa/Winchester