A Quick Reference Guide to Shopping in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are known the world over for their unparalleled beauty, unique saxon architecture, and rich history. However, for those who may want to engage in pursuits of the indoor variety while visiting the Cotswolds, take note. The Cotswolds offer some of the best shopping opportunities the country has to offer.

Designer Shopping: The Montpelier District in Cheltenham

The Montpelier district in Cheltenham is one of the most fashionable, if not upscale, areas in town. Built in the 18th century, the Montpelier district resembles a continental European town, with its terraced villas and beautiful gardens. The district was originally built as a specialist shopping area in the 1830s, and remains so to this day. While there, visit the Montpelier Rotunda; a magnificent architectural site that at in 1817 housed the Montpelier Spa. These days, it is the home of Lloyds bank.

Antiques: Tetbury

Tetbury is an old market town that, like so much of the Cotswolds, founded its beginnings in the wool trade. There is still evidence of these early beginnings in the historic Market House. Originally built in 1655, this iconic monument to the town’s history still stands in the heart of the town centre. Antique treasure-hunters should head to 14 Long Street, where they will find Long Street Antiques. There, aficionados will find silver, art, china, and vases from over 40 antique dealers. If that doesn’t satisfy your thirst for antiques, head over to 17 Church Street, to Artique. There you will find a vast array of Oriental carpets and textiles.

Also of note while visiting Tetbury is the Highgrove Estate shop, located at 10 long street. There you can sift through a wide variety of products; some from the Highgrove estate (the country home of The Prince of Wales), and some from other places as well. All proceeds from the Highgrove Shop are used in support of the Prince of Wales’ charities.

Food & Farm Markets: Daylesford

The Daylesford Farm Shop is a part of the Daylesford Kingham Organic Farm in Gloucestershire. In operation for over 30 years, the Daylesford Organic Farm prides itself in either growing and supplying organic vegetables, meats, dairy, and poultry from the farm, or directly from local artesian providers if it is something that they do not raise of grow themselves. In addition to the farm shop, is a cookery school and highly-acclaimed restaurant, having won over 60 national and international awards over the last three years for their food and sustainability practices. Daylesford is also the location of Bamford Haybarn Wellness retreat; a day spa retreat that focuses on a holistic healing approach with yoga, Pilates, message, and facial treatments. Bamford also beasts its own collection of clothing, as well as an organic product line, both focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients, naturally sourced, and manufactured in the artesian tradition. Fashion enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy their fall/winter collection, which is inspired by long walks in the country surrounded by the rich colours of autumn.

We have several properties in the Cotswolds which might be of interest, head over to our Cotswolds Cottages page to see.