Summer family fun

Brand new to the cathedral, this interactive family-friendly exhibition combines art, science and engineering, guaranteed to delight a range of ages.

Taking place in the North Transept of Winchester Cathedral, there’s no pre-booking required as entry is included with your annual pass.

Our new self-guided offer for children and families.  Creatures belonging to characters from the cathedral’s past and present have escaped and are hiding around the church.  Can you find them all and reunite them with the right owners?  When you do, each one has a fun challenge for you to complete together as a reward!

Free with your annual pass.

Thank you to Stagecoach who have sponsored this summer family trail.

Join the Learning and the Gardening Teams on the Cathedral estate to explore our grounds this summer holiday. We will be looking at tree rings, searching for bugs, learning about our composting and so much more!

Pre-booking essential. Suitable for ages 5+

Join for an hour of crafting and story time. Each week’s craft activity will have a brand new theme, from dragons and lions to unicorns and monkeys, meaning you can visit throughout summer to collect a range of creatures! At the end of the session you’ll have handmade your very own souvenir and listened to a story, all set in the beautiful surroundings of the cathedral’s Undercroft.

Pre-booking essential. Suitable for ages 3-11.

This funny, much-loved, exciting family adventure tells the story of Dr John Dolittle’s unique skill of how to talk to animals. This play is suitable for ages 5+.

Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Doctor Watson tackle the most baffling case of their careers in this cheeky but chilling adaptation. This play is suitable for ages 8+.

Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for a brand-new telling of this classic fairy tale, with original music and sparkling humour. This play is suitable for all ages.

45 minute tours of the cathedral to delight family groups. 

Subject to guide availability. Enquire at Welcome Desk on arrival. Free with your annual pass.

The perfect activity for curious minds; visit the three-level Kings and Scribes exhibition inside the cathedral for the ultimate hands-on learning experience. Explore 3D objects, design your own stained glass window and watch the Cathedral Scribes practice their calligraphy.

With a range of interactive displays and enthusiastic Guides to answer your questions,  this exhibition is guaranteed to be a hit with all ages.

Entry included with a valid annual pass to the cathedral.

Services are welcome to all ages and worship is always free of entry charge. Children may enjoy Evensong services more, as this provides an opportunity to listen to the choirs singing.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Cathedral Cafe has a calming atmosphere, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect location to recharge.

Enjoy views of Winchester Cathedral whilst you tuck into tasty treats including Children’s specials:

• Nutella and fresh banana pancakes
• Blueberry compote and yoghurt
• Fish fingers chips and peas (Omega 3 fish or plant based fish)
• Tricolour fusili pasta, tomato sauce and cheese
• Cheddar cheese toasted sandwich and chips

Visit the Winchester Cathedral Gift Shop to browse a range of products inspired by the life, history and treasures of Winchester Cathedral.

From cuddly toys to children’s books, there’s something for all interests.

There’s so much to explore and enjoy at this time of year, especially for families. Download the Summer 2024 What’s On Guide to explore the possibilities of your upcoming visit!