Welcome

Penny Farthing House

COVID-19 Policy

It is our natural wish to ensure the safety and the health of all our guests, and so we are now extending our generally high standard of cleaning to encompass measures to protect against COVID-19.

While we have always used a bleach based disinfectant within the guests en-suite facilities, we now also use this product to wipe hard surfaces following the normal cleaning routine throughout the room and the entrance lobby. Bedding and towels are as always completely changed between guest stays and other reusable items are thoroughly washed. Finally the room is closed off as much as is possible while awaiting the next guests.

Penny Farthing House lends it self ideally to social distancing as we have all come to know it. Firstly we have a dedicated entrance to the guest room off of the main lobby, and you are welcome to come and go as you please during your stay. Items for breakfast are stored within the guest room and so there is little need for contact during your stay. Furthermore we understand the severe restrictions on pubs and restaurants and so during this time of uncertainty we are able to offer an evening meal taken in the room at an additional cost (please ask for more details).

Penny Farthing House is currently open for stays by frontline staff and we are happy to help all those who are helping others. As soon as the UK government eases the restrictions on establishments offering accommodation we would be happy to accept bookings from all those who wish to visit Winchester for whatever reason while also maintaining social distancing.

In the meantime, keep safe and stay well.

Diana Arnold

About Us

The House

PENNY FARTHING HOUSE - is an imposing Georgian House with a very interesting past which is now converted into four high quality apartments. Number 2, the ground floor makes an ideal venue for your stay in Winchester. The city centre is just a short walk from the apartment with so many special buildings to see including of course - Winchester Cathedral. Plus plenty of shops should you feel the urge to spend.

The Room

The very large guest room with en-suite is a joy to stay in. With its fine architectural interior, high ceilings, plaster cornice and fine chandeliers you almost feel like a Georgian Lord and Lady come to stay. Without any stairs and a private entrance to the room guests can come and go as they please. Plus parking is available just feet from the entrance door and it can be booked in advance. Breakfast is served in the adjacent room.

The Breakfast

A selection of mainly cold foods is available for your breakfast including Boiled eggs, Cereal, Muesli, Porridge, Toast and Jams, Bagels, Croissants and Fresh Fruit. Naturally tea and coffee is served throughout breakfast. The perfect and healthy way to set you up for your days business in town or exploring the City, the culture, the history, and its surroundings.

The History

The History

Penny Farthing House has had a chequered history having been built in circa 1833 and probably was a private house until the railway station and the new line to Newbury was opened around 1897. From records it was originally owned by Harry Kelsey, Justice of the Peace he in turn leased the house out to Charles French of Bentworth, Alton who was a farmer in Hampshire, and it seems that it became a shop along with several others on that side of Cheesehill or Chesil street. By the First World War it would have been a handy corner shop for the public coming off the train behind the house to purchase groceries. Around 1922 the property was a General Store but also looks from the photograph to have sold bicycles. From local knowledge it seems that the property as a bike shop had a Penny farthing bi inside and therefore it acquired the name Penny Farthing House. We know from another photograph that it was called “Chesil Cycle Depot” in the 60’s and possibly for many years until 1985. Unfortunately, the building fell into disrepair until a Housing Association used it for offices which did help to lose some of the features but as a Grade II listed building (1974) however it didn’t lose all the attractive plasterwork, alcoves and fireplaces.

Winchester City Trust describe the property as very plain front altered by a C19 shop front. Two storeys and five attic windows with C19 sashes. Good six-panel door with open bracketed pediment. Modillion eaves cornice, three dormers.

In 2018 it was converted into 4 Apartments with the Bed and Breakfast on the ground floor.

Winchester Markets

Whats on offer

Winchester has a number of markets throughout the year ranging from General Markets through to Farmers Markets and Retro Markets.

Market stalls can be found along the High Street from Colebrook Street to St Thomas Street, and along Middlebrook Street. For more information visit the Winchester City Council website.

https://www.winchester.gov.uk/apply/markets

Food and Produce Markets

Wednesday 9am to 5pm - all kinds of fruit and vegetables, breads and cakes, meats and poultry and flowers of all sorts.

General Markets

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9am to 6pm - If you need a new hat or a coat, perhaps a new ornament for the living room. then the there is a wide range of stalls along the high street.

Farmers Market

Held in Winchester by Hampshire Farmers Markets. There's lots of local products, for example eggs from five different producers four of which are in Hampshire, or cheeses from farms in Hampshire, West Sussex, Kent and even the Isle of Wight.

Antiques & Vintage Market

1st Sunday of each month. Sometimes known as the Retro market, here you can find all manner of interesting vintage and antique collectables. Such things as silver candelabra to vintage clothing. An ideal spot to browse and pick up that very item you've been looking for.

Art & Design Market

Both antique and contemporary art is available, with stalls selling jewellery, paintings, sculptures and much more. It includes local artists and those from farther afileld.

Hampshire Farmers Market

Winchester Farmers Market is the largest and award-winning market with Hampshire Farmers Market, held on the second and last Sunday of each month and is regarded as the largest regular farmers market in the UK, with up to 90 stalls attending each market.

For further information visit the website https://www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

Events in Winchester in 2020

Additional Information

More Reasons to come to Winchester

19th January - Winchester Vegan Festival (https://guildhallwinchester.co.uk/events/winchester-vegan-fest/)

29th January - Royal British Legion Women’s Section National Conference (http://www.rblws.org.uk)

8th February - Sausage and Cider Fest (https://www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk)

29th February - The Gin to my Tonic Festival (https://thegintomytonic.com/event/the-gin-to-my-tonic-festival-winchester-29th-february-2020/)

13th to 14th March - Winchester Beer and Cider Festival (https://camra.org.uk/events/winchester-beer-cider-festival/)

25th April - Winchester Pride (https://pinkuk.com/events/hampshire-pride-2020)

29th April to 4th May - Winchester Chamber Music Festival (http://timcrawfordviolin.com/concerts/2020/4/29/winchester-chamber-music-festival-2020)

16th May - Winchester and County Music Festival 99th Concert (https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/events/winchester-and-county-music-festival-99th-concert/)

30th May - Winchester Ukulele Festival (www.winchesterukefest.co.uk)

6th June - Prosecco Festival Winchester (https://www.proseccofestival.co.uk)

8th to 14th June - Winchester Cocktail Week (https://www.winchestercocktailweek.co.uk)

20th June - Race to the King (www.gosh.org/Race-to-King/2020‎)

3rd to 5th July - Winchester Hat Fair (https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/whats-on/winchester-hat-fair-p894461)

5th July - Winchester Festival (https://www.gowherewhen.com/event/winchester-festival/)

24th to 26th July - Sunflower Festival (https://sunflowerfest.co.uk/early-bird/)

12th to 16th August - Boomtown Fair (https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk)

15th to 16th August - Winchester Cheese and Chilli Festival (https://cheeseandchillifestival.com)

27th to 28th November - Winchester Wine Festival (https://www.thewinefestival.co.uk)

November and December - Winchester Christmas Market (https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/winchester-cathedral-christmas-market-and-ice-rink-2019/)

November and December - Winchester Festive Ice Rink (https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/winchester-cathedral-christmas-market-and-ice-rink-2019/)

Please note that all events and dates are subject to possible change and prior to making plans or making any booking you should first check with the event organisers own website.

Winchester Hat Fair - a free event

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

2019

Well the 2019 market has come to an end, parts of it were very damp but the last day, Sunday 22nd December the sun shone to say a bright farewell. Stall holders packed up and made their way home and the breakdown began with stalls outside of the Cathedral square gone by Christmas Day. The Ice Rink remains until 5th January and once that is dismantled, with a scattering of seed then nature will take over to regrow the grass, and already the planning for next year has begun. So remember to put the dates for Winchester Christmas Market 2020 in your diary now and book your stay at Penny Farthing House for the best experience in the city.

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