Top shopping

A paradise for shopping connoisseurs, Winchester boasts a tempting array of independent shops, boutiques and art galleries in scenic settings. The city's compact, pedestrian-friendly streets are a refreshing alternative to the large-scale malls found in other cities and its lively, bustling atmosphere, colourful markets and - according to the Saturday Times - 'better class of busker' make Winchester the perfect destination for a lazy day's wandering.

Winchester ensures visitors to the city centre enjoy a quality experience - it is the only city in Hampshire to have been accredited by the Home Office under the 'Safer Shopping' scheme.

Start off at the Brooks area and bustling market area, taking time to browse through the Kings Walk Antique Market, before heading for the High Street. Make time to peruse the boutiques in one of Winchester's most attractive corners - the Square. Tucked away behind Winchester Cathedral you will find some of the city's best shopping secrets along Kingsgate Street. Parchment Street is a hotspot for unusual boutiques and galleries, and don't miss the 16th Century streets in the Constabulary for fine handcrafted jewellery.

Surrounding Winchester there are charming market towns to explore and for a complete contrast grab yourself a designer bargain at the Whiteley outlet shopping centre.

Use the navigation at the top of this page to find out more about Winchester's top shopping areas.

Plan your shopping strategy with the help of our speciality shopping leaflet

Use this downloadable leaflet to seek out Winchester's hidden shopping streets.


Speciality shopping leaflet part one
Speciality shopping leaflet part two

Seasonal shopping

Need help solving the annual Christmas present dilemmas? Make sure you visit the shopping pages on our Christmas in Winchester website for details on the annual Making Merry Open Studios event and gifts at the bigger-than-ever Christmas Market, as well as information on shop opening hours, opportunities for free parking and the extended Park & Ride service.

Winchester High Street Improvements

From 14 September 2009, a refurbishment of Winchester High Street will be taking place. The High Street will remain open for business during the works, and access to all buildings will be maintained. Work will stop completely for the seven week Christmas Shopping period from 14 November 2009 to 3 January 2010.

For up to date information, please click here.

We apologise to visitors for any inconvenience but hope you will enjoy our enhanced High Street.

Don't forget to pop into Winchester's Tourist Information Centre to buy that all important souvenir from your visit to this historic city. The centre has a wide range of souvenirs from pens and pencils to local art and crafts.

If you need some help with shopping ideas check out the virtual tour of Winchester High Street.