Planning a visit to Winchester Christmas Market this yr? Right here’s the whole lot you have 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 finest Christmas markets within the UK– and for good cause. 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 top-of-the-line backdrops for a Christmas Market ANYWHERE. Critically, the setting is totally magical.
Winchester is probably not one of many largest Christmas markets in Europe (like these ones!) however it’s positively price a go to should 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 awesome environment with a lot of scrumptious locations to eat, drink and over 100 fairly wood chalets promoting all method of lovely items from hand-picked, prime quality exhibitors.
The bustling environment 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 certainly one 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 wonderful metropolis, with some incredible outlets, bars, eating places and historical past!
It’s additionally one of many finest Christmas markets for households– there’s masses 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, akin to Marwell Zoo, Santa steam prepare and extra!
Don’t overlook to pop into Winchester Cathedral and see Jane Austen’s grave and the Winchester Bible- even should you’re not spiritual, 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 Surprise illuminations and lightweight present inside Winchester Cathedral- usually held the final full week earlier than Christmas (examine occasions of providers earlier than you propose your journey.)
Winchester Christmas Market exhibitors
The exhibitors range yearly, however you could find 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 presents and Christmas wreaths. Additionally, you will discover extra distinctive presents, like glassware, jewelry, rugs, blankets, scarves and pictures.
There’s a stunning 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 yr.
How a lot does Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market value?
Nothing. It’s free to enter Winchester Christmas market. You do must pay for the ice rink although (reserving upfront is really useful.
What dates is the Winchester Christmas Market on this yr?
You possibly can 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 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 with fewer guests and you’ll really have the ability to see issues, browse and scale back queuing.
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 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 attainable.
If you wish to benefit from the environment, meet buddies 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 skilled tricks to get pleasure from top-of-the-line 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 should you’re confused- it’s 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 should you’re a less-abled customer. You’ll must 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’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 driving force the place the gathering level to return is. Additionally, examine what time the final bus again is!!
And sure, they’ve area 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 stunning Winchester lodge and have a mini-break. Winchester is well 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 advocate the Winchester Lodge & Spa– the workers are pleasant, rooms are pretty and it’s straightforward 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 actually, I’d be reluctant to carry mine. It’s busy, noisy and crowded. Loads of individuals do carry their canine, however I don’t assume my over-excited Spaniel would get pleasure from it an excessive amount of! Canine should be stored 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 the whole lot which fits with that! Additionally, it may be onerous to see the ramps within the crowds.
Are there bathrooms?
There are not 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 all the time loads of selection. Personally, I all the time purchase a Christmas wreath each 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; a wonderful picture from a proficient native photographer and my Christmas blanket, which I really 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 most 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 also be an enormous vacationer space, with hundreds visiting the Christmas market annually.
Due to this fact, merchandise are priced accordingly. So should you’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 purchasing cash for elsewhere.
Winchester Christmas Market Evaluation
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 gorgeous 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 take into account it top-of-the-line Christmas markets within the UK.
I hope you get pleasure from it too. Let me know what you thought under.
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