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The Hospital of St Cross

The Medieval Hospital of St Cross nestles in water meadows beside the River Itchen and is one of England's oldest almshouses. The tranquil, walled Master's Garden, created in the late C17 by Bishop Compton, now contains colourful herbaceous borders, old-fashioned roses, interesting trees and a large fish pond. The plant beds in the Compton Garden were repositioned and replanted in 2023.

Owner Info

The Hospital of St Cross

About The Hospital of St Cross

The Master’s Garden is named after the celebrated botanist and horticulturalist Bishop Henry Compton who, as Master of St Cross in the late 17th century, created a garden here. It includes a wide range of plants with flowering interest throughout the year. There are colourful herbaceous borders, old fashioned roses, interesting trees and a large fish pond.

The Compton Garden, also named in his memory, was created in 1986 and recently revised in 2023, is planted with the type of rare and unusual plants that he imported from America for his garden at Fulham Palace when he was Bishop of London from 1675-1713.

There are three parking spaces available for Blue Badge holders on a first-come-first-served basis located in the Outer Courtyard.

Location details

The Hospital of St Cross,
Winchester,
Hampshire,
SO23 9SD

Directions to The Hospital of St Cross
From city centre take B3335 (Southgate St & St Cross Rd) S. Turn L immed before The Bell Inn. If walking follow riverside path S from Cathedral & College, approx 20 mins.

The Hospital of St Cross openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Light refreshments in the Hundred Men's Hall in the Outer Quadrangle. Refreshments in aid of The Hospital of St Cross.
Admission Adult: £5.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access, but surfaces are uneven in places.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at The Hospital of St Cross at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at The Hospital of St Cross, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at The Hospital of St Cross are accessible to wheelchair users.

The Hospital of St Cross is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.