Some places just have everything you need in one stop, and we’ve selected some of Herefordshire’s most unique independent destinations that offer gifts for all the family to make your Christmas shopping a delight instead of a chore.
Oakchurch Farm Shop, Staunton on Wye
Known throughout the county as The Harrods of Herefordshire, push aside your idea of out-of-town shopping in a soulless mall on the edge of somewhere and head to Oakchurch, where there’s little you can’t buy.
This is destination shopping – a go-to retail experience at any time of year, but especially at Christmas when it’s the perfect one-stop shop for all your festive needs. From turkeys and beef reared on the farm to Christmas puddings and award-winning homemade gelato, and from gifts for every member of the family to treats for yourself – go on! it’s Christmas!!
An inspiring selection of lovely things for home and garden, as well as fashion, jewellery and handbags, will solve your gifts-for-the-grown-ups puzzle, while the toy department offers traditional toys, games, wooden jigsaw puzzles, books for all ages, and well-known names like Lego and Jellycats as well as a huge selection of farm toys. And their Christmas decorations department is HUGE!
Oakchurch Farm Shop, Staunton-on-Wye
Philip Morris, Hereford City
A jewel in Hereford’s retail crown, the ever-expanding Philip Morris is one of the city’s flagship independent retailers.
The store has been a fixture on the county’s shopping list since the 1800s, when it started life as an ironmongers, growing over the years to become a hugely popular country living store in the heart of the city.
Family run as it has always been, Philip Morris sells everything for every room in the home , from quality kitchenware, china and cutlery to linens, clothing and footwear and garden, not to mention its famous gunroom. In short, everything you need for comfortable country life featuring stalwart and emerging superior brands.
Holloways Contemporary Country Furniture, Suckley
There’s nowhere better to find inspiration for your home than Holloways. A family-run business, every piece, from sofas to dining tables, outdoor living to conservatory furniture, is designed to make your house a home.
Anyone with a love of interiors will welcome a gift with a difference from Holloways extensive selection of hand-picked cushions, throws, feature mirrors, artwork and ornaments for the interiors connoisseur.
The Shop at Coo Corner, Fownhope
Shop @ Coo Corner’s owner Victoria Cooper has a passion for design with sustainability – for reusing, reworking and upcycling – so you’ll find not just gifts, but refill stations, not just beautiful tableware but pre-loved clothing.
“Upcycling is about designing stuff that I feel has a value in terms of usability,” says Vic. “Price, too, is very important, and the emphasis is on accessibility to everyone. It’s about finding something for everyone.“
This beautiful little shop promotes local makers and worldwide fair trade artisans across a wide spectrum, and you’ll literally find something for every member of the family. From newborns to great grandparents see clothing, toys and games, fashion accessories, gardening goodies, kitchen gadgets, ceramics, homeware, candles and wax melts to yoga mats, bodycare, gift cards and jewellery .
And they serve great coffee and cake too.
Aardvark Books at Brampton Bryan
From cooking to crafts, from history to horoscopes, there are books on every subject under the sun, meaning there’s a book out there for everyone on your Christmas list! And there’s nowhere better to go to browse the shelves than Aardvark Books, nestled amidst a magical circle of hills in the Marches and an Aladdin’s cave of new, second-hand and rare books, CDs, maps, musical scores, DVDs, greeting cards, gifts and more. Whether you’re looking for a famous author, a forgotten favourite or something out-of-the-ordinary, Aardvark will deliver.
Labels Shopping Ross on Wye
Another of Herefordshire’s great out-of-town shopping destinations, Labels Shopping has women’s and men’s fashion and accessories (including bowler hats!), homeware and soft furnishings, travel items, fabulously fragrant candles, diffusers and room sprays from family run Herefordshire producer Whax, everything you need for the kitchen including the highest quality cookware from The Cookshop, and a gift shop with cards and gifts not just for Christmas but for every occasion.
Make a day of it and include a stop for lunch at M&Js at Labels or a sandwich from the newly revamped deli – a tempting menu will ensure you’re fully re-charged for more shopping!
Wyebridge Interiors in Ledbury
In the heart of Ledbury, just along from the Feathers Hotel you’ll find Wyebridge Interiors. Step through the door and all your worries about finding the perfect present for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member will evaporate. Full of beautiful things for the home, don’t-need-but-love accessories and a cornucopia of gift ideas, Wyebridge 2 is the perfect destination for anyone in need of inspiration.
“A wonderful range of designer led gifts for every occasion at affordable prices”
Set up in 1987 by Mary Pytel (wife of renowned sculptor Walenty Pytel), the business quickly became one of Herefordshire’s leading interior design showrooms, thanks to Mary’s background in antiques, decorative textiles and art school training.
Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen
This group of skilled artists and craft workers earn a living by their craft and live or work in and around the beautiful county of Herefordshire. Discover them at shows and events and this Christmas at their regular seasonal location at Ledbury Market House from 2 – 17 December.
For an exciting flavour of their work and who is involved have a look on their website below.
Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge
Old Chapel Gallery sources the best in handmade British contemporary fine arts & crafts, made by both emerging and established artists and makers.
Located in the heart of rural Herefordshire, between Kington and Leominster. it is firmly established as a centre of excellence for casual browsers and serious collectors alike. Lovers ofcontemporary British arts & crafts can find work by local and nationally established artists and makers, alongside the innovative work of talented newcomers.
Uncover that extra special gift by visiting us in person or continue browsing the on-line shop. All prices include postage and packaging.
‘Winter Curiosities’ Christmas Exhibition runs until the end of the year and can be seen at the Gallery or Online
Open Wednesday to Sunday. Other times by appointment.
Little Verzon Farm AKA The Nest, Near Ledbury
Home of the Handmade Scotch Egg Company, The Nest near Ledbury is an emporium of foodie delights that just cannot be ignored this festive season. Add to this a range of homeware crafted by local makers including tea and dinnerware, chunky chopping boards and home scents and fragrances and you’ll be ticking off your list in no time. Their in-house deli includes fresh daily bread from Peter Cook, oils, preserves, fresh veg, cold store and dairy items, speciality goods and much more are all from the local area and its wonderful artisan producers.
The Nest also make their own range of cured meats and is the perfect place to find something to add a little sparkle to your festive menu or to pick up some fabulous gifts for family or friends. Of course they bring out their seasonal scotch egg range too, perfect for the nibbles tray, party buffet or Boxing Day cold cuts table.
The Hop Pocket Shopping Village, Bishop’s Frome
Welcome to a world of independent shopping under 5.5acres of rustic farm buildings and hop yards, and a lovely day out for the whole family.
Famed for its craft and gift emporium, the Hop Pocket has evolved to offer fashion for all ages, a beautiful luxury furniture and homeware store, huge toys and games department, with its well-known garden centre and fantastic food hall and wine shop perfect for those festive purchases.
The Hop Pocket’s vast Restaurant opens out to a children’s play area for find days and the free parking is a real antidote to town centre queues.
For more great places to Shop, Eat, Visit or Enjoy this festive season check out our big Christmas page.