Winchester Christmas Market – 10 Important Suggestions (from a Native!)

Planning a visit to Winchester Christmas Market this yr? Right here’s every thing you should know, together with easy methods to plan your journey, the place to remain in Winchester and what to get – it’s the last word Winchester Christmas Market information.

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Winchester Christmas Market is broadly thought-about one of many best Christmas markets in the UK– and for good motive. It’s energetic, giant and has some unimaginable exhibitors from everywhere in the world.

Winchester Christmas Market is related to Winchester Cathedral – the market is actually set within the coronary heart of the town within the Cathedral grounds, which creates among the finest backdrops for a Christmas Market ANYWHERE. Severely, the setting is completely magical.

Winchester might not be one of many biggest Christmas markets in Europe (like these ones!) but it surely’s positively value a go to if you happen to’re within the UK from November to December – see dates here.

Why go to Winchester Christmas Market?

Winchester Christmas Market is positioned within the historic grounds of Winchester Cathedral. It’s fantastically adorned, has an amazing environment with plenty of scrumptious locations to eat, drink and over 100 fairly wood chalets promoting all method of lovely items from hand-picked, top quality exhibitors.

The bustling environment is usually enhanced by the sound of Christmas carols from the Cathedral subsequent door, and there’s typically an aroma of cinnamon and warming chestnuts to finish the festive setting.

In earlier years there was a implausible ice rink, though that is being changed for 2023 by a performing stage, a nativity scene, festive lighting, conventional german christmas markets and the remainder of Winchester to discover, which is certainly one of the most effective UK cities to go to in December. I used to be fortunate sufficient to go to varsity in Winchester and it truly is an exquisite metropolis, with some implausible outlets, bars, eating places and historical past! 

It’s additionally one of many finest Christmas markets for households– there’s hundreds to do for youths (together with the open-air ice rink), however close by you’ve loads of different enjoyable Christmas actions for youths, similar to 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 if you happen to’re not non secular, that is INCREDIBLE to see. It dates from the twelfth century and the gilding on the letters is simply as shiny because it was 800 years in the past!

Don’t miss the Star of Surprise illuminations and lightweight present inside Winchester Cathedral- typically held the final full week earlier than Christmas (verify instances of providers earlier than you intend your journey.)

Winchester Christmas Market exhibitors

The exhibitors range yearly, however you will discover all the standard Christmas market merchandise that you simply’ll discover at the entire finest Christmas markets in England, issues like candles, carved wood ornaments, Christmas decorations, personalised handmade items and Christmas wreaths. Additionally, you will discover extra distinctive presents, like glassware, jewelry, rugs, blankets, scarves and images. 

There’s a stunning give attention to ‘Better of British’, with many exhibitors showcasing UK items, meals and a big British crafts village. 

Right here’s an inventory of traders at the Winchester Christmas Market this yr.

How a lot does Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market value?

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

What dates is the Winchester Christmas Market on this yr?

You’ll be able to see the precise dates and opening instances for the Winchester Christmas Market here. It’s open every single day of the week, together with Fridays and Sunday mornings when providers are on within the Cathedral.

When is the most effective 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 instances with fewer guests and you’ll really have the ability to see issues, browse and scale back queuing.

If it’s a must to go to on a weekend, go within the morning. Once more, it’s noticeably quieter earlier than lunch. Many, MANY excursions from everywhere in the world go to Winchester market, so the sooner you may get there, the higher. If it will get very busy, they might have timed entry or limit numbers, so attempt to keep away from peak instances if attainable.

If you wish to benefit from the environment, meet pals for drinks and really feel festive, the night on a Thursday- Saturday is a good time to go to. Simply don’t anticipate a lot seating when you drink and use our expert tips to enjoy one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Winchester Christmas Market instructions – easy methods to discover it!

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

The place to park in Winchester

You’ll be able to’t park proper subsequent to the Christmas Market, even if you happen to’re a less-abled customer. You’ll have to park in one of many metropolis automotive parks, that are at the least a 5-minute stroll away. 

Alternatively, use one of many metropolis Park and Journey buses- they will 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 driving force the place the gathering level to return is. Additionally, verify what time the final bus again is!!

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

The place to remain in Winchester

One possibility is to plan a UK road trip and both hire a campervan. There are many nice locations to go to round Hampshire- you may flip it right into a street journey. Alternatively, deal with your self to an evening in a stunning Winchester lodge and have a mini-break. Winchester is definitely accessible from London by each practice or street.

Winchester Morn Hill Club Campsite | The Caravan Club – this campsite is on the outskirts of the town middle.

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

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! Canine have to be saved on a lead and underneath 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 thing which fits with that! Additionally, it may be onerous to see the ramps within the crowds. 

Are there bathrooms?

There aren’t any rest room services contained in the Christmas market. There are bathrooms (male, feminine, disabled and child altering) simply exterior, however you’d want to go away the market and re-enter (and probably re-queue!)

What to purchase at Winchester Christmas Market

No matter you want! There’s at all times loads of selection. Personally, I at all times purchase a Christmas wreath every time I visit- it’s turn out to be a little bit of a convention. I additionally purchased two of my favorite issues from Winchester Christmas Market; an exquisite picture from a gifted 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 finest Christmas markets in Europe, shopping for items or meals might 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. 

Subsequently, merchandise are priced accordingly. So if you happen to’re not fortunate sufficient to have loads of money for enjoyable (we don’t!) then may I counsel you go for the expertise and environment and save your procuring cash for elsewhere. 

Winchester Christmas Market Evaluate

All in all, Winchester is certainly one of my favorite Christmas Markets within the UK. I LOVE the backdrop of the well-known Cathedral (you can even pop into the Cathedral’s customer’s centre), the attractive setting, the environment, the stalls- all of it. Visiting is certainly one of our Christmas traditions (after we’re within the UK!) and why we contemplate it among the finest Christmas markets within the UK.

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

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