Winchester Christmas Market
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK and we visited for the first time a couple of weeks ago.
Set in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, it is inspired by German Christmas Markets, with wooden cabins and ornate stalls selling everything from Christmas crafts and gifts to food and drinks, including traditional Glühwein.
You enter the market at the side of the main Cathedral entrance and the pretty wooden chalets form a square shape in the Cathedral’s historic Close surrounding a covered outdoor ice rink, which is perfect for all this wet weather we have been having recently.
There is also a craft village full of jewellers, painters, glass makers and textile artists selling unique gifts and decorations that cannot be found on the high street. This dried fruit stall smelled amazing!!
We visited at the weekend and found it very busy, but if you are after a quieter experience it is best to visit during the week.
We got some great ideas for Christmas gifts from the stalls, but it was definitely the food that won over the kids!
Well, who doesn’t love a freshly toasted marshmallow?
If you are looking for a day out to get you in the festive mood, then I highly recommend a visit to Winchester Christmas Market and entry is free.
I would also recommend heading inside the historic cathedral, although do be aware that there is a charge of £9.50 for adults, with accompanied children under 16, free.
Winchester Cathedral is fascinating for all ages, plus they have a children’s trail which helps brings the Cathedral to life in a fun and active way!
Winchester Cathedral is one of the most historically significant buildings in Britain. Winchester was England’s capital from the time of Alfred the Great until after the Norman Conquest and the Cathedral was its royal chapel.
Much of England’s early history was based here and twelve English kings are also believed to be buried here.
We were in Winchester for a few hours, but it did feel like we barely scratched the surface, so will definitely be back to explore more of the city very soon as it is packed full of fascinating buildings around every corner.
Have you visited Winchester before?
Kacie
The UK really seems to be upping its game lately with regard to Christmas markets! Winchester’s Christmas Market looks very good, and I’d definitely tie it in with a cathedral visit too 🙂
Sarupa Shah
Love Winchester. It’s been a while since I’ve been. The market looks fabulous!!! xxx
Jess Howliston
I have never been to Winchester before but it looks beautiful and that Christmas market sounds amazing! I love visiting the Christmas markets to pick up some quirky and unique gifts, plus the food it always AMAZING lol! Will have to add the Winchester Christmas market on my list for next year!
Kira
Christmas markets are literally my favourite thing! We love them as a family! I’ve not been to this one or even knew they did one . Definitely going on my list for next year 🙂
Yeah Lifestyle
I personally love Christmas markets and the German styled ones are my favourite. Your photos of the Winchester Christmas Market looks super fun! I would love to visit this market when I get the chance
Rowena
Wow Winchester Christmas market looks amazing – definitely on the Christmas visit list for next year. Great to also visit the beautiful cathedral at the same time.
Charli
I love Winchester Christmas Market. When we lived in Oxfordshire, we’d go every year on the same day as the Farmer’s Market to get our Christmas meat and explore all the local makers who’d got a hut around the ice rink.
C x
Hollie Burgess
This looks wonderful and I’m totally here for the toasted Marshmallows!