Winchester is bustling with local makers and independent businesses, tucked away down side streets or nestled in the back garden of someone’s home. Our city is full of artists, creating everything from handcrafted hats, guitars and oil paintings to award-winning ice cream and perfectly brewed pints of beer.
Read on to discover the must-try treats and local food Winchester is famous for, like Alresford-grown watercress and wasabi, chalk stream trout, locally-roasted coffee, English sparkling wines grown in the district's vineyards and much more.
Looking to buy a local gift made in Winchester? Make sure you head to Winchester Visitor Information Centre and Gift Shop, Winchester's Street Markets and the district's many indie shops and stores. Scroll down to find places to try your own hand at making in Winchester too, from design studios to craft workshops.
Take a look at the videos below to whet your appetite and to give you some inspiration for your next visit. Hear from the creatives, business owners and employees, watch footage of their manufacturing processes and be wowed by locally made arts, crafts, food and drink in our selection of videos designed to showcase the unique craftsmanship and heritage of these businesses.
Winchester and its surrounding market towns are proud to be home to an impressive number of independent businesses, from indie book shops and children's toy stores to places to pick up gifts, homewares and locally-grown food and drink.
Winchester's Street Markets are also a great place to sample locally made and grown fare. Don't forget to pop into Winchester city's Visitor Information Centre, which stocks a handpicked collection from local makers.
Independent shopping in Winchester
Winchester is pleased to have so many independent eateries within the city centre. Take a look at Winchester BID’s Independents map to browse cafes and eateries serving up local delights.
If you’re out and about in our market towns of Bishop’s Waltham, Alresford and Wickham you’ll also find plenty of independent cafés and shops. Take a look at our market towns guide for inspiration.
Independent eateries in Winchester
Feeling inspired to create something of your own in Winchester? Check out these places, which often run hands-on events, creative workspaces and craft workshops in Winchester.
Places to make in Winchester
Some elements of the Made in Winchester programme have been funded via the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support and develop promotion of the visitor economy.
Made in Winchester
Events
