The Great Hall with Westgate Museum

Calling all budding detectives! Brand new this Summer! Do you have what it takes to join our agency as a Time Detective?

The Time Detective Agency is in charge of time travel missions through Historic Winchester and we need fresh recruits to help us! With challenges spanning four inspiring, historic attractions across Winchester, you’ll be put to the test and learn about the city’s amazing history in the process. Build your Time Detective pack as you complete each element of your training; Create your alias documentation with an accompanying coat of arms at The Great Hall Escape the past at the Westgate and earn your Time Detective warrant card Build your time travel device at Winchester City Museum Put your undercover Anglo-Saxon skills to the test and record your findings in your Field Agent’s Notebook at 878 AD Complete all of your training missions to have your Time Detective ID badge stamped and receive your Time Detective Agency pin badge!

What else? If you’re looking for a fantastic day out with the kids, look no further than The Great Hall with Westgate Museum. Combining rich history, captivating stories, and plenty of interactive fun, The Great Hall with Westgate Museum is the ideal destination for an educational and entertaining day trip.

History of The Great Hall Built by William the Conqueror, Winchester Castle was the seat of power of medieval monarchs. The Great Hall, one of the finest medieval halls in the 13th century in England, and the Westgate, which served as the castle’s primary defence, are now the sole survivors of this once magnificent historical site! The Great Hall This is the place where legend and history meet.

Are you excited to step back in time? Discover age-old stories of heritage, myth and lore, uncover the hall's battle scars and immerse yourself in the history of ancient secrets at Winchester's Great Hall. Take in the impressive, majestic surroundings and historic architecture, watched over by the iconic Round Table of Arthurian legend, which takes pride of place within the hall.

From its life as a royal residence to a defensive stronghold, a courtroom and now a thriving tourist destination, discover the place where history was made, and heritage is felt! You can even uncover secret passages that were created for a surprise attack - or to return safely to the castle in times of battles and siege. Do you want to know the most impressive feature of The Great Hall Houses?

The legendary Round Table of King Arthur!! It's literally on display at the end of the hall. You can learn all about its unique role and uncover its influence on the kings of the past.

Queen Eleanor's Garden Fancy stepping outside? You can explore the recreated medieval garden named after the queens Eleanor of Provence and Eleanor of Castile. You'll discover a tunnel of vine arbour, turf seats, a fantastic fountain and a peaceful paradise with growing herbs and flourishing plants that were abundant in the 13th century.

It's truly extraordinary! Westgate Museum A medieval gateway to Winchester located at the top of the High Street in the historic city of Winchester, Westgate Museum is housed inside a surviving, fortified medieval gateway. The museum tells the story of this remarkable building and the history of Tudor and Stuart Winchester.

It also offers unrivalled views over the city from its roof. A debtors’ prison for 150 years, this beautifully refurbished, ancient scheduled monument is the last of the main medieval gates into the city. If you visit Westgate Chamber you can discover a gruesome set of gibbering irons that were used to show the executed body of Jack the Painter - find out more about him too!

Plus, if you look carefully, you'll be able to spot the prisoner's graffiti that was carved into the walls of their rooms and on the floorboards. Today, Westgate Museum’s displays include a famous collection of pre-imperial weights and measures and a fine-painted ceiling commissioned by Winchester College in anticipation of a visit by Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain on the occasion of their marriage in Winchester in 1554. Family-Friendly Activities If you're looking for family-friendly activities, you'll find lots of hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy during your visit.

Try on a replica coat of armour and Tudor costumes and pose for a photograph! Make a brass rubbing to take away and have a go at the Westgate spotter trail. Throughout the year, they run a programme of fun, family-friendly events and activities!

Why We Think The Great Hall with Westgate Museum The Great Hall with Westgate Museum is a must-visit destination for families seeking a fun, educational, and engaging day out. Its unique blend of history, interactive exhibits, and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect spot for a memorable family adventure. Not only will you dive into the fascinating history of The Great Hall but also explore the medieval building!