Shopping
Winchester has many fine shops, department stores, shopping centres and markets. It's compact centre and pedestrian-friendly streets make shopping a pleasure for tourists and residents alike.
The High Street is where you'll find most shopping facilities. They range from 'high street names' to individually owned shops. Here, you can find, Charles Baynham, a traditional butcher - a rare occurrence these days; Dr Chinese, a chinese pharmacy, specializing in herbs and acupuncture; numerous art galleries, not to mention the many buskers. In my opinion, Winchester's buskers are a real gem. Take time to listen to the music they play and please be generous with your donations.
And don't forget to explore the shops just off the High Street. These streets boast many of the more individualistic shops.
There is also a market on Middle Brook Street (just of the High Street) which is held twice a week; Wednesday and Saturday. Here, you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olives, books, flowers and so much more. I really feel we need to support our market stall-holders; markets were once common in England and are now a rarity. I always buy my veggies and cheese there, and the olives are delicious.
Adjacent to Middle Brook Street you will find King's Walk. This specialist arcade is home to Winchester's antique and craft centre, a treasure trove of curios, from antiques, collectables and jewellery to beads and t-shirt printing.
I must mention the Hampshire Farmer's Market. If you want to buy fresh, top-quality, organic food from some of the county's best producers then you will find it here. The Market has many alternating venues throughout Hampshire. For information and dates of when the Market comes to Winchester click here.