Your guide to the best places to shop for gifts in Winchester, from the Christmas market to the city's independent shops
Christmas shopping doesn't need to be stressful, not when Winchester is so full of atmospheric festive markets and independent shops for finding perfect Christmas gifts.
Swap panic-buying tat on the internet for an afternoon browsing Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. In the shadow of the Cathedral, you'll find matching wooden chalets selling local treats, handmade crafts and treasures from small indie sellers. Plus your Christmas shopping will come with a side of sweet-smelling mulled wine and more festive treats.
If you like a one-stop-shop for buying gifts, you're in luck as Winchester has more than one market for Christmas shopping. Be sure to visit Winchester's street markets, which take over the heart of the city weekly with stalls selling a mix of local produce, unique crafts and more. There are also an array of small makers' markets and local craft fairs on in and around the city during November and December.
Main image: The Hambledon
Winchester city centre also has brilliant independent shops, from cute gift shops and indie jewellery stores to spots selling pre-loved clothes, hand-picked homewares and books. Many of Winchester city's shops are set inside historic buildings, like those in The Pentice, a narrow section of the High Street with a covered walkway that has history dating back to William the Conqueror, making a day spent Christmas shopping a unique experience in itself.
Don't forget all the brilliant farm shops and stores which dot the countryside around Winchester, from Hampshire Pantry to West Lea Farm Shop, for picking up locally-grown and made festive fare as well as festive decorations and even Christmas trees.
There are lots of lovely shops for Christmas shopping to be found in Winchester district's market towns and villages too. Alresford is known for its sweet selection of stores, from Laurence Oxley, Toy Box and Alresford Linen Company to Wild Bunch, Mange 2 and Long Barn (pictured). Bishop's Waltham is a great place to head to browse independent gift shops and delis, while Wickham has plenty of places to pick up crafty, second-hand and vintage gifts like Chesapeake Mill.
For Christmas shopping while you're also having a fun festive day out yourself (ideal!), consider picking presents for loved ones at Winchester attractions like Winchester Science Centre, Winchester Cathedral, Marwell Zoo and The Watercress Line, which all have great gift shops on site.
Winchester's Visitor Information Centre is also home to a wonderful gift shop, selling unique books, cards, prints, ceramics, homewares and more, from local makers.
More Christmas in Winchester
