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 68% 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…
Heavenly Homeware
For unique home and tableware, 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. 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. If you need your own artwork carefully framed, look no further than Hawkswells in St Radigunds, Sowley Gallery on St Peter’s Street and Lilford Framing on Castle Street.
Sweet Treats
When you need a sugar fix, make sure you get the quality stuff! Madame Oiseau in The Borough is the place to go for handmade chocolates, lovingly made by French chocolatier Sandrine May. For fudge-a-holics stock up from the maestros at Fudge Kitchen and Roly’s Fudge 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 Gallery in St Dunstan’s Street, Canterbury Makers in Whitefriars and Walrus and Oyster, Happy and Glorious and Violet Elizabeth in Burgate for artwork, jewellery, fashion, stationery, luscious beauty products, elegant homeware, and textiles.
Tipples and Nibbles
If you need a boozy gift, head straight to Canterbury Brewers and Distillers 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 and whiskey!
You can also stock up on a huge array of veggie health foods at Canterbury Wholefoods and then pick up a bottle of Kentish wine from Corkk as you walk down Burgate.
Share the love with your snaps of local purchase on social media: @visitcanterbury #lovecanterbury
