Winchester Hike & Christmas Markets

Join us for a walk that will take you to England's former capital and one of the country's great cities - Winchester. We visit the Great Hall (The resting place of King Arthur's round table) £3 entry fee, a quick look inside Winchester Cathedral, a very scenic hike (10-11 miles) around Winchester and then a stroll around the famous Xmas market .

What's included:

Guided hike

Visit to the Christmas market

Sights along the way: Jane Austen's House, King Arthur's Round table (£3 entry fee)

Train tickets

Price: £35.50

The walk goes past idyllic countryside streams, up St Catherine's Hill, giving distant views of Winchester Cathedral, before descending to the ancient Hospital of St Cross, along the water meadows and past Winchester College and Jane Austen's house. From legend and lore to awe-inspiring architecture, Winchester is a treasure trove of English heritage.

Length: 18 km (11.2 miles)

Toughness: 4 out of 10

Lunch: We will have lunch at approx 1.00pm. Please bring a packed lunch with you. There will be a Pub along the way where we will stop for a quick drink / toilet break (20 mins)

Winchester

Winchester is a cathedral city steeped in history. It was founded by the Romans close to a major iron age hillfort, it was the capital of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex under Alfred the Great, it was a major royal city under the medieval kings, and it is the home of one of the country's most famous public schools, Winchester College.

It’s the burial place of many of England’s Kings, Queens, Saints, and famous people such as Jane Austen, Izaac Walton and Keats. Here the rule of Common Law was established, the Domesday Book compiled, and the Winchester Bible written. Many ancient institutions, such as hospitals, schools and religious foundations still survive to influence daily life in the City.

Home of good food and the country's largest farmers' market, birthplace of the modern game of cricket, resting place of author Jane Austen and inspiration to the many craft-makers and artists who live here, Winchester is truly a destination for all seasons.

Christmas Market

Founded in 2006, the Christmas Market celebrates its 11th anniversary this year. Now recognised as one of the best in Europe with its unique location, high-quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance.

This Christmas Market is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year. The pretty wooden chalets are situated in the Cathedral’s historic Close surrounding an open-air real ice rink. All the exhibitors have been hand-picked for their interesting, high quality and unique products many of which can’t be bought on the high street.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink at the Christmas Market. You’ll find chalets selling festive favourites such as, mulled wine, bratwurst, mince pies and stollen.

Meeting point and time:

We will meet at 09:15 am at London Waterloo station. Location will be sent to all confirmed participants closer to the time

We will make our way to the platform at 09:25 a.m. If you are late I'm afraid we will not be able to wait and you will miss the trip. Of course, if you want, you can try to catch up with us at the platform, but the host will be making sure the group gets on the right train, so you will have to figure out the way. Also, you will have to find another way of getting in as I will have your train ticket.

Train*: We will aim to take the 09.35am train from London Waterloo, arriving in Winchester at 10.32am.

It is difficult to predict exact return time as it depends on walking speed of the group and the choices we make along the way (lunch, route etc). If you decide to join, please consider yourself committed for the day.

Cancellations:

Please note that unless the trip is cancelled the payments are non-refundable as the costs need to be paid in advance. However, you may be able to sell your place to your friends or other group members.