While North Devon might be famous for its adventurous nature and stunning coastline, it is also a haven for shoppers, particularly those on the hunt for unique gifts and bargains, as the region is home to a number of outlet stores and independent shops selling handmade and personalised gifts.
High Street names at affordable prices
If you are someone that loves shopping on the high street and grabbing the best bargains, then North Devon is a great place to visit. Green Lanes in Barnstaple, Affinity Devon and the Atlantic Village in Bideford all offer a mix of indoor and outdoor stores with high street brands, outlet stores and plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the way.
Independent and historic
North Devon is full of fascinating independent stores offering everything from clothes, jewellery and gifts that you won’t find elsewhere. From the traditional seaside gift shops to the more eclectic collections of products, you’ll find a whole host of stores that celebrate local arts and crafts. Head to Barnstaple’s lanes and the smaller market towns in the region for the best of the independent shopping. By shopping in the smaller independent stores, you’re not only finding unique gifts, but you’re also helping to support the local economy, helping the towns thrive and allowing you to create memories for many more years to come.
One of the best places to find independent stores is at the many markets that take place all across North Devon. For a really charming experience, head to Barnstaple’s Pannier Market, one of the UK’s largest indoor markets, this building has remained largely unchanged in its 150 years of existence. The Pannier Market is an important part of Barnstaple’s heritage and boasts two cafes as well as a host of interesting stalls which trade all year around. Located right in the heart of the high street and surrounded by a mix of stores, both chains and independents, even if you aren’t in the mood for shopping, it is well worth a visit just to experience this incredible part of Barnstaple’s history.
You can also find a number of farmers’ markets around North Devon where you can buy goods directly from the producers – don’t forget to keep checking when the next market is on so you don’t miss out on sampling some incredible local produce from independent retailers. You can find out when Farmers’ Markets are being held in North Devon here and other markets and fairs here.
Arts and Antiques
If you’re familiar with the Devonian way of life, you’ll know that arts and crafts are an important part of the culture and you can find a whole host of shops, galleries and more selling handmade furniture, art and crafts all over North Devon.
Appledore in particular is a great place for those looking for art, there are galleries and artists around every corner, so you can easily find the perfect piece for your home. North Devon is blessed with having the coastline and the moor, both of which regularly inspire creatives and help them produce amazing photographs, paintings, sculptures and literature, so this is the ideal place to be for anyone looking for unique pieces of art.
Appledore is also the place to be for the bibliophiles among you, the town regularly hosts a literary festival and there are several bookstores in the region which attract visitors from all over the country. Firm favourites for those looking for quaint bookshops and first edition copies are those in Dulverton on the edge of Exmoor.
The handmade furniture in this region comes from the landscape too, with driftwood furniture and Devon stone both being used to create everything from chairs to tables to cabinets to garden ornaments.
Bideford is a great place to go for anyone looking for furniture, particularly antique pieces, there are plenty of shops offering vintage homeware and a large number of independent stores offering the best of locally produced furniture.
Farm shops
The West Country is rife with Farm Shops, which isn’t surprising considering the amount of local producers. Most farm shops sell everything from locally brewed ciders to locally grown meats and dairy products. Many of them have cafes attached to them so you can try before you buy!
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