For the best places to go shopping in Winchester, look no further than the heart of the town. The busy town centre offers a well-varied scene. Located in Hampshire, overlooking the English countryside and packed with historical sites, Winchester offers a shopping experience that ranges from big-name brands to small independent shops.

Enjoy a wide, pedestrianised high street, colourful market, indoor shopping centre and winding roads leading to quaint side street shops. Whether you’re hunting for antiques, browsing high-fashion boutiques, or searching for souvenirs from one of the fascinating historical attractions, the shopping options in Winchester are bountiful. Read on for some great ideas.

  • 1

    High Street

    A bustling street with major retail stores and independent shops

    High Street
    • Shoppers

    Winchester High Street is a long, pedestrianised road that combines brand-name stores with small boutiques and cafes. You'll enjoy the lovely traditional architecture while you browse for homeware, books, clothing, jewellery, and vintage fashion at stores such as Boots, Marks and Spencer, Clarks, Oxfam, Waterstones and more.

    The High Street is where the Winchester Market takes place and is not far from the town's major historical attractions, such as the Winchester Cathedral and the Great Hall. You may wish to get your bearing with a visit to the Winchester Tourist Information Centre next to the Guildhall which also has a shop selling local produce and gifts.

    Map

    photo by Beata May (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 2

    Brooks Shopping Centre

    An indoor retail shopping complex with brand name stores

    Brooks Shopping Centre
    • Families
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Brooks Shopping Centre is a retail complex in the centre of Winchester where you'll find popular brands as well as independent shops. You can find bargains here at Primark and TK Maxx and something to please the kids at The Entertainer Toy Shop, The Works, and CGC Emporium, full of games and graphic novels.

    Brooks Shopping Centre also has a fitness studio, children’s play centre, and selections of food stalls, making it an ideal place for a rainy day. The centre is open seven days a week and has convenient onsite parking available.

    Location: Middle Brook St, Winchester SO23 8QY, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 6.30 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1962 849030

    Map
  • 3

    Winchester Market

    A lively street market in Winchester’s historic core

    Winchester Market
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    The Winchester Market takes place along Lower High Street & Middle Brook Street 4 days a week. Covered stalls line the street and friendly vendors sell a variety of goods, including flowers and vegetables, fashion and jewellery, bric-a-brac, and household items. You are sure to come away with something unique, memorable, or delicious.

    For the additions of antiques, visit on the first Sunday of the month. A sprawling Farmer's Market takes place on the second Sunday of the month, and you will find beautiful displays of art on the third Sunday of the month.

    Location: High Street &, Middle Brook St, Winchester SO23 9AX, UK

    Open: Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed Monday–Wednesday)

    Phone: +44 (0)1962 840500

    Map
  • 4

    Kingsgate Village

    An eclectic mix of shops within a historical location

    Kingsgate Village
    • History
    • Shoppers

    Kingsgate is one of 2 surviving medieval gates to the city of Winchester. This character-filled little corner of town contains lovely storefronts where you can find gifts and treasures. The most notable shop within Kingsgate is P&G Wells - thought to be one of the oldest bookshops in England.

    Kingsgate Books and Prints, located within the gated arch itself is worth a stop, to browse through their collection of old books and maps. Other independent shops within the Kingsgate Village that you should visit include Cornflowers Gift Shop and Kingsgate Wines & Provisions.

    Map
  • 5

    Consortium

    Beautiful antique furniture and vintage items

    Consortium
    • Shoppers

    Consortium is a vintage furniture and gift shop found on Jewry Street, just off the main Winchester High Street. Furniture and clothing, jewellery, and gifts, cover 3 floors and nine rooms. Whether you're looking for antique, vintage, industrial, or retro items, you're sure to find your distinctive style.

    The owners of Consortium scour the country in search of the most beautiful and unique items, so the stock is ever-changing. Consortium is open 7 days a week, and parking is available in the area, near the Library Discovery Centre and on Jewry Street, or in the multi-storey car park on Tower Street.

    Location: 39 Jewry St, Winchester SO23 8RY, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1962 867734

    Map
  • 6

    Projects

    Collectables and unique handmade and sustainable products

    Projects
    • Shoppers

    Projects in Winchester is home to items from over 30 independent local makers and traders offering an assortment of vintage items, gifts, collectables, and housewares. You will find a zero-waste refill station, along with pre-loved vintage clothing and unique and quirky hand-made items. It’s a cool place where you can shop and feel proud.

    Projects can be found on Middle Brook Street, not far from Brooks Shopping Centre. When shopping at Projects, you won't have to think about where to go for lunch, as the store is also the home of a popular independent cafe called 4th Street Kitchen, serving excellent coffee and wholesome food.

    Location: 6 Middle Brook St, Winchester SO23 8BQ, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Friday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Saturday from 9.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday from 10 am to 4.30 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)7553 481152

    Map
  • 7

    Winchester Makers

    An artist studio showcasing creative handmade jewellery

    Winchester Makers
    • Luxury
    • Shoppers

    Winchester Makers is a creative jewellery studio, workshop, and store on Little Minster Street. You can pop in to find unique, high-quality jewellery made by local artists. Joanne Bowles and Suzannah Key make the jewellery sold in the shop and showcase a selection of work by local artists.

    You can browse through the displays of enchanting handmade jewellery or book an appointment with Joanne or Suzannah to discuss a commissioned piece, or if you are an aspiring jewellery maker, you can join a workshop to learn the fine art of jewellery making.

    Location: 23 Little Minster St, Winchester SO23 9HB, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +44 (0) 7841 018771

    Map
  • 8

    Eclectic Hound

    For a mix of classic and eccentric items

    Eclectic Hound
    • Shoppers

    Eclectic Hound is an independent clothing shop in Winchester that combines a mix of classic and quirky. The shop started as a stall at the Winchester Market and now has a popular storefront just off the high street. This dog-friendly store carries mostly sustainable menswear, as well as accessories, homewares, and some items for women.

    The owners of Eclectic Hound pride themselves in putting people and the planet before profit, and they select suppliers that share their values. Don't miss browsing through all the eccentric socks and selecting the perfect pair that suits your style.

    Location: 31a The Square, Winchester SO23 9EX, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +44 (0)1962 808224

    Map
  • 9

    Parchment Street shops

    A lovely mix of independent shops

    Parchment Street shops
    • Shoppers

    Parchment Street has a great collection of independent shops which are worth a slight detour from the high street of Winchester. The street stretches from Winchester High Street to North Wall Street, and the stores you should visit can be found among a mixture of restaurants and cafes, as well as a hair salon, and yoga studio.

    Be sure to stop into Bell Fine Art, filled with art from the UK and further afield, where you can buy prints, ceramics, jewellery, or greeting cards. Earthian Zero Waste Shop features plastic-free, organic, and low-waste products, and don’t miss Frome for inspirational interior design and items for the home.

    Map
  • 10

    Historical Gift Shops

    Take away a souvenir or gift from one of Winchester’s historical places

    Historical Gift Shops
    • Shoppers

    There is a high chance you might be visiting Winchester to explore one of its beautiful historical landmarks and will be looking to purchase a gift or souvenir from your time there. These impressive historical sites house equally charming gift shops you shouldn't miss.

    The Great Hall carries a selection of trinkets depicting King Arthur’s Round Table, while The Cathedral Shop sells a wide range of unique gifts and CDs of the famous Cathedral Choir. City Mill is a rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill with a lovely shop run by the National Trust.

Mandy Haakenson | Compulsive Traveller