Halloween is over, November has hit and that means just one wonderful thing. Yep, it’s time to whip out the mince pies, mulled wine and tinsel. Sorry, not sorry to all the Scrooges out there.
Few things feel more Christmassy than wrapping up and wandering through a cosy town illuminated to the nines and dotted with lots of lovely independent shops to browse. If this sounds right up your street, the Times has just revealed its selection of the prettiest towns to shop in this festive season. Time to get the gifts rolling.
Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire came in at number one for the unusual homeware at Broug’s, designer crafts at Wood & Wire, fair-trade fashion and ethical gifts at Spirals and smellies at the Yorkshire Soap Company.
St Andrews up in Scotland followed for its streets filled with ‘maximum charm’ and quintessentially Scottish stores selling stuff like whiskey, cashmere and golfing paraphernalia.
Know someone obsessed with vinyl or in love with ceramics? The Times recommends the independent stores around the market town of Frome, Somerset. If you’re looking for some niche surfing kit, it suggests Cardigan in West Wales, also highlighted for its hand-printed cards and books and local art.
Completing the top five best towns for festive retail therapy was Cambridge. The university town was given a shout out thanks to its indie stores like Ark, the Cambridge Satchel Company, Laird Hatters and Lost in Vinyl.
Ludlow in Shropshire and Lewes in East Sussex also made the cut. The former for its historic market and the latter for its arty offerings and boho textiles. Happy shopping!
Let the festive season commence
It’s never too early to get into the Christmas spirit. Start immersing yourself in all its merry, glittery glory and take a look at our lists of the best Christmas events, best Christmas light trails and best Christmas markets in the UK. Plus here's our own guide to the best shops around the country to find unique gifts for your loved ones.
ICYMI: Four UK destinations are in National Geographic’s list of the coolest places to visit in 2024.
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