Georgian Bed and Breakfast Opulence in the City of Winchester
- See Winchester History and stay in Winchester History
Important information
Penny Farthing House
COVID-19 Policy
It is our natural wish to ensure the safety and the health of all our Bed and Breakfast guests, and so we are now extending our generally high standard of cleaning to encompass measures to protect against COVID-19 throughout the guest house accommodation.
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
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.
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
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
2021
So the Good News is that the Christmas Market 2021 is to go ahead.
Well here's the news "Winchester Christmas Market will be open from Friday 19th November and is to continue daily through to Wednesday the 22nd of December.
It will be in its 13th year and a welcome return after recent events. Still recognised as one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe made special by its spectacular location, the Market brings high quality exhibitors, wonderful Christmas gifts and an abundance of festive foods.
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets it attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year. The pretty wooden chalets are situated in the cathedral’s historic Close. 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 festive favourites such as, mulled wine, bratwurst, mince pies and stollen. Alternatively, there are many superb restaurants in the locality.
Stay at Penny Farthing House and you will be only minutes away from the market with an easy, level walk through the city shopping area. After the market return to your wonderful room, refresh and set out for your evenings entertainment.
Go On call Diana now on 07806 963229 and book your stay in wonderful Winchester for the wonderful Winchester Christmas Market.
