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

Planning a visit to Winchester Christmas Market this 12 months? Right here’s every part it’s essential know, together with methods to plan your journey, the place to remain in Winchester and what to get – it’s the final word Winchester Christmas Market information.

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Winchester Christmas Market is extensively thought of one of many finest 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 coronary heart of the town within the Cathedral grounds, which creates among the best backdrops for a Christmas Market ANYWHERE. Severely, the setting is totally magical.

Winchester will not be one of many greatest Christmas markets in Europe (like these ones!) however it’s positively price a go to when you’re within the UK from November to December – see dates right here.

Why go to Winchester Christmas Market?

Winchester Christmas Market is positioned within the historic grounds of Winchester Cathedral. It’s superbly embellished, has an amazing ambiance with a lot 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 ambiance 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 school in Winchester and it truly is a ravishing 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 got loads of different enjoyable Christmas actions for youths, comparable to Marwell Zoo, Santa steam prepare and extra!

Don’t neglect to pop into Winchester Cathedral and see Jane Austen’s grave and the Winchester Bible- even when you’re not spiritual, that is INCREDIBLE to see. It dates from the twelfth century and the gilding on the letters is simply as vibrant 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 occasions of providers earlier than you intend your journey.)

Winchester Christmas Market exhibitors

The exhibitors differ yearly, however you’ll find all the same old Christmas market merchandise that you just’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 a listing of merchants on the Winchester Christmas Market this 12 months.

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 helpful.

What dates is the Winchester Christmas Market on this 12 months?

You may see the precise dates and opening occasions for the Winchester Christmas Market right here. It’s open on daily basis 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 potential, go to Winchester market on a weekday within the morning if you wish to store. These are by far the quietest occasions with fewer guests and you’ll really be capable to see issues, browse and scale back queuing.

If you must 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 will get there, the higher. If it will get very busy, they could have timed entry or limit numbers, so attempt to keep away from peak occasions if potential.

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

Winchester Christmas Market instructions – methods to discover it!

Head to Winchester Cathedral. You’ll discover the doorway (and doubtless 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 when you’re confused- it’s effectively signposted and there are many folks round to assist direct you. 

The place to park in Winchester

You may’t park proper subsequent to the Christmas Market, even when you’re a less-abled customer. You’ll have to park in one of many metropolis automotive parks, that are no less than 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 route you’re travelling from and all are roughly the identical. Simply cease on the first one you come to, be aware of 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 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 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 stunning Winchester resort and have a mini-break. Winchester is definitely accessible from London by each prepare or street.

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

We extremely suggest the Winchester Resort & Spa– the workers are pleasant, rooms are beautiful and it’s simple to entry the town centre, however there are many different choices which could fit your finances 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 folks do carry their canines, however I don’t assume my over-excited Spaniel would take pleasure in it an excessive amount of! Canines should be stored on a lead and beneath 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 previous, historic space, with cobbles and uneven paving and every part which matches with that! Additionally, it may be laborious 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 depart the market and re-enter (and presumably 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 at any time when I visit- it’s develop into a little bit of a convention. I additionally purchased two of my favorite issues from Winchester Christmas Market; a ravishing picture from a gifted native photographer and my Christmas blanket, which I like a lot it stays out all 12 months 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 may be costly. Winchester is a (very) prosperous space and the native inhabitants have loads of spare cash to burn. Winchester can be an enormous vacationer space, with 1000’s visiting the Christmas market annually. 

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

Winchester Christmas Market Overview

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 too pop into the Cathedral’s customer’s centre), the attractive setting, the ambiance, the stalls- all of it. Visiting is certainly one of our Christmas traditions (after we’re within the UK!) and why we take into account it among the best Christmas markets within the UK.

I hope you take pleasure in it too. Let me know what you thought under.

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