SHOPPING DESTINATIONS
With one-of-a-kind independent boutiques, selling antiques, arts and crafts, books, fashion, jewellery and clothing, historic department stores, markets and entire shopping villages, there is an abundance of shopping destinations to be enjoyed Words: Emma Johnson
P
ERHAPS IT’S DOWN to its history as a main arterial route between the east and west of southern England, flanked partly by the Thames. Or because it wends its way through some of the most beautiful and sought-after English countryside around. Whatever the reason, the Great West Way boasts some of the most wonderful cities, towns and villages for indulging all your retail desires. Whether you want to pick up a few mementos of your trip from local artisans in Marlborough and Windsor, rummage through the antiques shops in Hungerford and Tetbury, or splash out on renowned British brands in Bath and Richmond, shopping along the Great West Way is both diverse and inspiring.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew until early January, with more than a million pretty fairy lights installed along the route and a festive market selling homemade food and gifts.
TOWN AND COUNTRY
From Richmond and Kew, you’ll journey away from the big city and soon find yourself in delightful little towns whose independent shops and boutiques have been steadfastly preserved. A beautiful and historic town, Windsor is also somewhere that prides itself on having a thriving and popular high street. Many important British names, from Jigsaw and Jo Malone to Joules and Hobbs London are here, located in the beautiful Windsor Royal Shopping centre, previously the old station booking hall, and a glorious glass-covered atrium, with numerous shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. Close by, you’ll also find country outfitters Barbour, tailors New & Lingwood (just over the river in neighbouring Eton) and just outside of town, Windsor Farm Shop and Café which sources meat and game from the royal estate, and also sells local honey, craft ales, flowers and fresh produce, as well as royal estate gifts and hampers. Close by, beautiful Henley on Thames is a smart, chic town with a great mix of independent shops and carefully chosen brands. Amidst the likes of classic British homeware brand Laura Ashley, luxury beauty store Space NK and British fashion names Joules, Crew, White Stuff and Whistles, you’ll also find Fluidity - a chic fashion store which recently shot to fame as the store responsible for Prime Minister Theresa May’s eclectic wardrobe; as well
“The Great West Way boasts some of the most wonderful cities, towns and villages for indulging all your retail desires.”
LONDON-INSPIRED
At the beginning of your journey west, make a stop in Richmond, where you can find upcycling and preloved beauties at Mary’s Living and Giving; quirky home décor in Anthropologie; 30th Century Comics, who specialise in back issues of every comic ever made; and The Open Book, an independent bookshop with an amazing range and knowledgeable staff. Richmond also has a Whole Foods Market. And, don’t miss shopping in Kew too, close by and a lovely place to shop, with a number of wonderful galleries, especially those whose artists are inspired by their botanical surroundings. Next to each other, the Marianne North Galley and the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art are both well worth a visit. While at Christmas, a showstopping trail of festive light installations runs through
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