Description: The Westgate Museum is situated in a former city Gate at the top end of Winchester High Street near the Great Hall. It is free to get into. Originally built in the 12th Century, there were modifications in the subsequent two centuries, and the building has been used as a fortified gateway as well as a prison before becoming a museum in 1898.
It is only a small museum and we were not in here for very long. There are exhibits depicting the area in the past and they sell a small selection of tasteful, relevant gifts. There are children’s activities, and you can try your hand at brass rubbing (for a small charge of a few pounds depending on the size of the rubbing you wish to do). They also have some replica armour which you can try on (which we did – at least the helmet in my case). The main reason we decided to visit it, is that they advertised views of the city from the roof. The roof is only two flights and offers a lovely view of…The High Street. You can’t see the Cathedral from here even, but you can see the Great Hall (all of about 35m away) although the view was hampered by scaffolding on an adjacent building on the day we went up.
You enter the small museum from the pavement and climb up the stairs to the first floor museum. There is no disabled access and the stairs are quite steep, particularly the second floor set that take you up to the roof - tall people need to duck here, actually so do average height people!. I can say that the two staff members were very helpful and enthusiastic and could no doubt help you with any other questions you have about Winchester past and present.
I wouldn’t say this museum, whilst pleasant enough, is not worth going out of your way for. If you are passing or have an interest in brass rubbings or trying on armour then by all means have a look. I estimate we were there no more than 15-20 minutes and that included trying on helmets and taking in the view.
Opening Times
April-October:
Mon-Sat 10-5
Sunday 12-5
Feb-March
Tues-Sat 10-4
Sunday 12-4
Seemingly closed between November and the beginning of February
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