Visiting Winchester FAQs
Finding My Studio and Planning Your Visit
I answer practical questions about visiting my Winchester studio, including travel, parking, accessibility, what to bring, and how to plan your appointment calmly. These FAQs make it easy to visit my private Rose Garden Studio with confidence, whether you’re coming from Hampshire or travelling in from further afield.
Next steps: To book a private appointment in Winchester, please use my Contact page. Before you visit, you may enjoy exploring my Bespoke Hat Portfolio or browsing Ready-to-Wear. If you’re considering commissioning a hat, read my Bespoke Consultation Process. For help choosing shape and colour, see Wedding Hat Advice and Colour and Outfit Matching.
Why do clients enjoy visiting Winchester for their consultation?
Many clients enjoy the experience because Winchester feels special, welcoming and easy to make a day of. Between the historic streets, independent boutiques and excellent places to eat, it often turns a hat appointment into a genuinely lovely outing and a memorable part of your special event planning.
How do I travel to Winchester?
Winchester is well connected by road and rail, with direct train routes including Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke and London. From the train station, the studio is a short taxi ride or about a 25-30-minute walk up the hill. There are also local bus services that can drop you at the end of Dean Lane, about 5-10 minutes away.
Is there parking at the studio?
Yes. There is ample free parking immediately outside my garden gate, with a short walk through to the studio.
Are there good restaurants and cafés nearby?
Yes. Many clients enjoy eating out before or after their appointment, and Winchester has a wonderful selection of cafés and restaurants. Along Jewry Street and near The Guildhall, you will find a great variety of cuisine options, and The Ivy Brasserie on the High Street has quickly become a well-known choice. For a countryside feel, The Plough in Sparsholt and The Running Horse in Littleton are both popular, as well as the Lainston House Hotel, which is also very close by.
Is the studio accessible for customers with mobility needs?
Yes. There is spacious parking immediately outside, and access is via a fairly level paved Indian Sandstone path which includes a couple of very shallow steps, then a small step up into the studio itself. If you require any additional support, please mention it when booking so I can make suitable arrangements.
Do you see clients from outside Hampshire?
Yes. Clients travel from all across the UK for consultations, and Winchester’s transport links and local attractions make it a convenient and enjoyable destination to spend a day or two in, making the most of their hat ordering experience.
Are there hotels within easy reach?
Yes, there are several options if you would like to stay overnight nearby. Lainston House Hotel is very close, and there are also notable options in town, such as Hotel Du Vin on Southgate Street. There are also several pubs with rooms, both in town and on the outskirts. Many clients find that an overnight stay turns the visit into a relaxed, unrushed shopping experience that becomes an enjoyable part of their event planning.
Can I collect my hat while visiting Winchester?
Yes. Many clients arrange to collect their completed hat during a Winchester visit, and it can be a lovely way to enjoy the city before heading home. If you would like to do this, please may I suggest arranging it in advance so we can time it perfectly around your plans.
What should I see while I’m in the city?
Winchester is rich in culture and history. Many visitors enjoy Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall, and the River Itchen walk, as well as the city’s charming streets and independent shops.