The compact city centre of Winchester is unusual in retaining a number of independent bookshops, boutiques, toyshops, galleries, antique and foodshops, particularly in the Upper High Street and in the roads off the High Street such as Parchment Street, Southgate Street, Great Minster Street and The Square. Winchester is not a major shopping centre; if you want the large chains, go to Southampton, Reading or London.
Cathedral Shop
The Cathedral Shop (http://www.winchester-cat...) . Housed in an old Coach House just 25 metres from the West Front of the Cathedral, this shop offers a range of gifts, many of them unique to the Cathedral. Open Mar-Oct M-Su 9:30AMâ5:30PM; Nov-Feb M-Su 9:30AMâ5:00PM.
Farmers Market
Winchester hosts what is reputedly the country's largest Farmers Market (http://www.hampshirefarme...), now every second Sunday, Middle Brook Street, 9AM-2PM. The extended trading hours have eased the crowds and made it pleasant to stroll around taking advantage of free samples of local produce on offer at many stalls.