About
Royal Garrison Church began around 1212 as part of a hospital and hostel for pilgrims founded by the Bishop of Winchester. Its later life included service as an ammunition store and a place of worship for Portsmouth's garrison, before a firebomb raid in 1941 destroyed the nave roof. The contrast between the open nave and furnished, roofed chancel makes the wartime damage particularly clear. Look for the twentieth-century stained glass, which tells stories from the church's history and the Second World War. Visitors praise the volunteers for bringing these changes to life and recommend checking the limited opening dates before setting out. Parts of the church are wheelchair accessible, and nearby parking is separate from the site. Dogs on leads may enter the permitted outdoor areas, while only assistance dogs are admitted to the chancel.
ClosedSee all times
- Visitor accessCLOSED
Opening times may change at short notice.
Parts of the church are wheelchair accessible; chancel access follows the limited opening calendar.
2026-09-14 to 2026-11-01: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu CLOSED; Fri, Sat 11:00 - 16:00; Sun 13:00 - 16:00.
2026-11-02 to 2026-12-20: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun CLOSED.
2026-12-21 to 2026-12-27: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun CLOSED.
2026-12-28 to 2027-01-03: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun CLOSED.
2027-01-04 to 2027-03-14: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun CLOSED.
2027-03-15 to 2027-03-16: Mon, Tue CLOSED.
The dated calendar differs from older visitor text about the end of the autumn season. Follow the selected date in the official calendar; openings depend on volunteers.
Ordinary recorded admission is free for everyone; membership is not required.
Dogs at the location: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome outside the chancel; assistance dogs only in the chancel.
Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome outside the chancel; assistance dogs only in the chancel. Free exterior/grounds access during advertised times.
Dog walks in the surrounding area: Not confirmed. No separate surrounding dog-walking route and its access rules were verified in the official property information.
Leads: Keep dogs on leads in permitted areas.
Seasonal dog restrictions: Not confirmed; advertised opening dates and area closures still apply.
Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs welcome.
PricingFreeFree for all visitors
Free entry for everyone
Entry
Free for everyone
Pricing details
Free for everyone. Separate attractions, tours and parking may have their own charges.
ParkingParking not known
The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.
Parking details
Use short-stay roadside spaces adjacent to the church or a nearby charged public car park. Tariffs and restrictions are separate from admission; check signs.
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