Slow Shopping: Antiques & Vintage

Leominster's historic streets are lovely to meander in search of  meaningful gifts. Start on Broad Street which is lined with shops, including Stockmoor Antiques' period showroom and No 14 which focuses on nostalgic interiors. Meanwhile, The Antique Market and Leominster Antiques Centre have almost endless rooms to explore, as do the Secondhand Warehouse & Antiques Centre on nearby New Street, The Merchant's House on Corn Square and Retro Station which is near the railway station. Make time to explore specialist stores such as The Light Shop, War & Son for medal and military antiques plus The Barometer Shop for clocks and, you guessed it, barometers! Along West Street, enter the world of vinyl at Spindwyer Records and browse fantastic second-hand titles over a coffee at 35 West.

Other independent shops worth a peek include the Oxenham Art for contemporary art, pottery and jewellery, as well as Noted for stylish womenswear. Little ones will love a treat from Martins Models - a proper toy shop, a new read from Rossiter Books or arts and crafts goodies from Roundabout Stationery. For all things planet friendly, check out Biobab which also stocks gorgeous natural skincare from local brand Herbfarmacy. There's also eco bodycare and more at Leominster Organic. Foodie friends will appreciate a hamper crammed with Herefordshire's finest from Vine & Juniper, Drapers Lane Delicatessen and Mousetrap Cheese.

Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is a short drive away, offering  walks and a superb nature focused gift shop. The National Trust also has two fabulous properties nearby: Berrington Hall and Croft Castle. Or take a tour around the famously pretty Black & White Villages to discover the Old Chapel Gallery in Pembridge and pick up lovely food gifts at the Green Bean in Weobley and the Eardisland Community Shop. 

Drapers Lane Delicatessen, The Press Room and The Flying Dutchman which are all in and around Leominster's pretty Corn Square. Or wander along West Street to discover plant-based deliciousness at Plantastik and the brightly coloured music cafe bar Reet Petite. For a side of heritage with your soup, head for the cafe in the beautiful black and white Grange Court. 

Book into The Riverside in Aymestrey, a 16th century black and white gastropub with rooms. The kitchen enjoys showcasing local produce and artisan suppliers as well as growing their own.

Whilst in Leominster, book a cider tasting at Newton Court Cider, an award-winning artisan producer, or make a leather bag or belt with the help of designer- maker Sarah Williams. 

There is an abundance of choice for aficionados of antiques, vintage and retro. Follow The Vintage Trail to tour the best boutiques. Furniture specialist Blank Canvas Antiques occupies a magnificent Tudor building which is itself a treat for the eyes, whilst close by lies Now and then Antiques as well as Relics which is a favourite for jewellery and interiors. At the top of town, take a wander around Lot 47 and Space/Inside to find fantastic curios, collectables and vinyl.

Other excellent slow shopping options include colourful upcycled creations at Vintage Virtu and  pieces from local designer-makers at The Basement and Made in Ross. Discover interiors, light fittings and paints at the Architectural Store and Lizzie Bunting. Or delight art fans with a special something from Gallery 54, Lyons Gold and the studio of ceramicist Sarah Darcy.

Pick up goodies for kids at the super Toy Box and mooch around Crossfield Creations and Heavenly Homes & Gardens for decorative homeware. Head to Boutique at No.2 and Crows Feet for accessories and luxury gifts, whilst Ross Cook Shop is the perfect place for culinary presents.

Relax over a light lunch at No 3 Restaurant, a cosy retreat in the middle of town, or have a bite to eat  at Caffe Eleganza. Sample the fabulous sandwiches at Truffles Deli (or take out and enjoy by the river).

Eat and sleep under the beams at The King's Head, a welcoming spot in the centre of town or kick back at  Orles Barn with its panoramic views over the River Wye. A short drive away find The New Inn  which has a strong emphasis on local produce, as well as characterful bedrooms. The seasonal menu at The Loughpool celebrates local ingredients and you can sleep surrounded by orchards at  Broome Farm B&B, a 300-year-old cider farm.

Sample delicious wines at Wythall Estate Vineyard and  treat your friends to your favourites. Or craft your own signature blend at Foxtail, using herbs, flowers and botanicals foraged locally.

As well as a flair for festivals and close links to Herefordshire’s hop-picking heritage, the little town of Bromyard boasts a high street where tradition meets unique.  Among the independent boutiques and second-hand stores is Teagowns & Textiles, heaven for one-off gifts for vintage clothing lovers. The eclectic store at 46 Broad Street is a mecca for period accessories and retro gems from pre-1920s items right through to the 00s fashion, while David James Jewellery, at 41 High Street, often stocks pre-loved pieces including antique jewellery.

A short drive from Bromyard is Bringsty Vintage Living, a charming antique furniture store that is a treasure trove of refurbished homeware, interior design and quirky decoration. While Holloways, a contemporary lifestyle store in nearby Suckley, has a wealth of outdoor decor including antique planters and art. Bromyard is also a celebrated enclave for foodies, why not create a Herefordshire hamper for the gourmet in your life?

Try Brew, a comfy coffee shop on Bromyard High Street or Oaklands, a deli and cafe on Broad Street. Both of these popular independents sell soups, sandwiches and delicious coffee.

For a town centre stay you could check into The Inn at Bromyard, a traditional black-and-white timber-framed hotel. A short drive away is Brook House Woods with luxury cabins and even treehouses nestled among boughs of ancient oak trees.

Try out the Roast & Ramble route to walk up Bromyard Downs for the views and then reward yourself with a cosy pub lunch. Or take an escorted horse trek with Noakes Farm Riding Centre along the River Frome. Alternatively, pull up at stool at Little Pomona to explore the modern taste of cider.