Summer season at the Westgate
For over a hundred years the Westgate has provided a unique view of Winchester life, and this year the experience is set to be even better for visitors. The much-loved monument now boasts new interpretation panels on its roof, looking down what is arguably the country’s oldest High Street, and unveiling the interesting histories of some of the other buildings that can be seen.
There is plenty going on at the museum throughout the summer. Winchester City Council’s Exhibitions Co-ordinator, Mark Barden, said, “The Westgate is one of Winchester’s iconic buildings, and we recently celebrated its re-opening after the winter closure with a full muster by the Sealed Knot Civil War Society. The group will also be taking part in the Battle of Cheriton Living History weekend, Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July, and we hope to conclude the Westgate’s 2011 season on the same theme with a ‘Stuart Day’ in the autumn.”
Some changes to the opening hours have recently been made, in line other Council budget reductions brought about by the national and local constraints on public spending. The museum will still open at weekends during its traditional open season and will also be open at other times for special events, tours and educational visits. Admission will remain free.
The new opening times are as follows:
Every weekend between February half term and October half term
Feb-March Sat 10am-4pm; Sun noon-4pm
April-Oct Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm
Head of Museums Geoff Denford commented, “All our research has shown that the weekend is the most popular visiting time for visitors. Though any reduction in opening hours is to be regretted, we hope we can retain our position as one of Winchester’s most loved and most visited historic buildings.”
A full list of events at the Westgate Museum can be found at www.winchester.gov.uk/events