After an enforced two year break, Winchelsea cellar tours are back in business. A full programme of tours of these celebrated medieval cellars is planned for the whole of the spring and summer season, with the first tour taking place on Easter Saturday, April 16. Tours will take place on most Saturday mornings, plus some high days and holidays, throughout the 2022 season, all starting at 11am at the town well in Castle Street (TN36 4EL). Full details of dates can be found on the town website.
At this stage, bookings are open for April, May and June with the remainder of the season to follow later. Numbers on each tour are strictly limited and pre-booking is strongly recommended. The tours, which cost £10 per person, can be booked by emailing cellars@winchelsea.com or by phoning 07596 182874.
Led by volunteer local guides, visitors will hear the story of the foundation of the new town of Winchelsea by King Edward I and of its building following the destruction of Old Winchelsea by the great storm of 1287. They will also learn about the construction of its many cellars and their role in the lucrative wine trade with Bordeaux, which briefly made the Cinque Port of Winchelsea one of England’s principal trading hubs in the 14th century.
The tours generally last for around one and a half hours. All proceeds from the tours, which are run by Winchelsea’s very own conservation charities, are used to support the maintenance of the town gates, the other ancient monuments in the town and Winchelsea Museum.
In addition to our public tours, private tours are also offered for local clubs, societies and special interest groups. Please get in touch with the cellar tours team if you would like to discuss this – contact details as above.
Image Credits: Winchelsea Archaeological Society .