Winchester Hat Fair Day

This is the annual Hat Fair in town, when mimes, trick acts, food stalls and local goods take over the downtown around High Street for three days. We started at the wonderful and awe-inspiring Winchester Cathedral for most of the morning and then walked along the River Itchen to the start of the South Downs Way.

From here it was back to town for some pub grub and them a mid-day much needed nap.

In late afternoon we wandered back to the Cathedral for what we thought would be Evensong choir but found it had been pre-empted by a funeral memorial. Bad luck for all concerned! 

Tired of the crowds on High Street, we wandered back alleys and side streets until finding ourselves close to the ancient Westgate and it's Winchester museum, walked up the narrow & quite steep stairs to discover we had the place (and it's docent, Patrick all to ourselves. 

Time for grub again, we walked over the the West gate Hotel pub and had some great fish & chips, mashed peas and for Joan, a nice half-pint of ale. 

Now back at our hotel packing up for tomorrow. We head for Meonstock about 10 miles away.