Winchester is one of my favourite market towns to visit on the weekend, especially for the range of shops they have in the beautiful historic town. My current Winchester favourite has to be the Hambledon, which I frequent every time we are in the area. After reading their recent feature in ‘the Shopkeeper’, I thought it was time I put together a post detailing my thoughts on this delightful shop, which I’d recommend to anyone passing through.
Full of beautiful gifts, bespoke books, independent magazines, menswear, womenswear, home accessories, luxury toiletries and home fragrances, the Hambledon is the perfect place to pick up a gift for a loved one (or for yourself).
Based in the heart of the city centre, a stones throw from Winchester Cathedral, the shop is always interesting and exciting to visit. With seasonal changes in window displays, products and stockists, no two visits are ever the same, and there are always shiny new things to take your fancy. I especially love finding out which suppliers are based in the collaborative project space each time I visit.
I discovered the Hambledon last year after a visit to the Winchester Christmas Markets and found it the perfect place to pick up last minute Christmas presents (as well as finding things to add to my own list). One of my favourite things to pick up at the Hambledon are magazines, as they stock a range of rare, hard-to-find and independent covers, many of which have since become our go-to favourites including Lodestars Anthology, Wilder and Ernest.
The Hambledon also sell a range of beautiful books, the kind you’d love to showcase on your coffee table or prize on your shelves!
After flicking through the books and magazines, I love perusing the home section – especially when looking for gift ideas! On my most recent visit to the Hambledon, I picked up three beautiful little glass bottles, which I thought would be perfect for holding posies or autumn blooms and I’ve already been complimented on their simple but chic statement.
The Hambledon also stocks a beautiful array of stationery, wall prints, party accessories and decorations, which I generally find myself wanting all of to create the perfect Pinterest worthy celebration! This beautiful print by Rifle Paper Co. (shown below) is definitely on my birthday list for this year.
Downstairs there is a menswear section, great for buying gifts for Pete, then the top floor is home to women’s fashion, where you can pick up some unique and glamorous items! I imagine some people come for the clothes and accessories alone!
The products at the Hambledon are always displayed in a picture-perfect manor and the staff are so friendly. It provides a unique, relaxed shopping experience where you feel able to browse at your leisure, appreciating the tiny details that have gone into creating this perfectly unique lifestyle store.
Next time you’re in Winchester, why not pay them a visit?
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