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Get a head start on the Christmas shopping in Devon

21st October 2019

Categories: Visitor News

We know, we know, it is far too early to be talking about Christmas, but like it or not, we don’t actually have all that long left before the fairy lights start twinkling in windows and the Now That’s What I Call Christmas album becomes the soundtrack of our weekly shop. With this in mind, we thought we’d give you the run down on some of Devon’s best shopping experiences and how you can make it a fun break while getting a head start on tackling Christmas.

Image: Affinity Devon.

Let’s start in North Devon, if you’re able to get your Christmas shopping started early, you’ll still have enough good weather for exploring that beautiful coastline as well as enjoying the host of fun activities that this region is famous for, like surfing and paddle boarding. Affinity Devon in Bideford is a great place for getting started on ticking things off of lists. It’s a unique outlet shopping village with all your favourite brands at low prices. Plus, it has free WiFi and plenty of free parking as well as dining options for if you need a bit of sustenance during your shopping spree.

If you need somewhere to stay, you’re in luck as there are plenty of options for you in North Devon including the Royal Hotel, one of the Brend Hotels. This hotel has rooms that date back to the 17^th century and combines many of the building’s original features with fantastic modern facilities. Other hotels nearby include Highbullen which being a golf and country club has a number of leisure facilities for guests to use as well as an award-winning onsite restaurant.

Image: Highbullen

Alternatively, Golden Bay Holiday Village is in the heart of Westward Ho! and borders the coast, which is beautiful whatever the weather. For something that is a little more akin to home, Marsdens Devon Cottages have a number of properties in the area of Braunton, which is right next to Bideford. Woolacombe is also a good place to base yourself if you plan on going to Affinity. Twitchen House Holiday Park is a unique holiday park and has a historic Edwardian manor house right on the grounds.
If you plan to do more than just shopping on this trip, basing yourself near Affinity Devon will give you access to plenty of activities, including the North Devon Wake Park and Skern Lodge which are both ideal for those of you who like getting out and about and being active. For those of you who are doing some secret shopping and need to keep the kids distracted, the Big Sheep is one of the region’s most popular attractions and has something for everyone.

Image: North Devon Wake Park.

Of course, there are plenty of dining options at Affinity and with the various nearby hotels, but if you want to experience some fine dining, the Regency Restaurant has an extensive menu of locally sourced, seasonal dishes and can be found in Bideford.

In south Devon, you’ll find the English Riviera, which is enduringly popular as a seaside holiday resort, but also has several great shopping opportunities. In Torquay, the Fleet Walk Shopping Centre is in the heart of the town with a view of the iconic harbour. Here you’ll find a mix of independent and high street names as well as a few specialist shops so you can be sure to find the perfect gifts. As you’re in the centre of Torquay, there are plenty of places to stop for some food along the way too. Torquay is a firm favourite with holiday makers, so you’ll find a whole host of accommodation options.

Image: Fleet Walk.

For something more casual and a central base where you can drop off bags during the day, take a look at Osborne Apartments. For those of you who want to stay in one of the grand Victorian style hotels, the Headland Hotel and Spa is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the town and the Haytor Hotel is just 400 meters from the main shopping area. For a magnificent sea view, the Imperial Torquay commands a cliff top position overlooking Torbay.

Image: Imperial Hotel.

You could always make the most of your time in the Torbay by staying out of Torquay and enjoying the various shopping experiences of the surrounding towns as well as enjoying the number of attractions you can find in the region. Take a look at the Queen’s Hotel in Paignton which will put you close to top attractions like Paignton Zoo and give you easy access to Torquay, the village of Cockington and Brixham. Summerhill Hotel offers some amazing scenic views down to Brixham. You could always base yourself in Newton Abbot where you’ll be able to easily get around the English Riviera by using the mainline railway. The town is connected to Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and other areas of Devon. Stay at Wooder Manor for the chance to see parts of Dartmoor and Bovey Tracy. Mill End Country Hotel is on the banks of the River Teign and has dog friendly rooms for those of you bringing your four legged friends along for the shopping experiences.

Image: Sirona Spa, Finlake.

Being in this part of Devon means you have access to plenty of interesting attractions for you to include in your trip. Becky Falls in Newton Abbot is a haven for fascinating historic walks. You can relax after your retail therapy at the Sirona Spa where you can indulge in a number of pampering sessions or for something more energetic, get involved with the various water sports on offer in the Torbay with Jet Set Go or Sea Kayak Torbay. Alternatively, grab a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, you can even stop off at Greenways, the holiday home of Agatha Christie which is managed by the National Trust.

Image: The Shops at Dartington

If you’re looking for more unusual gifts, take a trip to the Shops at Dartington, which has fifteen shops and restaurants all in one place selling crafts, food, fashion, toys and more. There is plenty of parking and with the abundance of family friendly events, you can easily bring the whole family along to indulge in a little shopping. Of course, no trip to this part of Devon is complete without visiting Dartington Hall, this historic building has acres of grounds to explore, accommodation, restaurants and more, you can easily spend all day there!
For somewhere to stay, you can have an alternative experience by booking into the internationally renowned mindfulness centre at the Sharpham Trust. Visitors are welcome to stay all year around and there are themed retreats throughout the year. Beyond Escapes Devon is also in the vicinity and offers superior luxury and spa facilities as well as fabulous fine dining.
Nestled between Dartmoor and the coastline and right next to Dartington is Totnes which is well known for its captivating markets and its quirky atmosphere, so make sure to take a trip and explore the high street with its unique shops and eateries.

Image: Princesshay

Obviously visiting one of Devon’s cities will give you plenty of opportunities for getting on top of your shopping list. Head to Exeter for the Princesshay shopping centre. You’ll find over seventy stores including huge brands as well as smaller, independent stores, cafes and restaurants all under one roof.
If you don’t fancy grabbing a bite to eat while surrounded by shopping, drop off your bags and experience some fine dining at the restaurants located at the Devon Hotel in the city centre. Alternatively, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to be found all over Exeter, from the high street, the area around Exeter Cathedral or the quayside.
For somewhere to stay, South View Farm Bed and Breakfast is an award-winning B&B and is an ideal base for anyone wanting a restful break. For accommodation with plenty of onsite facilties, take a look at Castle Brake Holiday Park which is also conveniently located for exploring the Jurassic Coast.
If you manage to make a good start with the shopping and fancy a break, you’re in luck as there are plenty of things to see and do in Exeter. Why not view it from above with a trip with Aerosaurus Balloons? Or spend the day whizzing around on roller coasters at Crealy?

When it comes for shopping for the Christmas period, it’s also important to get an idea of what food and treats you would like. With that in mind, why not browse what’s on offer at Ben’s Farm Shop? This chain of well stocked farm shops can be found in Totnes, Exeter, Staverton and Yealmpton making it easy to visit while shopping in both Exeter and Totnes!

Don’t forget that Devon has a number of famous Christmas markets, so keep an eye on our what’s on pages to find out more!