The Big Christmas Shop (And Flop)
The Bull, Ditchling
This olde-worlde pub in the heart of Sussex (just a 20-min drive to bustling Brighton) really shines at Christmas. Twinkly lights, roaring fires, wonky wooden beams, and friendly locals by the barrel-full. You can become part of the community simply by pulling up a pew at the bar and engaging in some festive chit-chat.
A glass of something hot, spiced and boozy is enough to revive you after a full-on shop fest in nearby Brighton. Churchill Square has all your high street faves and The Lanes is spot-on for your independent shops, cafes and some rummage-worthy flea markets. You’re sure to find a treasure, curio, or something just-a-bit-different for a friend or loved one when you visit this neck of the woods.
There’re some fabulously festive events happening in Brighton over Christmas too. Including our fave festive bucket-list topper – ice skating at the historic Royal Pavilion. If you were hankering to bolt-on a bit of community carol singing to your stay (as well as making the most of a quieter mid-week getaway) then Monday 16th December is your day. This is when The Bull, Ditchling invites the local Vivace! Choir to come lead everyone in a Christmas sing-a-long.
And when the singing is done, perched atop the pub (up a dozen little steps) are six cosy bedrooms. These range from comfy-and-cosy rooms (perfect for one person and a small pile of pressies) to bigger boutique-y ones – perfect for hunkering down with a pal for a great seasonal night away.
Dog & Fox, Wimbledon
This iconic pub (a firm fave with Wimbledon tennis fans) with 23 boutique-y bedrooms has all the mod-cons of a hotel. But with all the warm welcome and Great British hospitality that comes with staying in a traditional pub. They’ve even got a fabulously friendly pub dog (he answers to Eddie) which is the icing on the Christmas cake.
As well as snooping around all the up-market boutique stores that Wimbledon has to offer (of which there’s dozens) you absolutely must stop in at Bayley & Sage. They have a whole grotto-full of grab-and-go style Christmas themed hampers – including some alcohol-free options – that save all the laborious hunter-gathering that comes with hand-crafting a gift basket for a foodie (or drinkie) friend.
Wimbledon Christmas Market on The Piazza pops up every weekend throughout December, too – which is well worth a wander around. You can pick up original artworks, jazzy home décor, bespoke jewellery, clothing, candles, and a partridge in a pear tree.
And then (when your sack is full of gifts) make a much-needed pit stop at the Rose & Crown to treat yourself to a congratulatory hot choc, before heading back to the Dog & Fox to tackle that mountain of gifts.
Teller’s Arms, Farnham
Farnham is great for our Christmas shop-and-flop concept, as it offers up an eclectic mix of perusal-perfect places; boutiques and pop-up stores – from independent retailers to those more familiar high street shops, too. From cutesie little sweet shops (ideal for those stocking filler treats) to jewellers, to much-loved department store Elphicks – a one-stop-shop for all your Christmas shopping needs.
It’s traditional (nay, obligatory) to raise a toast to the season, so be sure to stop at the bar from a seasonal bevvie and admire the beauty of the pub. Teller’s Arms (nestled in the heart of Farnham) used to be bank so you’ll spot many a nod to its heritage, but it’s now a rather special and wonderfully popular place to drink, to dine and to stay.
Which brings us to the very best part. Simply take your seasonal spoils up to your ever-so-cosy (and brand spanking new) bedroom, stick on your favourite festive film (oh yes, Die Hard counts a Christmas movie) and surround yourself with all the bits and bobs you need to wrap and label your pressies.
The Bear, Esher
A swift 10-mins drive (or taxi ride) from The Bear is the most Christmassy place on the planet (outside of the North Pole, that is). Garsons is a top-notch garden centre that fully embraces the magic of Christmas, with a jam-packed calendar of events and a million-and-one pressie ideas. You can pick up preserves and jams for Granny’s hamper or grab a gift set ( the mother-in-law would love it kind) and even fill your basket with top-tier toys for the littlest of loved ones.
Back to the pub for room service and a rummage through the honesty bar (a MOTH espresso martini should do the trick) then you’re all set for some serious Christmas card writing and wrapping. Followed by soft pillows, sweet dreams and a solo-sleep for you.
Round off your shopping-centric-stay with an un-hurried breakfast in the pub the next morn. Grab some granola or a hearty Full English, linger over a cuppa and then trundle off home with your sleigh full of pressies.
Hand & Spear, Weybridge
This pub with rooms is within a just few steps of the railway station, so is spot on for those of you who are looking to travel by public transport.
Shopping in Weybridge is mainly centred around High Street and Baker Street, just a 20-min walk (or 10-min bus ride) from the pub. There you can find brilliant book shops (who doesn’t love a hardback for Christmas?) alongside clothing shops and some independent lifestyle stores.
Gather all you can carry in your little bags, and then head back to the pub. Now, in these rooms there are some rather gorgeous roll-top bathtubs that promise sweet relief for your achy muscles (lifting that credit card can be hard work, you know). So, fill her up with warm bubbly water, stick on a bit of Bublé, and luxuriate for at least half an hour. Then (once you’ve basked in the warm glow of a job well done) you can get busy with gift-wrapping those pressies and parcels.
The Seagate, Appledore
This charming North Devon village is stunning to visit at any time of year. But we especially love it in the cold mid-winter, when crowds of summer holiday-goers have gone. Lining Appledore’s quaint, cobbled streets are an abundance of independent shops, art galleries, gift outlets, and specialty shops. So, this getaway is custom-made for picking up those tailor-made, artisan, and one-of-a-kind pressies.
The pub itself sits on the Quay (you can even stay in a converted Sail Loft) so you can mindfully gaze out at the coast whilst nicely cosy in your jammies. Order yourself some room service (fish and chips seems adoringly appropriate) and joyfully work away at your bows, ribbons and string – without getting your tinsel in a tangle.