Top 20 places to shop in the Lake District
If you are a shopaholic, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in the Lake District. It would be impossible to list all the fabulous shops in the Lake District in one article, but below are 20 of our favourites:
1.Summitreks at Ambleside, Coniston and Hawkshead
Summitreks supplies outdoor clothing, including Odlo, Falke, Saloman, Hi-tec and many more, and has been open since 1987. In addition to retail outlets in Ambleside, Coniston and Hawkshead, you can also shop online at: www.summitreks.com
2.Kirkstone Galleries at Ambleside
This contemporary designer store is situated at the gateway to the Langdale Valley, in the heart of the Lakeland hills. Located on the banks of a river, the galleries sell a range of crafts, home furnishings and real slate fireplaces.
3.Gosforth Pottery at Gosforth
Gosforth Pottery offers pottery lessons, pottery courses, pottery days and pots and pizza evenings, plus a shop selling a vast range of hand-made ceramics by over 20 potters. Check out: www.potterycourses.co.uk
4.The Elephant Yard Shopping Centre in Kendal
Built on the site of the old Elephant Inn, this shopping centre is home to some of Britain´s leading high street stores, all in one place. For more information, check out: www.elephantyard.com
5.Home sweet-home in Keswick
Home sweet-home sells a dazzling range of gifts, from contemporary to quirky to ´quite mad´. The owners, Libby and Ruth, have a talent for finding exceptional pieces, putting them together in eye-catching displays, and offering amazing creative ideas for the home. See: www.theorchidhouse.net
6.Jules B in Kendal
This multi-award winning designer clothing store is a leading stockist of designer clothing for men and women. Ranges include: Barbour, Paul Smith, Boss, Armani Jeans, Nicole Farhi, Anglomania and Twenty8Twelve. Check out: www.julesb.co.uk for more information.
7.Hawkshead Relish Company
This famous local shop in Hawkshead, offers a delicious range of home-made chutney, relishes, pickles, jams, mustards, preserves, butters, sauces, oils and vinegars, and is a chef´s dream. For more information, see: www.hawksheadrelish.com.
8.K Village Outlet Centre in Kendal
Offering up to 50% off recommended retail prices, you can find plenty of bargains at the K Village Outlet Centre in Kendal. You can save money on famous brand names, and enjoy the on site entertainment at the same time. For more information see: www.kvillage.co.uk
9.Westmorland Shopping Centre in Kendal
Whatever you are looking to buy, you will find it here, and this is the only covered shopping centre in south Lakeland. See: www.westmorlandshopping.com
10.The Lakes Glass Centre at Ulverston
The Lakes Glass Centre produces some of the last traditionally made lead crystal in the UK, and such is its quality, that it graces the tables of the British Embassies throughout the world. At the centre you can see the glass being made in front of you and also buy pieces at reasonable prices from the shop. For more information, see: www.lakesglasscentre.co.uk
11.Low Sizergh Barn near Kendal
Low Sizergh Barn is a farm shop with a difference. With a restaurant and tearoom, serving delicious local produce and Cumbrian reared and grown meat and vegetables, cheese and ice cream, this is a great place to buy your local goodies. Check out: www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk
12.Pintail Candles near Grange-over-Sands
Choose from a range of over 40 high quality fragranced candles with ornate tins, which are perfect for that special occasion. See more at www.pintailcandles.com
13.The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle
Offering great shopping in the heart of Carlisle, The Lanes Shopping Centre is located close to the historic castle, the cathedral and Tullie House Museum. Everything you want under one roof. See more information at: www.thelanesshopping.co.uk
14.Hannah Robinson China (UK) in Ambleside
Specialising in branded top quality goods, including English china, crystal and collectables from all major UK and continental manufacturers, Hannah Robinson China is well worth a visit. Check out the shop at: www.chinashop.co.uk
15.Stewardsons Outdoor Clothing in Hawkshead
Established for over 40 years, Stewardsons sells waterproof breathable jackets, fleece jackets, trousers, rucksacks, walking boots, sleeping bags, camping gear and much more. Check out: www.stewardsons.co.uk
16.The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
This famous shop has been making Cumbrian confectionery since 1854. The shop is tucked away in the corner of the churchyard of St.Oswald´s, and you will smell the delicious aroma of gingerbread before you get through the front door. For online goodies, check out: www.grasmeregingerbread.co.uk
17.Lake District Outdoor at Cockermouth and Keswick
Specialising in outdoor clothing and footwear, plus camping equipment, and cycling, climbing and fishing equipment, Lake District Outdoor is the place to come for lovers of the great outdoors. Top name brands sold here include: Paramo, Rab, Montane, Haglofs, Outdoor Research, Deuter,Scarpa, Meindl, Kayland, Snowbee and Airflo. For more information, check out: www.anglingandoutdoor.co.uk
18.Colony Country Store at Ulverston
The Colony Country Store sells a huge variety of candles and home accessories, including vases, flowers, cards and gift wrapping, and the adjacent work shop is where most of the goods are made. Excellent for gifts. Check out the website: www.wax-lyrical.co.uk
19.Wheelbase UK at Staveley
This is the UK´s largest bike shop, and you can find an extensive range of road and mountain bikes from the top names in cycling. Approximately 300 bikes in stock at any one time. See: www.wheelbase.co.uk.
20.Ambleside Sheepskins
Offering a huge range of sheepskins, backed up by a 7-day money-back guarantee. Take a look at www.amblesidesheepskins.co.uk for more information.
Whatever time of year you decide to visit the Lake District, you will find a wide choice of shops open. From small, designer art and crafts shops to designer boutiques and vast shopping centres, wherever you stay in the lakes, you won´t be far away from the action.
