Planning a visit to Winchester Christmas Market this 12 months? Right here’s all the things you might want to know, together with the way 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 greatest Christmas markets within the UK– and for good motive. It’s energetic, giant and has some unbelievable 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 best backdrops for a Christmas Market ANYWHERE. Critically, the setting is completely magical.
Winchester might not be one of many greatest Christmas markets in Europe (like these ones!) but it surely’s undoubtedly value a go to if you happen to’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 adorned, has an incredible ambiance with numerous scrumptious locations to eat, drink and over 100 fairly wood chalets promoting all method of gorgeous 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 usually an aroma of cinnamon and warming chestnuts to finish the festive setting.
In earlier years there was a incredible 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 considered 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 phenomenal metropolis, with some incredible outlets, bars, eating places and historical past!
It’s additionally one of many greatest Christmas markets for households– there’s hundreds to do for youths (together with the open-air ice rink), however close by you might have loads of different enjoyable Christmas actions for youths, reminiscent of 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 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 Marvel illuminations and lightweight present inside Winchester Cathedral- usually held the final full week earlier than Christmas (examine occasions of companies earlier than you propose your journey.)
Winchester Christmas Market exhibitors
The exhibitors range yearly, however yow will discover all the standard Christmas market merchandise that you just’ll discover at the entire greatest Christmas markets in England, issues like candles, carved wood ornaments, Christmas decorations, personalised handmade presents and Christmas wreaths. Additionally, you will discover extra distinctive presents, like glassware, jewelry, rugs, blankets, scarves and photographs.
There’s a beautiful deal with ‘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 beneficial.
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 companies 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 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 prohibit numbers, so attempt to keep away from peak occasions if potential.
If you wish to benefit from the ambiance, meet mates 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 whilst you drink and use our professional tricks to take pleasure in among the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Winchester Christmas Market instructions – the way 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 if you happen to’re confused- it’s properly 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 if you happen to’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 Experience buses- they’ll 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, examine what time the final bus again is!!
And sure, they’ve house for motorhomes and campervans and canine 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 could possibly 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 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 Lodge & 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 price range higher.
Are canine allowed?
Surprisingly, sure, canine 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 canine, however I don’t suppose my over-excited Spaniel would take pleasure in it an excessive amount of! Canine have to 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 outdated, historic space, with cobbles and uneven paving and all the things which fits with that! Additionally, it may be laborious to see the ramps within the crowds.
Are there bogs?
There are not any bathroom services contained in the Christmas market. There are bogs (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 every time I visit- it’s grow to be a little bit of a convention. I additionally purchased two of my favorite issues from Winchester Christmas Market; a phenomenal photograph 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 most 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 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 ambiance and save your buying cash for elsewhere.
Winchester Christmas Market Evaluation
All in all, Winchester is considered one of my favorite Christmas Markets within the UK. I LOVE the backdrop of the well-known Cathedral (you too can pop into the Cathedral’s customer’s centre), the attractive setting, the ambiance, the stalls- all of it. Visiting is considered one of our Christmas traditions (after we’re within the UK!) and why we contemplate it among the best Christmas markets within the UK.
I hope you take pleasure in it too. Let me know what you thought under.
How else can I allow you to at the moment?
