5 star holiday cottages should always be close to some 5 star shopping, and when it comes to retail therapy, the Lake District is actually a hidden gem.
Just a short distance away are a number of great independent shops stocking designer fashion and homewares, speciality food and drink, individual pieces of artwork, and quirky gifts.
Kendal, which still retains its historic market town traditions, is home to many popular shops and is one of the Lake District’s top shopping destinations.
Wainwright’s Yard is packed with independent retailers: designer labels for men and women at Maya Maya, one-off finds and irresistible homeware from Armstrong Ward and La Maison, and cocktails and coffee at Slate Café Bar. The Yard is also home to northern supermarket, Booths and high street fixture, Pizza Express.
Kendal’s Old Shambles is lined with a great variety of interesting shops. Here you can find health food, sweets, luxury stationery and crafts, butchers and more. The town’s street market, held every Saturday and Wednesday, is a good option for fresh ingredients, artisan breads, plants and the odd bargain.
Bowness and Windermere are packed with interesting shops, both independent stores and high street favourites.
The Thuline Gallery, operated by a prominent local artist, has a great array of original paintings, decorations and keepsakes based around Lake District animals and scenery. Herdy operate stores throughout the Lake District, including in Bowness, selling lots of fun Lakeland themed gifts. With stores all over Cumbria, Edge of the World offer a large range of outdoor gear, which might be useful on less sunny days out in the Lakes. Lakeland also has its flagship store in Windermere village.
Those planning an active holiday should be sure to visit Ambleside – with its many outdoor supply shops, it’s well worth a visit before you head out into the hills. You can find clothing, footwear and equipment at The Epicentre, climbing gear at The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown, and all-weather adventuring gear at The Mountain Factor.
Bookworms will love the independent book stores in the village, and Ambleside Cowhide and Sheepskins is full of potential purchases that would be cosy reminders of your Lake District visit. Be sure to stop by one of the sweet shops and order 100g of your favourites for a moment of childhood nostalgia, and look out for GEAR and Detail, which are incredibly hard to walk out of without a purchase.