Winter Delights: Antiques & independents in Leominster
Fill your Bag of Delights with unique gifts
This winter, we're taking inspiration from the Herefordshire poet John Masefield and his captivating Box of Delights. We’re inviting you to feel the magic of Christmas once more by delving into the county’s wealth of winter delights - enjoy stress-free shopping, unique experiences, relaxed rambles plus fantastic places to eat and stay.
And leave with your very own Christmas 'bag of delights', filled with well-considered presents for family and friends.
Tucked under medieval overhangs, in Georgian townhouses and under ancient beams lies Leominster's irresistible treasure trove of antique shops & independent boutiques. And while the current roadworks continue, everyone can make the most of 2 hours free parking at Etnam Street Car Park.
Hunt for one-off antiques & vintage
More than 120 antiques dealers line the historic streets of Leominster, crammed with delights from all eras. From art deco lights and elegant jewellery to fine furniture; It’s the joy of the hunt, you never know what you might find! Even better, buying second-hand is super sustainable.
Start on Broad Street, taking a mooch around Stockmoor Antiques' period showroom, No 14’s nostalgic interiors and the almost endless rooms of The Antique Market and Leominster Antiques Centre. Nearby on New Street, find the Secondhand Warehouse & Antiques Centre and discover The Merchant's House on Corn Square. A wander along West Street will lead you to a world of vinyl at Spindwyer Records and stacks of second-hand books (and great coffee) at 35 West. There’s also various specialist stores including The Light Shop, War & Son for medals and military antiques plus The Barometer Shop for clocks and, you guessed it, barometers!
Independent favourites
Fantastic independent boutiques are dotted all over town. Browse contemporary art, pottery and jewellery at Oxenham Art and see the latest selling exhibition at The Old Stable Gallery (inside the Leominster Information Centre). Find beautiful homeware and gifts at The Gift Monger and Motif. Pick up stylish womenswear at Noted, colourful clothes at Sassy and sustainable fashion at Jumping Ships. For jewellery, bags and other gifts, make for Semorile, Best Wishes and Zenith, And always find the latest releases at Rossiter Books.
Little ones will love a treat from Martins Models - a proper toy shop - as well as arts and crafts goodies from Roundabout Stationery. For eco bodycare and more, pop into Leominster Organic.
Foodie gifts
Foodie friends will appreciate a hamper brimming with Herefordshire's finest from wine merchants Vine & Juniper and Drapers Lane Delicatessen. The sweet-toothed will also adore The Happy Fudge Co.
Outside of town, drive to Newton Court Cider for award-winning tipples and find local produce, from honey to apple juice, plus books and eco gifts at the fantastic little shop in Queenswood Country Park.There's plenty of foodie delights on offer at Wellington Home & Gardens, plus myriad magical Christmas decorations and gifts. And, for fromage fiends, the cheese hampers from Monkland Dairy are a must.
Lunchtime
- Stop for a coffee at nano coffee roastery RMF or try 35 West for second-hand books served alongside your caffeine fix.
- Pause for a bite to eat in and around Corn Square at Drapers Lane Delicatessen, The Press Room and The Flying Dutchman.
- Visit the cafe at Grange Court for a side of heritage with your soup.
- Try Saverys on Broad Street for homemade comfort food.
- Eat vegan & veggie at Nori’s on West Street (Thur - Sat)
- Nip a couple of miles out of town to Newton Court for a tasty bite to eat.
Dinner & stay overnight
- The Riverside in Aymestrey is a very comfortable black and white gastropub with rooms, named best sustainable pub in the 2022 UK Pub Award.
- Alternatively, enjoy dinner in the converted threshing barn at The Hickory Stick
Delightful experiences
- Go cider tasting: The award-winning Newton Court Cider (which also makes smashing ciders for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s label) offers tours of the mill and orchard every Friday. Learn about cider making before sampling a few favourites.
- Craft your own leather bag: Spend the day in the workshop at Williams Handmade making your very own bag. A lovely experience and beautiful gift (if you can bear to part company!)
- Winter walks: Take a gentle stroll around Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum or visit the picture-perfect ‘black & white’ village of Weobley which is the starting point for a super 5.5 mile circular walk.
2024 Diary Dates
- Late Night Leominster, Friday 6 December, 5 - 8pm, take a turn around the shops after hours, plus a late night Charter Market and festive food, drink and entertainment.
- Leominster Victorian Christmas Street Market, Saturday 14 December, 9am - 3pm, step back in time and enjoy a truly Dickensian adventure . The town centre will be brimming with stalls selling handmade and locally produced gifts, plus street food and mulled wine. Queen Victoria and Father Christmas will arrive by horse-drawn carriage to the Square, plus enjoy Morris dancers and live seasonal music.
