Top shops to buy locally-made goods
Let’s hear it for handmade and let’s show some love for local.
Canterbury is fortunate to have a great mix of high street brands and independent businesses dotted along its cobbled streets so you can always find what you need on a shopping trip, and support local while you’re at it. Just over 46% of our city centre businesses are independent, with incredible crafts people creating one-of-a-kind products on site.
Here are some of the masters at work in Canterbury, why not pay them a visit?
SWEET TREATS
When you need a sugar fix, make sure you get the quality stuff! Madame Oiseau Fine Chocolates in The King’s Mile is the place to go for handmade chocolates, lovingly made by French chocolatier Sandrine May. She has something for every season and occasion.
For another sweet fix, stock up on fudge from the maestros at Fudge Kitchen and Roly’s Fudge Pantry in the Cathedral Quarter. Using traditional methods, this is some serious crumbly goodness.
MAKERS' SHOPS
Canterbury has a beautiful collection of shops dedicated to showcasing the work of Kentish makers, which means they are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts or treats for your home.
Check out Rock Paper Scissors in Stour Street, Platform in St Dunstan’s Street, Canterbury Makers in Whitefriars and both Walrus & Oyster and Happy Glorious in Burgate for artwork, jewellery, fashion, stationery, luscious beauty products, elegant homeware, and textiles.
A visit to each one is worth your time as you’re bound to find something that makes your heart sing.
BESPOKE JEWELLERY
Some of the finest crafts people in the county are working in Canterbury to create bespoke jewellery and silverware for every occasion. And their shop and studio spaces are pretty easy on the eye too.
Pop into Fitzgerald in Burgate, Luke Goldsmith in St Peter’s Street, Justin Richardson in Sun Street, 925 Silver on the King's Mile and Hadfields in Castle Street for your next special purchase.
TIPPLES AND NIBBLES
If you need a boozy gift, head straight to The Foundry Brew Pub in Stour Street. All of their exceptional ales are brewed on the premises using local Kentish hops, and they have gift packs of beer available to buy. They also distil their own Canterbury Gin!
If you want something savoury to accompany your drinks, pay a visit to The Cheese Shop Canterbury along The King's Mile for a gift box of tasty local cheeses and snacks. You can also stock up on a huge array of veggie health foods at Canterbury Wholefoods, or visit one of the many producers' stalls at The Goods Shed farmers' market. Check out our blog on great local markets too!
HEAVENLY HOMEWARE
For unique home and table ware, there is plenty to choose from in the city. Canterbury Pottery’s husband and wife team create gorgeously glazed items in their studio/shop in the Buttermarket, while Canterbury Glass Art in Palace Street produces one of a kind glass items in their onsite workshop where visitors are welcome to watch the glass being made.
Cosmo China works with 20 artists and illustrators at their Palace Street studio, hand painting their own original designs on fine china.
QUINTESSENTIALLY CANTERBURY
When you need a unique gift or something pretty for every room of the house, Canterbury has some very special stores catering for every taste.
Take a piece of Canterbury's history home with a visit to the Canterbury Cathedral Shop
Head to Wrapped in Burgate for quirky gifts, wrapping and cards galore, or visit the team Sowleys on the High Street for more gifts and picture framing. Siesta has been selling fair trade goods, crafts and clothing from around the world in Canterbury for almost 40 years and is well worth a browse. If you're a booklover, you'll be spoilt for choice with incredible independent experts operating throughout the city - take a look at our book lovers' blog to find your way around them!
