Winchester Christmas Market - 1 day

Winchester is the home to one of England's premier medieval cathedrals and much more besides. For many years Winchester has been associated with royalty as far back as the famous Alfred the Great, King of Wessex. The city even became joint capital of England, alongside London.

During your walking tour your guide will take you into the Great Hall, a seat of many English Kings and Queens, and view the famous King Arthur's Round Table, dating much later than the legendary British King, the table is just a mere 800 years old! Your guide will point out the military museum and the medieval West Gate before decending down to the river to see King Alfred's statue and the 17th century water mill, one of the best preserved mills in Europe. Follwing the river you will be able to see the Bishop's Palace and Winchester College, founded in 1378, one of the oldest established public schools in Britain. In the cathedral lies the resting place of many Saxon Kings, the Norman King William Rufus and the novelist Jane Austen. This outstanding building, with the longest nave in Europe, has an original medieval tiled floor and was the venue for the wedding of King Philip of Spain to Queen Mary Tudor, the infamous 'Bloody Mary'. During December the cathedral holds a wonderful Christmas Market where brightly lit stalls sell locally made arts and crafts gifts for all ages and budgets. In addition there will be the cathedral ice rink, a chance to skate infront of a backdrop of medieval buildings in the cathedral close.

When you have finished your guided walk you will have time to visit the christmas market and have lunch, don't forget to visit the City Museum (entrance free) or climb St Giles hill for wonderful views of the area.

Departure Information

• 08.30 AM From ISH, 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN

Meet in the car park (just outside reception). ISH is directly opposite Great Portland Street tube station but also a very easy walk from Warren Street, Regent's Park and Baker Street tube stations. To see a map of the joining point click here. 

This tour normally ends by 7pm

If you intend to travel to our central London meeting point by public transport, you can plan your journey in advance on the Transport for London website  - click here.

Tour includes

• Services of a Tour guide throughout
• Admission to Winchester Castle and Great Hall
• Admission to Winchester Cathedral