Whitstable, Kent
Recently named the most independent town in the UK, Whistable is the place to go to if you like the English seaside, oysters and quirky independent shops. You’ll find everything from traditional tea rooms to funky cafés, local art galleries, boutique clothes shops, eclectic homeware stores and cosy pubs. Pick up some green treats from Jane at Graham Greener, a small florist and plant shop on iconic Harbour Street. Just down the road is The Writing Post, the perfect place to find vintage presents for the antique lover in your life, whilst Flory and Black, Indie Whitstable and Harbour Books are also brimming with unique gifts.
At Christmas, a dedicated Fayre brings everything together with markets showcasing the area’s seafood, arts and crafts, distilling everything great about Whistable, in a festive setting. There’ll be open-air stalls selling mulled wine and snacks but the Neptune Pub is a great place to stop if you want a bit of comfort. With brilliant views of the water and plenty of cosy fires to cuddle up in front of, this is a brilliant watering hole to ease your feet and finish off the day.
Stay at The Cook’s Cottage or Heron House
Bruton, Somerset
Bruton is often trumped by Frome as Somerset’s most picturesque town, but it has plenty to offer over its neighbour and with a fraction of the crowds. Thanks to an influx of London expats, the town has a handful of trendy homeware boutiques, an Art Factory and a new café and event space, opened up by Chef Melissa Hemsley, all contributing to its new nickname “the Notting Hill of the West”.
Bruton does Christmas in style, with a late-night shopping event that takes over the high street, usually on the first Thursday of the month. The street is closed to traffic and fills with market stalls, vendors and Christmas cheer. For a totally different shopping experience, head for Hauser & Wirth Somerset and browse their incredible range of books and art.
Stay at Yarlington House
Totnes, Devon
This bohemian town will always be one of our favourite spots in the UK, as it flies the flag for the sustainable, organic and independent shops that we are craving now more than ever. It prides itself on being a Fairtrade town with an overall ethical ethos where most products are handmade, local or fairly sourced. Discover jewellery, clothing, fresh food and organic skincare, plus traditional butchers, modern art and glassware.
While the town makes a fine place to idle and shop at any time of year, Tuesdays in December are market days, so you can browse with a little extra Christmas glow around you, especially on the 17th, when the famous lantern procession takes place.
Stay at 7 The Grove
Ludlow, Shropshire
Regular Sunday markets and Tinsel Tuesdays (you have to see it to believe it) bring a dusting of festive fun to Ludlow’s already impressive food scene. The idyllic market town is nestled in the Shropshire Hills AONB with stunning views all around. Georgian architecture lines the quaint cobbled streets, and there’s a lovely stroll from the town down to the river, perfect for a crisp and chilly winter’s day.
The Only in Ludlow project has been set up to promote local, independent businesses in the area and this of course feeds into its approach to Christmas. Aside from the markets, you can still head to the Deli, Black Bough shop for local artists’ work and vintage watches, Eclectica for unique clothing, or Oska – a women’s designer shop. There’s even an independent department store, The Silver Pear, full of beauty, homeware, children’s gifts and more.
Stay at Cottage at Camp Lane
Bakewell, Derbyshire
A place known for its iconic tarts, Bakewell is a quintessential market town in the heart of the beautiful Peak District. Wandering through the streets, you’ll find picture-book houses built of honey coloured stone that climb up from the pretty river Rye. There’s a delightful mix of countryside and town here, with the rolling hills a backdrop to the numerous medieval courtyards.
Whilst there is usually a bustling weekday market, you’ll still find ample produce and presents in the many local shops. Jolly Pots is a cosy shop hidden off the beaten path, Birdsong showcases beautiful handmade jewellery, whilst Bon Voyage stocks ample goods for both the house and home. One of our favourite spots, The Derbyshire Emporium, sells an array of original work from artisans, craftspeople, artists, makers and food and drink producers from across Derbyshire. After a busy day out navigating the streets, head to the Peacock at Rowsley for a delicious Sunday Lunch and a cosy wintry afternoon by the fire.
Stay at The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley
Hay-on-Wye, Powys
Hay-on-Wye is a honeypot of culture surrounded by the dramatic and wild landscape of the Black Mountains. With over 20 bookshops and its legendary literary festival, Hay is often called the Town of Books and you can be sure of finding something to inspire every bibliophile. But this pretty town is not just about bookshops, its streets also teem with art galleries, delis and good places to eat – all independent. We love the art and artifacts on offer at Oil and Oak studio and seeing global sourcing done properly, through independent makers and sellers, at Small Stories.
The book shops are all still open at Christmas, of course, but there’s also both a fabulous Fayre and a Winter Festival to add a bit of festive magic to your visit. The former is a great example of an independent Christmas market, while the latter is more of an ideas shop, focusing on talks and performances that provoke and inspire.
Stay at Atelier Hay, Net House, Sycamore House
More inspiration…
Short breaks in the UK
Discover farmhouse holiday cottages in the countryside, elegant hotels in vibrant cities and welcoming bed and breakfasts for all the family.
Slow Guides
Read our collection of Slow Guides over on Detour, and find out all you need to know about Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, The Cotswolds, Yorkshire and the Lakes.
Perfect weekend breaks
Places to make your precious weekends away into great travel memories. Eat your way round Suffolk, indulge in Cornish spas, hike the Lake District and explore unmistakable Edinburgh.
