The Winchester Christmas Market is not only one of the best in the United Kingdom, it’s one of my favorites in Europe. Held on the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, this charming market is a must if you are visiting the UK for the holidays.
There are around 120 wooden chalets packed into courtyards around the historic church. Each vendor is handpicked for their high quality products, making this a dream market for shoppers. You can find everything from British cheese, craft gin, and homemade puddings to tea towels, glass ornaments, and wood carvings. It’s a great way to support local artisans and delight your loved ones with unique Christmas gifts.
Food options are plentiful and I had a hard time deciding what to eat. Choices include bratwurst, burgers, mac and cheese, chicken tikka, curry, pizza, sausage rolls, the list goes on. In addition to many free samples at the stalls, I enjoyed a cheese toastie with pickles and a scrumptious mince pie.
Beverages are just as varied. Giant copper cauldrons of mulled wine enhance the already festive medieval ambiance. Hot spiced mead from Edinburgh is another winner, and comes with a pretty ceramic mug. And there’s no shortage of free liquor samples around the market.
Winchester Christmas Market typically runs from around November 22 to December 22. Since Winchester is an easy day trip from London on the train, it can get quite crowded on weekends. I recommend going during the week if you can, though note that the market closes at 6pm from Sunday-Thursday. Check here for the exact dates and times.
Things to Do in Winchester
Winchester is one of the most historic towns in England. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Wessex and home of King Alfred the Great. This legendary ruler defeated the Viking invaders of the 9th century and converted their leader to Christianity. He also unified the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, founded the English navy, and had books translated into the English language. Alfred’s grandson, Athelstan, would become the first king of England.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral stands at the center of town. Construction began in the 11th century and would take nearly 400 years to complete. Its central nave stretches for 164 meters, making it the longest intact medieval church in the world.
The remains of eight kings (including Athelstan and Canute,) two bishops, and one queen (Emma) are held in six mortuary chests within Winchester Cathedral. Sadly, King Alfred is not among them. He was originally buried at Hyde Abbey, moved at least twice, and the whereabouts of his remains are unknown.
Saint Swithun, the 9th century Bishop of Winchester and rumored tutor of Alfred the Great, has a well-marked tomb within in the cathedral.
You’ll find the grave of British literary great Jane Austen just through the front entrance and on the left. The house where she died is a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
Another famous Winchester resident is the mythical King Arthur. I was obsessed with the stories of Arthur, Excalibur, and Sir Lancelot as a child and watched Disney’s The Sword in the Stone countless times. While there’s no proof that Arthur even existed, his legend lives on in Winchester.
The Great Hall
King Arthur’s Round Table hangs inside the Great Hall, which is all that remains of Winchester Castle. The castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1067 and was the site of many battles over the centuries. Its defensive towers were torn down in the 17th century and the Great Hall was used as a law court.
The Round Table survived it all, though Arthur now bears an uncanny resemblance to Henry VIII thanks to the king’s “repairs.” Historians believe the table was constructed for a royal engagement party in 1290 and that it’s been hanging on the wall since the 1400s.
Old Bishop’s Palace
Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen, built Wolvesey Castle in the 1100s to show off his wealth and power. It was considered to be one of the greatest buildings of medieval England and must have been extremely impressive. It served as the official residence for all of Winchester’s bishops until the 17th century. The palace is in ruins today, but you can still get a sense of its former grandeur.
Keats’ Walk
Winchester has one of the oldest working watermills in the UK, with its origins dating back over 1,000 years. From the mill, you can follow the river to the Hospital of St Cross, a 12th-century almshouse for the poor that’s still in use today. The route is known as Keats’ Walk, thanks to the poet’s daily strolls here in 1819. He was so inspired by the tranquil beauty that he wrote To Autumn after his visit.
The walk to St Cross takes about 25 minutes each way, so I skipped this in favor of a wander around town instead. A quaint mix of architectural styles makes the streets of the old English capital very picturesque.
Are you ready to visit Winchester Christmas Market?
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Excellent post, I love Winchester
I would recommend a tour of Winchester College, not very long, but very interesting, bookable online. Also evening vespers with choir at the cathedral is free.
These are great tips, thank you for sharing! I regret missing out on the Winchester College tour, but it’s something to look forward to next time!
WOW!!! What a great blog. So informative and loved all the pictures.
Would love to visit Winchester but during warmer weather. These old bones don’t do cold very well!!
I bet it’s lovely in the spring!