It's a win-win in Winchester

The Hampshire city's Christmas market is up there with the country's finest, says EMILY FERGUSON

- EMILY FERGUSON

Christmas markets have become so popular, with over 15 million people visiting them in the UK each year.

Temporary markets are popping up everywhere, from major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and London to local popups in towns and villages.

But when there are so many to choose from it's hard to decide which one to visit.

That's why I headed to Winchester on the opening weekend of its award-winning free market to discover whether its description as one of the best in Europe was accurate - and it didn't disappoint.

Though the November weekend was met with a cold snap and heavy showers, shoppers weren't deterred from exploring the dozens of chalets with vendors selling a variety of festive goods.

From ornaments to scarves, booze and paintings, the market is the perfect place to explore if you're stuck on what to buy loved ones.

I stocked up on local cheeses, unique paintings and glass trinkets, feeling smug for having secured a handful of presents before December.