Britain’s best streets for cosy Christmas shopping, markets, and festive lights

Detailed summary

Shopping this way seems especially appealing at Christmas. High streets and side streets across Britain are strung with lights and decorations – you might even catch some…

There’s something special about stepping inside a beautiful independent shop. A friendly welcome, carefully designed displays, smells and sounds that add to the sensory experience.

Shopping this way seems especially appealing at Christmas. High streets and side streets across Britain are strung with lights and decorations – you might even catch some carolling or stumble upon markets selling yuletide treats.

As a publisher and editor, I’ve spent 18 years championing Britain’s independent sellers. In that time, I’ve collected a chunky black book of the best stores in which to indulge in some feel-good retail therapy. There are wonderful places to shop in almost every town and city – you just need to know where to look.

Here are seven of Britain’s best streets for enjoyable Christmas shopping.

This cobbled street in the arty market town of Frome is filled with one-off shops that have added sparkle after the Christmas lights arrive (27 Nov). Enjoy a stroll up the hill popping in and out of stores such as Assembly (men’s wear and accessories) and Studio Ashay (women’s slow fashion, made in the studio behind the shop by Donna May Lynch).

At number 14, Frome Hardware sells stylish versions of functional goods: think secateurs and chopping boards. It also offers an engraving service and laser cut maps that would make striking gifts.Pilea, meanwhile, is the place to go for unusual houseplants. Reward yourself at the bottom of the hill with a meal at Little Walcot. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, ideal for people-watching, and a warming menu, including celeriac soup and rigatoni with slow cooked beef shin ragù.

Frome train station has direct services to Bristol and London. Rook Lane House is an adults-only B&B in a building dating to 1604. Doubles from £150, with some dates available before Christmas. Premier Inn Frome Hotel has room-only doubles from £70. Accessible rooms available.

Suffolk’s big skies, clutch of handsome seaside resorts and salt marshes make for a beguiling…

Woodb…

Opening of the article, excerpted from i News. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.