Winchester Christmas Market – secret suggestions from an area!

Planning a visit to Winchester Christmas Market this yr? Right here’s every little thing it is advisable know, together with the right way to plan your journey, the place to remain in Winchester and what to get – it’s the final word Winchester Christmas Market information.

Winchester Christmas Market is broadly thought of one of many greatest Christmas markets within the UK– and for good motive. It’s full of life, giant and has some unbelievable exhibitors from all around the world.

Winchester Christmas Market is related to Winchester Cathedral – the market is actually set within the Cathedral grounds, which creates top-of-the-line backdrops for a Christmas Market ANYWHERE. Critically, the setting is completely magical.

Winchester is probably not one of many largest Christmas markets in Europe (like these ones!) nevertheless it’s undoubtedly price a go to in the event you’re within the UK from November to December – see dates right here.

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Why go to Winchester Christmas Market?

Winchester Christmas Market is positioned proper subsequent to Winchester Cathedral. It’s superbly embellished, has a terrific ambiance with numerous scrumptious locations to eat, drink and over 100 picket chalets promoting all method of lovely items. 

There’s additionally an ice rink (though that is being changed for 2023 by a performing stage), a nativity scene and the remainder of Winchester to discover, which is one in every of the perfect UK cities to go to in December. I used to be fortunate sufficient to go to varsity in Winchester and it truly is a stupendous metropolis, with some implausible retailers, bars, eating places and historical past! 

It’s additionally one of many greatest Christmas markets for households– there’s masses to do for youths (together with the open-air ice rink), however close by you will have loads of different enjoyable Christmas actions for youths, reminiscent of Marwell Zoo, Santa steam practice and extra!

Don’t overlook to pop into Winchester Cathedral and see Jane Austen’s grave and the Winchester Bible- even in the event you’re not non secular, that is INCREDIBLE to see. It dates from the twelfth century and the gilding on the letters is simply as brilliant because it was 800 years in the past!

Don’t miss the Star of Marvel illuminations and lightweight present inside Winchester Cathedral- usually held the final full week earlier than Christmas (verify occasions of companies earlier than you intend your journey.)

Winchester Christmas Market exhibitors

The exhibitors range yearly, however yow will discover all the same old Christmas market merchandise that you simply’ll discover at all the greatest Christmas markets in England, issues like candles, carved picket ornaments, decorations, personalised handmade items and Christmas wreaths. Additionally, you will discover extra distinctive presents, like glassware, jewelry, rugs, blankets, scarves and photographs. 

There’s a beautiful concentrate on ‘Better of British’, with many exhibitors showcasing UK items, meals and crafts. 

Right here’s an inventory of merchants on the Winchester Christmas Market this yr.

How a lot does Winchester Christmas Market value?

Nothing. It’s free to enter Winchester Christmas market. You do have to pay for the ice rink although (reserving upfront is really helpful.

What dates is the Winchester Christmas Market on this yr?

You may see the precise dates and opening occasions for the Winchester Christmas Market right here

When is the perfect time to go to?

If attainable, go to Winchester market on a weekday within the morning if you wish to store. These are by far the quietest occasions and you’ll really be capable of see issues, browse and time your time.

If it’s important to go to on a weekend, go within the morning. Once more, it’s noticeably quieter earlier than lunch. Many, MANY excursions from all around the world go to Winchester market, so the sooner you may get there, the higher. 

If you wish to benefit from the ambiance, meet buddies for drinks and really feel festive, the night on a Thursday- Saturday is a superb time to go to. Simply don’t anticipate a lot seating when you drink and use our professional tricks to get pleasure from top-of-the-line Christmas markets in Europe.

Winchester Christmas Market instructions – the right way to discover it!

Head to Winchester Cathedral. You’ll discover the doorway (and possibly queue!) close to the primary Cathedral doorways. You don’t go contained in the Cathedral, however down the trail subsequent to it. Don’t fear in the event you’re confused- it’s effectively signposted and there are many individuals round to assist direct you. 

The place to park in Winchester

You may’t park proper subsequent to the Christmas Market, even in the event you’re a less-abled customer. You’ll have to park in one of many metropolis automobile parks, that are no less than a 5-minute stroll away. 

Alternatively, use one of many metropolis Park and Journey buses- they’ll drop you off inside a 2/3 minute stroll. All are cleared sign-posted from whichever path you’re travelling from and all are roughly the identical. Simply cease on the first one you come to, pay attention to which one you’re in, and ask the motive force the place the gathering level to return is. Additionally, verify what time the final bus again is!!

And sure, they’ve house for motorhomes and campervans and canines are allowed on the bus.

The place to remain in Winchester

One choice is to plan a UK street journey and both rent a campervan. There are many nice locations to go to round Hampshire- you would flip it right into a street journey. Alternatively, deal with your self to an evening in a beautiful Winchester resort and have a mini-break. Winchester is well accessible from London by each practice or street.

We extremely suggest the Winchester Resort & Spa– the workers are pleasant, rooms are pretty and it’s straightforward to entry town centre, however there are many different choices which could fit your finances higher.

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Are canines allowed?

Surprisingly, sure, canines are allowed in Winchester Market- though truthfully, I’d be reluctant to carry mine. It’s busy, noisy and crowded. Loads of individuals do carry their canines, however I don’t suppose my over-excited Spaniel would get pleasure from it an excessive amount of! Canines should be saved on a lead and below management always. 

Is there wheelchair entry?

Sure. Ish. There are ramps, and the Cathedral does attempt to make all areas accessible to everybody, however it’s an outdated, historic space, with cobbles and uneven paving and every little thing which works with that! Additionally, it may be onerous to see the ramps within the crowds. 

Are there bogs?

Not contained in the market, no. There are bogs (male, feminine, disabled and child altering) simply exterior, however you’d want to depart the market and re-enter (and re-queue!)

What to purchase at Winchester Christmas Market

No matter you want! Personally, I at all times purchase a Christmas wreath each time I visit- it’s change into a little bit of a convention. I additionally purchased two of my favorite issues from Winchester Christmas Market; a stupendous photograph from a proficient native photographer and my Christmas blanket, which I like a lot it stays out all yr so I can snuggle in it! 

Is Winchester Christmas Market costly?

To not go to, no- it’s free! However, like lots of the greatest Christmas markets in Europe, shopping for items or meals could be costly. Winchester is a (very) prosperous space and the native inhabitants have loads of spare cash to burn. Winchester can also be an enormous vacationer space, with hundreds visiting the Christmas market every year. 

Due to this fact, merchandise are priced accordingly. So in the event you’re not fortunate sufficient to have loads of money for enjoyable (we don’t!) then would possibly I recommend you go for the expertise and ambiance and save your procuring cash for elsewhere. 

Winchester Christmas Market Overview

All in all, Winchester is one in every of my favorite Christmas Markets within the UK. I LOVE the backdrop of the Cathedral, the gorgeous setting, the ambiance, the stalls- all of it. Visiting is one in every of our Christmas traditions (after we’re within the UK!) and why we think about it top-of-the-line Christmas markets within the UK.

I hope you get pleasure from it too. Let me know what you thought beneath.

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