Tourists offered 'first-of-its-kind' chance to stay at historic cathedral with a few rules

Winchester Cathedral, which dates back to 1093, announced in late July that it was opening up its deanery as a holiday rental.

Normally home to the cathedral's dean, the Tudor-era deanery has been unused since the last dean resigned in March 2025. The rental is available until a new one is appointed.

In its listing, the church said the deanery, which dates back to the reign of Henry VIII, is available as a vacation rental for the first time.

"Boasting features such as a 70-foot-long gallery - originally created to entertain Charles II of England - and a Roman mosaic in the porch, the deanery is set within the inner Cathedral Close and its residential community including priests and virgers," the statement describes.

The deanery also boasts an "abundant garden" filled with trees and flower beds, as well as proximity to the River Itchen - one of England's unique chalk streams that has "gin-clear waters."

The access includes tours and entry to areas "typically closed to the public unless accompanied by a guide," per the official.

"Based on the records available to us, this appears to be the first instance of a holiday let offering short-term stays to temporary guests within a cathedral building located within the cathedral close - a first of its kind," the spokesperson said.

The offer has a few caveats: You must rent for at least three days, and full payment is required at the time of booking.

Winchester Cathedral director of development Alasdair Akass called the deanery "a quintessential British home" that's been thoroughly modernized.

In a funny twist, the cathedral also noted that the first family to rent the deanery was from the United States - and happens to have the last name Winchester.

"[They] will occupy the building for 10 weeks for a family reunion," the statement added.

England's historic cathedrals are costly to maintain. 

Winchester Cathedral's site notes that the holiday rental contributes to the stunning roughly $19,000-a-day cost of upkeep.