With Christmas just weeks away, people across Bristol and the rest of the country will be looking to start their festive shopping. And while many will head to local markets in Bristol or Bath, others might want to look to places further afield to try a slightly different Christmas shopping experience.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the big city Christmas markets, a small village in the Staffordshire countryside offers shoppers a different but ‘extra-special’ place for a spot of shopping this festive season. Kinver is just under two hours from Bristol and has a handful of boutique style shops that could provide the perfect gift for almost the whole family.
On the high street there are a variety of shops but one that stands out at Christmas time is Omnipresent Gift shop. With its large Victorian windows, the place is decked out with lights, reindeers and even much loved Gonks. Inside shoppers can get their hands on items like jewellery and a variety of other gift ideas.
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Also available shop wise is Crafts by Eleanor, which could be perfect at providing present ideas for that craft lover in your family. There are also a couple of charity shops to choose from along with a dedicated jewellery store. And one shop everyone will be heading to is The Olde House Confectioners which will satisfy any sweet tooth.
But it’s not just the shops that draw visitors in, the village has a very unique setting for their Santa’s grotto. Put on by the National Trust each year, the Kinver Santa’s grotto is held in a cave at Rock Houses, the National Trust site in the village. This year children can visit Santa at Rock Houses on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Dressed in ‘traditional green robes’ Father Christmas and his helpers interact with children like they would at any other Santa’s grotto around the country. Parents must book in advance of taking kids to see Santa, which can be done through the National Trust website and tickets cost £10 per child.
And while you're in the village why not stay for a warm drink and a bite to eat? Two pubs in the centre of the village, The White Harte and the Plough and Harrow, serve a range of alcoholic drinks and possibly a plate of food or two. And there’s a range of cafes also to choose from including Cafe No 5 Kinver and The Olde House Tearooms which is a family run eatery.
Whether you’re in the area for a day or Christmas shopping or decide to stay for a few days, there’s plenty to see and do. And if you’re a fan of the festive season, this is a must visit place.
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