A LITTLE BIT OF LANCASHIRE; A GIFT SHOPPING GUIDE

Whether you are shopping for that special someone or just picking something up for yourself Lancashire offers an unrivalled shopping experience. From historic farmers’ markets selling mouth-watering local produce to ornate covered Victorian stalls and mill shops, you’re guaranteed to find just what you’re looking for and more.

Vintage delights

You don’t have to travel far in Lancashire to come across a treasure trove of vintage collections and antiques, perfect for those who are hard to shop for or enjoy something unusual as a gift.

Assembly Rooms Emporium in Lancaster is housed in an 18th Century, Grade II listed building, and is home to stalls selling a wide range of interesting finds, from vintage clothing, vinyl records and pre-loved books. Alternatively, a trip to The Time Train, located in a picturesque courtyard in Clitheroe will take you back in time whilst offering a tasty treat in their cafe.

Throughout the year Lancashire is also host to Crafty Vintage, a family run gathering of all things vintage and handmade. This year’s markets will include line up of handmade delights, gifts and collectables, all of which are locally produced, the markets provide the ideal opportunity to shop local and support independent business.

Foodie favourites

Lancashire is renowned for its fantastic selection of fine tasting cuisine, from a crumbly creamy Lancashire cheese to warm and filling hot pot. Packaged as part of a hamper or on its own Lancashire produce can make a scrummy gift.

A great place to start is Bowland

Food Hall in the market town of Clitheroe, where you will find a wonderful showcase of the very best of Lancashire’s food and drink producers. The majority of their vast selection of meat, cheese and dairy products originate from the Forest of Bowland AONB – keeping food miles down to single figures in many cases!

Another great location, set in the heart of rural Lancashire and surrounded by rolling hills, is Heskin Hall Shopping Village. Offering an incredible range of stalls, including a high-class butchers, delicatessen and florist.

Great food isn’t complete without a perfectly paired drink. You’ll find many fantastic breweries and gin distilleries in Lancashire, each with their own story and take on the tipple they produce. Most offer tours and distillery days with plenty of opportunity to purchase what you have tried.

Independents

Many independent stores in Lancashire are family run and have been handed down from generation to generation ensuring quality and consistency from the good old days.

Established in the summer of 1987, Cedar Farm is home to 25 independent businesses providing a wonderful range of contemporary art, clothing, home furnishings and beauty products, many of which are made on site, by their talented team. Including world awardwinning Choc Amor, known for their imaginative flavor combinations such as Chill & Lime or Orange Jalfrezi.

A haven for book lovers Carnforth Book Shop contains over 100,000 second hand and rare books, as well as new releases gifts, stationary and art materials.

If you’re looking for something a little larger, Owd Barn at Bispham and The Regent in Blackpool both offer antique furniture, as well as smaller antique finds.

The Jewell in Lancashire’s Crown

The city of Preston offers a fantastic shipping experience. Home to multiple shopping centres, including Fishergate Shopping Centre, a bustling retail destination right next to the railway station. Here you will find a wide range of shops, including fan favourites Primark, Lush and Starbucks.

You’ll also find lots of independent shops and restaurants scattered around the city, and the impressive Market Hall, that provides a modern shopping experience in a contemporary glass and timber structure. Visit for fresh quality Lancashire produce, gift inspiration or to enjoy a coffee and cake at one of the cafes.