Welcome to the historic and culturally rich city of Winchester, nestled in the picturesque county of Hampshire, England. Over time, Winchester has become one of the most expensive and affluent areas located in the United Kingdom. Also, Winchester’s major landmark is Winchester Cathedral. The University of Winchester is located here.
Furthermore, one of the best ways to delve into the city’s heritage is by exploring its top museums. In this guide, we will take you on a tour of five exceptional museums, each offering a unique perspective on Winchester’s history and culture.
A Visit to a Museum in Winchester
Read on to discover all the fantastic things the five best museums in Winchester offer their visitors.
1. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium (A Science Museum)
Location: Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ, United Kingdom.
Winchester Science Centre (formerly known as INTECH) is an outstanding, hands-on, interactive science and technology centre. It is situated in Morn Hill, just outside Winchester in Hampshire, England.
The centre was inaugurated in the year 2002. The science centre houses a wide range of interactive exhibits intended for a core audience of children aged 5–12 years old.
The visitors can explore breathtaking projects and scientific secrets on the seabed at Bringing Research to Life. Additionally, they can also witness what the scientists are doing with bugs and germs.
Experts and students at the University of Southampton and Surrey University have taken part in creating this area. As a result, they have put forward lots of brilliant research and projects to share with visitors.
Furthermore, visitors can watch STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) come to life in the Science Theatre shows. Indeed, visitors can delve into the magical mysteries of STEM’s most thrilling topics.
Indeed, the astounding demos here are completely unmissable by the visitors.
1.1. The Planetarium
The visitor can enjoy the planetarium’s giant screen. It is set to make them feel like they’re flying through space with stars and planets everywhere.
This is a perfect place to watch a fantastic full-dome film or an amazing live show.
2. The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum
Location: Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TH, United Kingdom.
The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum is one of several regimental museums that form part of Winchester’s Military Museums.
This splendid museum housed the collections of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and was renamed 1st Green Jackets (43rd and 52nd) on 7 November 1958.
The collections of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and the Rifle Brigade ( both of which had been at Peninsula Barracks) are also present here.
These regiments went on to form the Green Jackets Brigade in 1958 and the Royal Green Jackets Regiment in 1966.
2.1. Collections
Set against a display of the original campaign medals spelling out ‘WATERLOO,’ visitors can view the exhibition’s centrepiece, a 25 square meter diorama of the Waterloo battlefield.
In summary, the diorama with 30,000 model soldiers and horses depicts the fighting on June 18, 1815.
The Victoria Cross display “For Valour” explains the personal histories of each of the regiment’s 59 soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross.
3. The Gurkha Museum
Location: Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS, United Kingdom.
The Gurkha Museum commemorates the service of Gurkha soldiers to the British Crown. This relationship has existed since 1815 and is part of Winchester’s Military Museums.
3.1. Collections
The collections comprise dioramas, showcases, and interactive touchscreen displays. There are striking visual and audio depictions of Nepal and the Gurkhas’ renowned military history. This includes the award of Victoria Crosses.
In summary, the collections tell the exciting story of Gurkha’s service to the Crown in numerous wars and campaigns.
Indeed, the fantastic collections explain the history of the four Gurkha regiments which transferred to the British Army in the year 1948 (the Royal Gurkha Rifles, The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, the Queen’s Gurkha Signals and the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment).
Also, the museum houses a library, archives facility and research room on the second floor.
4. The Westgate Museum
Location: High St, Winchester SO23 9AP, United Kingdom.
The Westgate Museum tells the exciting history of Tudor and Stuart Winchester, and it also offers breathtaking rooftop city views.
This gorgeously refurbished listed monument is the last of the chief medieval gates into the city.
Currently, Westgate Museum features a well-known collection of pre-imperial weights and measures and a fine-painted ceiling. It was created for Winchester College in anticipation of a visit by Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain on their marriage in Winchester.
4.1. An Ancient City Gate
The medieval Westgate Museum building, dating mainly to the 12th–14th centuries, can be explored by the visitors. It is positioned on the site of earlier gates dating back to Roman times.
Indeed, the atmospheric Westgate chamber allows the visitors to climb up to where they can see the portcullis arch and gun ports that formed a part of the city defences.
The fantastic graffiti carved by debtor prisoners from the 16th–18th centuries is something the visitors cannot miss. They can view the exclusive set of Winchester standard weights and measures.
These were once used in the city to prevent unscrupulous traders from ‘giving short measure’.
4.2. A Tudor Royal Wedding
Westgate Museum showcases displays telling the exciting story of Winchester in the 16th and 17th centuries.
In 1554, Queen Mary Tudor married Philip of Spain in Winchester Cathedral.
The Westgate Museum now houses a beautiful Tudor ceiling commissioned by Warden White of Winchester College.
4.3. Westgate Chamber
In the corner of the Westgate chamber, a gruesome set of gibbeting irons reputedly used to showcase the executed body of Jack the Painter can be spotted by the visitors.
4.4. Gift Shop
The Westgate Museum offers its visitors an exhibition shop. Visitors can purchase beautiful gifts and souvenirs during their visit.
In summary, these items include souvenirs of historic Winchester, guidebooks, postcards, and items suitable for children and adults.
5. HorsePower: The Museum of King’s Royal Hussars
Location: Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TS, United Kingdom.
HorsePower: The Museum of the King’s Royal Hussars is a splendid military museum in Winchester, Hampshire. It is dedicated to documenting the King’s Royal Hussars, a cavalry regiment of the British Army.
The museum also houses a shop. Visitors can find a range of military-related products and memorabilia here.
During the visit, a nearby cafe, Copper Joes, also situated in the Peninsula Barracks, is an excellent place to relax.
5.1. Exhibits
The museum houses exhibits, including military uniforms, medals, weapons, equipment, models, and armoured vehicles.
Audio-visual displays, photographs, virtual tours, and life-sized model horses support the exciting exhibits.
The museum also showcases numerous paintings which cover a wide range of subjects, including former significant generals.
Our Take on Museums in Winchester
A visit to these museums not only educates but also sparks curiosity and a profound appreciation for the past, the present, and the intricate threads that weave together the fabric of Winchester’s identity. Therefore, the museums in Winchester are fabulous places to dig into the history and culture of this city in the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, the museums enrich visitors with historical knowledge. So, whether you’re a resident or a curious traveller, include these museums in your Winchester itinerary to enhance your understanding of this historic city. Indeed, a visit also provides incredible learning opportunities in science and technology.
Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Apeksha Soni
