Get your Gifts in Lancashire

GET YOUR GIFTS IN LANCASHIRE

Whether you love it or hate it, gift shopping can be a stressful time, especially during the festive season. Luckily, Lancashire offers and unrivalled shopping experience for truly unique gifts, with historic farmers’ markets, independent stores and homemade delights, as well as top producers and family-owned businesses. So, if you are looking for something special, you’ve come to the right place.

Think outside the flower box

Most people think of garden centres and nurseries as somewhere to visit in spring and summer when stocking up the garden, however most centres come alive in winter with a range of beautiful Christmas decorations, wreaths, garlands, and trees.

Head to Carnforth to Bay View Garden Centre, where you will not only find a wonderful family-owned business filled to brim with garden goodies, but there is also the opportunity to meet the big guy himself Santa and have a delicious afternoon tea.

Or why not pop to RHS Tatton gold medal winners Holden Clough. This truly stunning nursery offers a wide range of gifts and interior items, as well as festive workshops and Christmas markets, perfect for picking up that unusual gift.

Treasure trove of delights

There’s nothing quite like a visit to a vintage or antique store, searching through years of history to find something truly unique and wonderful. These shops can be particularly good for hunting out a gift for those who are hard to shop for or enjoy something a little unusual.

Preston Antique Centre is a family-run business located just outside Preston City Centre. Here you will find a wide array of antique and vintage items from throughout history, including furniture, jewellery, and home items. Another great place for antique finds is Bygone Times in Chorley and the Regent in Blackpool.

Looking for smaller gifts then a trip to Assembly Rooms Emporium in Lancaster will do the trick, with vintage clothing, vinyl records and preloved books. Alternatively, why not visit a Crafty Vintage event, held in different spots across Lancashire throughout the year, you are sure to find a range of handmade delights and gifts.

Something utterly delicious

Do you have a foodie in the family? Have no fear, Lancashire is renowned for its fantastic selection of tasty cuisine, from creamy moreish cheeses to sweet treats and savoury bites. Pull it all together as part of a delicious hamper or on its own as a scrummy gift.

If you are not sure what you are looking for, a Lancashire farm shop or food hall is a great place to start, most offer a wide selection of locally produced Lancashire products, from jams, chutneys and spices to cheese, pies and cakes. Try Countrystyle Meats Farm Shop, Bowland Food Hall or meet the maker with a trip to Dewlay Cheese.

Lancashire isn’t just known for its food; you’ll also find a wide range of locally produced drinks too. From the super tasty but non-alcoholic Calyx and Mr Fitzpatrick’s to a wide range of alcoholic beverages such as gin, rum, and beer.

Find a masterpiece

A piece of art can be a wonderful gift, something that the recipient can enjoy time and time again. Whether it is a painting, hand crafted vase or sculpture, find the perfect piece in Lancashire.

The Picture house in Burnley offers some of the finest artists work, as well as one of the largest selections of frame mouldings and mounts. You will also find a good selection of handmade original ceramics, glassware, turned wooden pieces, sculptures and limited-edition pieces.

Artisan and craft markets are also a wonderful place to pick up a local art print, with lots of styles available. At Cedar Farm you will find a range of contemporary art, sculptures, and glass work, as well as many other small businesses selling unique gifts.

Something from the high street

Lancashire’s bustling high streets offer a wide range of gift ideas, from small independents to wellknown brands, including Boots, Next and Marks & Spencer.

Preston is a renowned market town, and the new Market Hall provides a modern shopping experience, add to that three shopping centres and a high street full of favourites and it makes a perfect shopping destination.

Located on Preston’s high street, the Fishergate Shopping Centre offers a wide range of shops, food and drink options, extensive parking and facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Lancaster also boasts two great shopping centres in the heart of the city, St Nics Arcades and Marketgate Shopping Centre. Both packed with high street brands, as well as small independents, that offer the perfect place to find that unusual gift.