to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
There is something magical about giving Christmas gifts that your friends and family love. So, if you are searching for shopping inspiration, we have done the research and compiled a list of shopping ideas to help you find the perfect Christmas gift in South Lakeland.
Arnside
Given its outstanding location, it’s hardly surprising that the once quiet fishing village of Arnside has developed into a popular shopping destination.
Stroll along the seafront to discover a mix of independent boutiques and retailers, including the family run Coast Office, which offers a range of gifts from talented local artists and crafts people at affordable prices. Friendly staff are happy to help you with your gift selection, and there is plenty to choose from: peruse cards and prints of Morecambe, fused glass decorations and jewellery, handmade soaps and candles, and plenty more.
Combine your visit with a walk along the promenade and enjoy the stunning views over Morecambe Bay towards the Lake District fells. After all that fresh air you will be ready for a hot chocolate and cake! Try the tempting treats on offer in the Old Bakehouse or Posh Sardine Café.
Grange-over-Sands
Photo: Dave Willis
Graceful Victorian and Edwardian architecture give Grange-over-Sands a nostalgic air of gentle elegance. With a centrally located railway station (less than a 5-minute walk from Main Street), and plenty of car parking, shopping here is a relaxed and friendly affair.
The family run Grange Plant Centre in the centre of town is the perfect place to buy a gift for green fingered friends and relatives, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help. Further along the main street, Choco-Lori welcomes those with a sweet tooth: step inside to discover a mouth-watering selection of delicious handmade chocolates alongside a tempting café.
Once you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in one of Grange’s elegant hotels or cosy cafes.
Complete your visit with a trip to The Beach Hut Gallery at Kent’s Bank station. Open Thursday to Sunday (11am to 4pm) this gallery exhibits the work of local artists and craftspeople.
Hawkshead
You don’t have to stroll far in Hawkshead to find a unique gift, as specialist shops line the beautiful cobblestone streets. Pop into Made in Hawkshead to pick up gifts from local artisans, including local, hand-blown glassware and ornaments to grace your Christmas tree.
Multi-award winning Hawkshead Relish, located in the heart of the village, offers an amazing range of locally produced chutney, relish and preserves. The perfect gift for foodies!
Kendal
The beautiful old market town of Kendal offers a fabulous blend of high-street names and independent retailers.
Shop for hidden treasures with tour of the town’s antique stores. Start at the Antiques Emporium, in Dockray Hall Mill, before visiting one of the many second hand and fine antique shops located in and around the town centre.
Kendal is also home to a wonderful arts and crafts scene, with the famous Quaker Tapestry Museum and Brewery Arts centre located in the town. Buying for a creative loved one? Head to Youdells, a family-owned art shop on Kirkland; or visit one of the craft shops selling knitting wool and sewing supplies.
As you wander through town, don’t be surprised to be greeted by the aroma of freshly ground coffee! Farrers have been brewing coffee in Kendal since 1819, and their centrally located olde worlde tea and coffee shop is wonderfully nostalgic – not to mention, the perfect place to buy a present for any coffee lovers in your life. Pause and enjoy a brew in their café whilst you are there.
Kendal is of course synonymous with its famous mint cake, which can be found in newsagents and gift shops throughout the town. Pop in to the Made in Cumbria shop on Branthwaite Brow for more locally made tasty treats and artisan gifts.
Kirkby Lonsdale
Kirkby Lonsdale puts the soul back into shopping. This beautiful market town, nestled in the Lune Valley, has plenty of charm and character. Its historic buildings are occupied by a host of independent retailers, boutiques and tempting cafes.
Wander around the market square with its beautiful boutiques and traditional sweet shop – the perfect place to find stocking fillers.
Visit The Bath House, an artisan producer of luxury fragrances and natural skincare products. Friendly staff are always happy to help you make the perfect selection - remember to ask for gift wrapping.
From 3rd to 5th December 2021, Kirkby Lonsdale will host a wonderful Christmas market. Buy Christmas wreaths, handmade tree decorations and artisan gifts whilst enjoying a warming glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Sedbergh
Set among the rolling hills of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, Sedbergh is England’s official book town. A fine collection of new, second hand and collector’s bookshops will provide you with plenty of gift ideas.
The town has bags of charm, its historic houses and cobbled streets the perfect complement to its extensive choice of speciality shops, and cafés, pubs and bistros serving locally sourced produce.
Ulverston
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Some gifts, like those made by Cumbria Crystal, can last a lifetime, and become precious family heirlooms.
Located in Ulverston, Cumbria Crystal is the last producer of completely hand-blown and hand-cut, lead, luxury English crystal in the UK. Their glassware has even appeared in James Bond films and graced the table of Downton Abbey! The factory shop sells premium quality glassware and ‘slightly imperfect’ seconds.
Searching for a bargain? Five minutes’ drive to the west of Ulverston you will find Wax Lyrical’s factory shop in the village of Lindale-in-Furness. Packed with candles and scented gifts this is a great place to find stocking fillers.
Head back to Ulverston for lunch or a special Gin lover’s Afternoon Tea at Shed 1 Distillery.
We hope our virtual shopping tour of South Lakeland has given you lots of ideas. Join in the fun by tagging us in on social so we can share your photos, present buying hints and ideas.
The Welcome Back to High Streets Project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
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