Winter Delights: Independent style in Ledbury
Fill your Bag of Delights with stylish 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. As Ledbury is the birthplace of John Masefield, it’s the ideal place to start!
With its pretty jumble of historic architecture, secret alleyways and famous cobbled lane, Ledbury is a small but perfectly formed shopping destination - an absolute gem!
Gorgeous interiors & art
Tinsmiths is a place of pilgrimage for interiors junkies, famed for its beautifully crafted homeware, ceramics and artist prints, whilst Hus & Hem is a smorgasbord of Nordic delights, including their must-have felt slippers. Cool homeware, clothing and jewellery are also the order of the day at the bijou Tusk Collection. Wyebridge Interiors demands a browse as do Butler & Sweatmans’ two lovely stores.
The colourful Take 4 Gallery showcases locally and nationally renowned contemporary artists, whilst at Objets Trouves there’s a little gallery which accompanies their curated selection of second-hand finds. Meanwhile, stock up on beautiful British-designed blankets, cushions and candles at the recently opened Melanie-Louise.
Gifts, books & toys
Wander around Blandfords for heaps of gift ideas, books and an excellent toy department. There’s more books at the fantastic Ledbury Books and Maps and Three Counties Bookshop, (which also stocks a wealth of art materials). Nip into Ledbury Poetry House for literary reads and arty cards, and find great gifts, including presents for little ones, at Monkleys. Find luscious houseplants at Ledbury Leaf plus organic beauty and wellbeing at The Apothecary Shop.
Womenswear & jewellery
Tusk Collection is the place for understated chic, whilst the fashion department at nearby Ceci Paolo offers upscale brands and accessories. Find heavenly merino knitwear at No 12 High Street, casual style at Raft plus gorgeous lingerie and swimwear at Bra Boudoir. Discover Scandi clothing brands at Epoch and ethical womenwear at Ethos or shop sustainably at Lottie's Cupboard dress agency. Men are well catered for at Renaissance.
As for jewellery, there’s a dazzling selection on offer at Juice Collection, J.B Gaynans, Tanzanite Jewellery, Past &Present and Shanti Shanti, which is tucked in the town's design quarter.
Foodie gifts
Hay Wines offers an excellent range of wine and spirits, including the best local brands, as does The Wine Shed, whilst Choccotastic is crammed with Belgian chocolate loveliness, from handmade truffles to special Christmas creations. Fill your basket with tempting delectations from The Deli at Ceci Paolo and from The Nest which is a super spot to pick up foodie treats, alongside plants and architectural salvage, only 5 minutes drive out of town.
Lunchtime
- Wander up Church Lane to the Malthouse Cafe for delicious eats.
Sample seasonal eats at The Shell House Kitchen.
Dinner & stay overnight
- The historic Feathers Hotel is a Ledbury institution with a welcoming restaurant and beautifully furnished rooms.
- Characterful rooms and seasonal food await at The Seven Stars and The Talbot.
- Just outside town is the Verzon House Hotel which offers spacious rooms and delicious food as well as cocktail masterclasses,
Delightful experiences
- Take to the potter’s wheel: For the ultimate de-stressing activity, at Eastnor Pottery.
- Learn how to make natural remedies: With expert Rowan McOnegal Hedgerow Medicine.
- Discover the craft of cider-making: From blossom to bottle at Westons Cider Mill, followed by a meal and a glass of the good stuff at The Scrumpy House.
- For a winter walk: head to Eastnor Deer Park for a 5-mile circular trek, taking in a stunning section of the Malvern Hills.
2024 Diary Dates
- festiveNest at Little Verzons Farm, 16 & 17 Nov, 10am - 4pm, a weekend of seasonal fun, with carols, local produce and hand crafted goods plus donkeys and goats, a children's treasure hunt and other festive family fun. Free entry. Hosted by The Nest.
- Christmas lights switch-on 24 November, pop along for an afternoon of shopping and festivities, including live music, artisan market, family-friendly entertainment and children's creative crafts, before the lights switch on.
- Ledbury Late night Shopping, 6 December, 5 - 8pm, for all the festive feels, mooch around the independent shops and street market, accompanied by carols. Pick up holly & mistletoe and call in at one of the many cafes for a bite to eat.
