Planning a visit to Winchester Christmas Market this 12 months? This is every little thing you might want to know, together with tips on how to plan your journey, the place to remain in Winchester and what to get – it is the final word Winchester Christmas Market information.
Winchester Christmas Market is extensively thought of one of many finest Christmas markets within the UK– and for good motive. It is vigorous, massive 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 the most effective backdrops for a Christmas Market ANYWHERE. Significantly, the setting is totally magical.
Winchester might not be one of many greatest Christmas markets in Europe (like these ones!) however it’s positively price a go to in the event you’re within the UK in December.
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Winchester Christmas Market dates 2021
Winchester Christmas Market IS scheduled to go forward in 2021 (yay!). The dates are Friday nineteenth November- Wednesday twenty second December 2021 (last-minute modifications could also be made, or additional lockdown restrictions put in place, so please test earlier than you journey.)
Buying and selling instances shall be:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 10.00am – 6.30pm
- Thursday – Saturday: 10.00am – 8.00pm
COVID Restrictions: The market is all open air and there aren’t any restrictions, however masks are really useful and please attempt to socially distance as a lot as doable.
Why go to Winchester Christmas Market?
Winchester Christmas Market is situated proper subsequent to Winchester Cathedral. It is fantastically embellished, has a terrific ambiance with numerous scrumptious locations to eat, drink and over 100 wood chalets promoting all method of gorgeous items.
In 2019, Winchester Christmas Market was voted The BEST Christmas market within the UK by reserving.com and voted within the prime 15 Christmas Markets in Europe by the New York Publish.
There’s additionally an ice rink (you might want to purchase tickets upfront!), a nativity scene and the remainder of Winchester to discover, which is one in every of the very best UK cities to go to in December. I used to be fortunate sufficient to go to varsity in Winchester and it truly is an attractive metropolis, with some unbelievable outlets, bars, eating places and historical past!
It is also 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, equivalent to Marwell Zoo, Santa steam practice and extra!
Remember 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 vivid because it was 800 years in the past!
Winchester Christmas Market exhibitors
The exhibitors range yearly, however you will discover all the same old Christmas market merchandise that you will discover at the entire finest Christmas markets in England, issues like candles, carved wood ornaments, decorations, personalised handmade items and Christmas wreaths. Additionally, you will discover extra distinctive presents, like glassware, jewelry, rugs, blankets, scarves and images.
There is a beautiful concentrate on ‘Better of British’, with many exhibitors showcasing UK items, meals and crafts.
This is an entire record of exhibitors on the Winchester Christmas Market this 12 months (might not be out there till November)
How a lot does Winchester Christmas Market value?
Nothing. It is free to enter Winchester Christmas market.
Opening instances for Winchester Christmas Market
10am- 6.30pm Sunday- Wednesday
10am-8pm Thursday- Saturday
When is the very best time to go to?
If doable, go to Winchester market on a weekday within the morning if you wish to store. These are by far the quietest instances and you’ll truly be capable to see issues, browse and time your time.
If it’s important to go to on a weekend, go within the morning. Once more, it is 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 good time to go to. Simply do not count on a lot seating when you drink and use our skilled tricks to take pleasure in the most effective Christmas markets in Europe.
Winchester Christmas Market instructions – tips on how to discover it!
Head to Winchester Cathedral. You may discover the doorway (and possibly queue!) close to the primary Cathedral doorways. You do not go contained in the Cathedral, however down the trail subsequent to it. Don’t be concerned in the event you’re confused- it is effectively signposted and there are many individuals round to assist direct you.
The place to park in Winchester
You possibly can’t park proper subsequent to the Christmas Market, even in the event you’re a less-abled customer. You may have to park in one of many metropolis automotive parks, that are at the very least a 5-minute stroll away.
Alternatively, use one of many metropolis Park and Trip buses- they’ll drop you off inside a 2/3 minute stroll. All are cleared sign-posted from whichever route you are travelling from and all are roughly the identical. Simply cease on the first one you come to, be aware of which one you are in, and ask the motive force the place the gathering level to return is. Additionally, test 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 may 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 advocate the Winchester Lodge & Spa– the employees are pleasant, rooms are beautiful and it is simple 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 actually, I might be reluctant to convey mine. It’s busy, noisy and crowded. Loads of individuals do convey their canines, however I do not suppose my over-excited Spaniel would take pleasure in it an excessive amount of! Canines should 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 previous, historic space, with cobbles and uneven paving and every little thing which fits with that! Additionally, it may be laborious 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 outdoors, however you’d want to go away the market and re-enter (and re-queue!)
What to purchase at Winchester Christmas Market
No matter you want! Personally, I all the time purchase a Christmas wreath at any time when I visit- it is turn out to be a little bit of a practice. I additionally purchased two of my favorite issues from Winchester Christmas Market; an attractive photograph from a proficient native photographer and my Christmas blanket, which I really 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 is free! However, like lots of the finest Christmas markets in Europe, shopping for items or meals will 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 every year.
Subsequently, merchandise are priced accordingly. So in the event you’re not fortunate sufficient to have loads of money for enjoyable (we do not!) then would possibly I counsel you go for the expertise and ambiance and save your purchasing cash for elsewhere.
Winchester Christmas Market Evaluate
All in all, Winchester is one in every of my favorite Christmas Markets within the UK. I LOVE the backdrop of the Cathedral, the attractive 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 the most effective Christmas markets within the UK.
I hope you take pleasure in it too. Let me know what you thought beneath.
How else can I allow you to at the moment?
