With a wide choice of market towns and villages, themed markets and independent retailers' there are plenty of opportunities to shop in Shakespeare’s England. Whether you are looking for a souvenir or keepsake from your visit to Warwickshire, a gift, or a treat just for you, you will find the perfect purchase - and have lots of fun searching too!
High Street Heaven
Warwickshire towns have been welcoming shoppers to their high streets for hundreds of years. And whilst the landscape and style of our shops may have changed over the years, there are still many places where you can experience the eager anticipation of discovering an independent boutique, gift shop, or emporium for the first time.
Stratford-upon-Avon promises a choice of household names, and one-off retailers in its busy town centre. There are lots of opportunities to stop for a coffee in between shops, and watch the world go by as you plan your next purchase. A weekly market is held every Friday on Rother Street, and on Sundays along Bridge Street or Waterside depending on the season.
Discover independent retailers tucked away within the mediaeval streets of Warwick. Browse for hours and enjoy the atmosphere of this characterful town. The Saturday market held in the town’s large square is popular with a range of retailers selling local goods, and produce from across the region, and bustles every week with eager shoppers.
Royal Leamington Spa’s Parade is a bustling high street home to well-known retailers and chic boutiques. Take some time to explore the quieter surrounding streets and you’ll be rewarded with a host of unique stores offering a wide choice of treasures. In Leamington Spa, you are never far from a quirky coffee lounge, or chic brasserie to rest your weary shopper’s feet and enjoy a bite to eat in between stores.
Browse and buy to your heart’s content in Kenilworth’s busy town centre, with a great selection of retailers and artisan shops offering everything from freshly baked bread, and craft essentials, to second-hand books, and one-off fashion pieces and accessories.
Venture a little further into Warwickshire’s smaller towns and step into traditional British high streets where shopping small and independent is embraced and celebrated. Henley in Arden is a perfect blend of historic and contemporary with a host of indie treasures including florists, boutiques, bakeries and ice-cream parlours. In the Roman town of Alcester, shoppers meander happily along the picture-perfect high street decorated with colourful bunting and dotted with beautiful floral displays in between charming antique emporiums, clothes boutiques, and traditional bakeries and tea rooms.
Celebrating the Independent
Shakespeare’s England is proud to celebrate the many small, artisan and independent businesses who bring a unique charm and diversity to our town centres and surrounding villages. You can take home a one-off souvenir or delicious treats to savour a taste of Warwickshire thanks to these hardworking businesses.
Artisan distilleries such as Shakespeare Distillery, Cotswold Distillery and Warwickshire Gin Company are putting Shakespeare’s England on the map - you can even try before you buy, thanks to their distillery tours and cocktail workshops.
Unique Shopping Destinations
If you are in search of somewhere where you can do nothing but shop till you drop, designer outlet Bicester Village is the place for you! Explore more than 160 boutiques of the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brands offering exceptional savings, all year round.
The Abbey Artisan Market at Coombe Abbey Park in Coventry is a treasure trove of local produce, including pies, meal kits, locally sourced beverages, sweets, gifts and much more.
For a true celebration of independent movers and makers, head to FarGo Village in Coventry city Centre. This eclectic community of makers, doers and creative folk provide products that are that little bit different and is a one stop hub for independent shopping, food & drink, handcrafted arts and crafts, with a unique events programme throughout the year.
Whatever your shopping style, you can satisfy it in Warwickshire. Use our shopping directory to start planning your visit today.
