Bishop's Waltham Palace

Bishop's Waltham Palace
Aerial View of Bishop's Waltham Palace (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography
Bishop's Waltham Palace - Aerial View of Bishop's Waltham Palace (c) Interior View of the later Farmhouse - Interior View of the later Farmhouse (c)

The ruins of a medieval palace (together with later additions) used by the Bishops and senior clergy of Winchester as they travelled through their diocese. Winchester was the richest diocese in England, and its properties were grandiose and extravagantly appointed. Much of what can be seen today is the work of William Wykeham, who was bishop from 1367. There is an exhibition about the Winchester bishops on the first floor of the farmhouse.

Other palaces of the Bishops of Winchester include Farnham Castle Keep and Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace).

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
Grounds: 1 May-30 Sep10am-5pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sun.
FarmhouseOpen by request 
Guided Tours during Aug11amSun.

How much does it cost?

Adult:
Free
Children:
Free
Concession:
Free
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Admission charge may apply for farmhouse opening when available

How do I get there?

Address:
Hampshire - SO32 1DH
Road Access:
In Bishop's Waltham
Train Access:
Botley 3 1⁄2 miles
Bus Access:
Stagecoach in Hampshire 69 Winchester-Fareham (passes close to Winchester railway station and Fareham railway station); Solent Blue Line 8 from Eastleigh (passes Botley railway station)
Map Location:
Telephone:
01489 892460

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
ParkingSuitable for people with disabilitiesGuidebooksDogs allowed on leadsShopPicnic areaCivil WeddingsHazardousAvailable to hire for corporate and private eventsAdmission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Accessible WC in public car park 200m away.
Refreshments: Soft drinks and ice creams. Picnics welcome in grounds.
Access:
Access to buildings and grounds: Ramp at entrance. Furnished ground floor of farmhouse accessible to wheelchair users; external wide steps with handrail to upper floor exhibition, but internal staircase is winding. Most of the ruins and grounds are also accessible on impacted gravel paths and smooth grass, though a pusher may be necessary. Seats provided in farmhouse and grounds.
Parking:
30m from entrance; loose gravel surface. Disabled parking on site (Please contact custodian for access).
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Room furnishings and exhibits to touch; birdsong in wooded grounds. NB Visitors should be aware of steep drops, low walls and water-filled moat, and steps in farmhouse.

Further Info

Toilets are located nearby in Bishop's Waltham; Dogs on leads only in restricted areas