Whether we like it or not, Christmas is fast approaching. So why not just get in the spirit already?

Our upcoming RSU day trip on Saturday 21 November is to Winchester - and trust us when we say, they know how to bring the festive vibes. 

There is so much for students to explore in this quaint part of the country, so let’s brush up on how best to spend the day in Winchester.

1. Browse the Christmas Market at Winchester Cathedral.

This is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and renowned of the UK’s Christmas markets. Explore over 120 chalets and traders selling various handcrafted gifts, artisan foods and seasonal treats for you to try. The festive lights, the sounds of Christmas carols, and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting through the air will transport you to a magical world to browse Christmas gifts and souvenirs. 

And with the grand Cathedral serving as the backdrop, the overall vibes are simply immaculate!

Admission to the Christmas Market itself is completely free, with no pre-booking required. (But as we’re visiting on a weekend, be prepared for a bit of queuing!)

2. Hunt down your next great read at a charming bookshop. 

Winchester is a bookworm’s best friend. P&G Wells is the longest-running retail business in Winchester, and one of Britain’s oldest bookshops (it has been located at 11 College Street since 1789!) There have been plenty of famous literary customers over the years, including Jane Austen, who wrote about the books she bought at this very store in 1798.

You could also pop down to The Winchester Book Shop (established in 1991) which has more than three floors of second-hand, vintage books for sale. 

Plenty of books to purchase as a Christmas present for a loved one (or for yourself, of course!)

3. Delightful eats and entertainment from the Parchment Street Independents.

They’ve got independent stores galore at Parchment Street - which first got its name from the parchment makers who once occupied it in the late thirteenth century.

You could stop by Bottega del Mastro for some authentic Italian cuisine, try one or more of over 21 different pie flavours over at Piecaramba!, or get some dessert over at the family-run Swoon Gelato. Maybe even enjoy a few games with hot drinks and snacks at Mythic Tabletop Games (for a reasonable £2.50 per hour fee).

Either way, there is something for everyone on this street!

4. Climb the wooden steps to the top of St. Catherine’s Hill.
 

For those who love nature and history, head to the edge of South Downs National Park to find an ancient Iron Age hill fort and the buried ruins of the Norman chapel. Weather permitting, it is a spectacular view from up on the top of St. Catherine’s Hill, and there are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities.

You can also find all sorts of wildlife as you traverse more than a hundred steps on both sides of the hill - so it's perfect to get your step count in for the day! 

5. Step back in time by paying a visit to the ruins of Wolvesey Castle. 

Wolvesey Castle is an impressive historical feature of Winchester and is the former residence of the medieval Bishops of Winchester (rich and powerful advisers of kings throughout the Middle Ages).

Access to the Castle is free. Opening hours are 10:00 – 16:00.

Be aware that the location could be closed at short notice since the site is liable to flooding.

Fancy taking a look for yourself?

Join us on this fun and festive RSU Day Trip to Winchester.

🗓️ Saturday 21 November
⏰️ Meet outside the RSU Building at 08:30
🚌 Coach leaves promptly at 09:00. (This will allow for plenty of time to enjoy the market and the surrounding festivities).
🎟️ Only £25 for a return coach ticket!
👫 Get up to 3 tickets (that’s you and 2 extra guests!)

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

⚠️ Please be aware, there will be no guided tour of the city provided by RSU staff - we want you to explore the city for yourselves at your own pace.