Winchelsea’s famous medieval cellars open to visitors during the summer months.
The town has two organisations that run guided tours, Friends of the Ancient Monuments (FOAM) and Winchelsea Archaeological Society (WAS). Tours are run by volunteers. The proceeds of FOAM tours are devoted to the upkeep of Winchelsea’s most significant medieval structures. The proceeds of WAS tours support WAS’s objectives – to research, preserve and educate about the archaeological features of the town.
FOAM CELLAR TOURS
Tours begin at 11am at the Town Well in Castle Street and last about 1½ hours. Please book our tours via email – cellars@winchelsea.com – or phone 07596 182874. Private tours for groups of 15 or more can be arranged – please email us if this is of interest. Full information about the cellars can be found here.
July Sun 1, Sat 21, Sun 22, Sat 28, Sun 29; August Sat 11 (Winchelsea Fete – Blackfriars Cellar only), Sat 25, Sun 26; September Sat 8 (Heritage Open Day – Blackfriars Barn Cellar only – Free tour at 11am); October Sat 13, Sun 14.
The following September tours should be booked through the Rye Arts Festival booking office by phone, 01797 224442 or by clicking here to book online: Tue 18, Thurs 20, Sat 22 (also NGS Autumn Open Gardens), Mon 24, Wed 26, Thurs 27, Sat 29.
WAS CELLAR TOURS
Tours begin at 2pm at the Town Well in Castle Street and last about 1½ hours.
Bookings can be made in advance for these tours – phone 01797 224637 or email andrewscottb@aol.com, or turn up on the day. Private tours for groups of about 15 can be arranged – please contact us for information.
Standard Tours costing £5 including a free cellar guide booklet.
July Sat 7, Sat 28; August Sun 12, Sun 26; September Sat 22; October Sun 7, Sun 28.
Special Tours costing £8 and including Blackfriars Barn Cellar and
its very rare medieval ship graffiti.
Wednesday afternoons – August 22, September 19, October 17.
Heritage Open Day tour of Blackfriars Barn Cellar only – Free tour at 2pm meeting on the Cricket Field, opposite Wesley’s Chapel on Rectory Lane (A259).
