Free Entry
Grounds open daily and museum open summer weekends
Address:
Winchester Road, Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire, SO32 1DH
Even by the standards of the powerful medieval Bishops of Winchester, Bishop’s Waltham in Hampshire was a grand residence. Much remains of the 12th- and 14th-century buildings, which were begun by Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen. Set within attractive grounds, they include the impressive three-storey tower and the fine windows of the great hall built by William of Wykeham, bishop from 1367 and founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford.
The palace’s lodging range later became a farmhouse and it now houses the Bishop's Waltham Museum – visit their website for details.
WHATS ON?
27 June – 29 June
Bishops Waltham Festival
Founded in 1995, Bishop’s Waltham Festival has been presenting exciting and creative performances in Bishop’s Waltham for 30 years. This year performances range from Children’s Ceilidh, folk, blues and jazz music to an outdoor performance of “The Secret Garden”. Organised and run by the Bishops Waltham Festival, visit their website for the full programme of events and booking details.
19 July 12:30 – 17:00
Party in the Palace
A FREE EVENT for resident's of Bishop's Waltham. Join us for Live music, children's entertainment including a quiet area. Food and drinks vendors, ice cream van, teas/coffee and cake. All welcome bring a picnic blanket and camping chairs and join the party!
Organised and run by the Bishops Waltham Parish Council, visit their website for the full programme of events and booking details.
Read more about the history of Bishop’s Waltham Palace.
Before You Go
Access: Parts of the grounds may be uneven and can become muddy in wet weather. The first floor of Bishop's Waltham Museum is accessed via a wooden staircase.
Parking: There is a car park and it is accessed off the B2177 just east of the junction with Station Road.
Opening Times: The grounds are open daily between April and September from 10am to 6pm, and daily between October and March from 10am to 4pm (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day).
The Bishop's Waltham Museum, a small local museum housed in the farmhouse buillding, is open from 12pm to 4pm at weekends and bank holidays from May to September & 12pm to 2pm during October. Exhibits include objects from Bishop's Waltham and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to the modern period - please visit the museum's website for more details.
Drone flying: Please follow our Drone guidance
Plan a Great Day Out
Why not pack a picnic for an abbey exploration day and take in nearby Titchfield Abbey, Southwick Priory and Netley Abbey? Or visit nearby Portchester Castle with its long and exciting history. You can enjoy a picnic in the grounds, or on the shore of the Solent and make sure to browse the gift shop.
The Bishops of Winchester owned a number of palaces throughout the country. Wolvesey Castle is just eight miles from Waltham Palace. A bit further afield you can also find Farnham Castle and Winchester Palace, Southwark.
