Plant lovers, magic fans, music fanatics, bookworms, fashionistas, homeware appreciators, beer and wine connoisseurs, theatre-goers – whoever is on your Christmas Shopping List this year Halesworth’s impressive range of unique and independent shops are bound to help you tick many gifts off your list. Take a stroll along the twinkly pedestrianised Thoroughfare and into the Marketplace to discover what Halesworth has to offer. Look, feel, touch and smell your gifts this year and support your local shops and businesses. Make a day of if – come for breakfast, stay for lunch or enjoy dinner out and try out one of the many eateries, from award-winning delis to cosy cafes to stylish and family friendly pubs. Read on to discover our Christmas Shopping Guide to Halesworth.
The Greenhouse Café is a Café like no other. Situated in the historic ‘Ancient House,’ building, downstairs is a leafy paradise with beautiful house plants big and small to satisfy any plant lovers chlorophyll cravings, complete with unique, and often locally made, handmade plant pots and accessories. Ailsa and Rhoda behind the counter will happily offer their expertise should you need it. The Greenhouse is also home to funky accessories, crafts and more. Once you’ve finished perusing, sit down and enjoy a hot drink and something homemade whilst admiring the dark beams and old architecture before carrying on your shopping journey. Oh, and did we mention, a witch resides upstairs?! Head up the windy ancient staircase (hold on tight), following the wonderful aromas of incense burning, and you will find the Magickal Emporium. Full of fascinating things and interesting gift ideas – crystals, spell bags, tarot cards, herbal teas and more, plus, Suffolk’s friendliest witch.
Run by owner Abbie, there is always a friendly welcome from the knowledgeable ladies at the Halesworth Bookshop in the Marketplace. A huge selection awaits in this tardis of a shop – from the most recent bestselling fiction to travel guides, to cookbooks, to local history and so much more. Pop in the Children’s section if you are buying for little people and see all the wonderful colourful stories on display including jigsaw puzzles, poetry books, lift the flap books and more, ready to inspire any imagination. Admire the ‘Where the Wild Things are’ mural painted on the back wall making this little shop extra special.
For those of you that appreciate music you can hold in your hands, the Halesworth Music Emporium is the place for you. Stacked high with vinyl, CD’s, cassette tapes, music DVDs and more, this is a great shop for the music enthusiast. Thumb through the boxes to discover rare delights and sought after classics. Treat your teenagers to a CD player and a selection of discs for an authentic 90’s experience, or thrill Grandpa with a record full of those 70’s glam rock bangers that he thought were lost to the past. Bag it all up in a snazzy Halesworth Music Emporium Tote bag and be on your merry way.
You have come to the right place if you are gift hunting for fashion lovers, or perhaps you are shopping for your own Christmas Party outfit? Halesworth’s newest boutique, Boho & Blyth is bang on trend when it comes to fashion. Stocking a range of reasonably priced and funky clothes, shoes, accessories and homewares, Boho & Blyth is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Whether your gift recipient loves warm and fluffy or glitzy and glam, you are bound to find something here to suit them (or yourself – we won’t tell).
A few shops up, you will find Gecko Shoes. Housing a wonderful selection of upmarket and colourful shoes, boots, novelty socks, quality scarves, hats, accessories, clothes and more, Gecko is the ideal place to find gifts for him or her.
Boutique 14a, tucked next to Focus, is definitely worth hunting out. Here you will find a classy selection of designer clothes, handbags, jewellery and knitwear – perfect, thoughtful gifts for special ladies.
If you have some magpies on your Christmas List – those that appreciate a bit of bling, then Denson’s Jewellers is the perfect destination. Their spacious shop displays a wide range of jewellery for all ages from cute earrings to practical watches to cufflinks to diamond rings and everything in-between. Speak to the knowledgeable Karen for advice if you need help choosing.
Looking for a handbag, purse, wallet, children’s backpack or a leather belt as a gift? Pop into H.R.G Services next door to Patricks the Newsagents where you will find an impressive selection in many colours and styles. Andy also offers an engraving service to make your gifts extra thoughtful.
Huus, the dutch-inspired homeware store housed in one of Halesworth’s many beautiful old bank-buildings, is a delight – full of colourful and funky items from kitchen accessories to soaps and aprons, to ceramics and lighting. Any house-proud friend or family member would be delighted with a Christmas gift from here, we are sure.
If you need a pit stop mid-shopping trip, then head to You Drink Tap Room for a coffee and a slice of Toms mum’s homemade cake or a scrumptious sausage roll – you won’t be disappointed. Whilst you’re there, fill up a gift box with the fantastic range of beers & ciders on offer, many from local breweries, the perfect boozy gift for the beer-drinkers in your life.
If you find yourself looking for wine, get in touch with Peter at Bacchus Beyond – Halesworth’s very own wine merchant. Just off the Market Place, through the alley to Miles Ward Court, Peters treasure trove contains carefully selected wines from around the world (including many from Norfolk & Suffolk vineyards) and he is more than happy to advise on what wines suit your style and budget. Call ahead to arrange a visit, find out opening times or even arrange a tasting.
Local jams and chutneys, hand made chocolates, special cheeses, dates and other wonderful foodie gifts can be found at a number of places along the Thoroughfare and in the Market Place – try The Black Dog Deli, The Halesworth Florist & Greengrocers, Focus Organic, Melon’s Greengrocers & Allen’s Butchers.
Focus Organic has been at the centre of Halesworth’s Thoroughfare for almost 40 years and is the home of unique gifts and organic goodies. Stroll past the deli and coffee counter, through the foodie items and drink – artisan gins and fine wines, chocolate and fancy teabags, ceramics and more. Head towards the back of the shop for organic skincare items, and an impressive hidden gift emporium containing candles, incense, books, cards, gadgets, children’s nik-naks, fairtrade bags, quirky jewellery, wind chimes, mirrors, many a beautiful handmade item and more, lots more. When you are ready, grab a drink and head up the hidden staircase to enjoy the view out of the old sash windows over the Thoroughfare – perfect for some inconspicuous festive people watching.
The light and airy Harrison & Co Gallery sits at the top of the Thoroughfare opposite the Angel Hotel. Here you will find beautiful original prints from talented photographer and gallery owner Victoria, along with many other original pieces of artwork – photography, prints, paintings, ceramics and sculpture from local artists. Some truly original and special gifts to be purchased here.
You can’t complete your Christmas Shopping without a visit to Halesworth’s newly restored Marketplace Artisan Store, situated in the centre of the Market place. The friendly team will welcome you with open arms in to their marvellous shop. Stocked with locally produced arts and crafts including handmade skincare, original artwork, knitted items, upcycled furniture, jewellery, candles, lighting and so much more, this store is a joy to wander around. We are pretty sure you won’t leave empty-handed, and don’t forget that your purchase has helped out a local maker.
If your gift recipients are theatre-lovers, why not treat them to a show at The Cut Arts Centre? Offering live music and theatre, movie nights, art exhibition and more, an evening at The Cut would be a memorable gift.
Halesworth has a super selection of beauty salons, barbers, hairdressers and nail technicians, and what better gift than a voucher for some me-time for your loved ones. The town welcomed two new salons in the Summer – Em’s Beauty in the Market place and Glossed by Eve, tucked just off the Thoroughfare, these two new businesses are a lovely edition to Halesworth’s already thriving beauty scene. For a full list of Beauty & Wellness businesses available in Halesworth, please see our listing pages by clicking the button below.
We can’t forget mans best friend now can we? Whether your pet is furry, hairy, feathery or slimy, The Feedbarn Pet Shop in the Market Place is fully stocked with Christmas gifts, pet essentials and accessories. The Holton Road Garden Centre on the outskirts of Halesworth also has a very well stocked range of pet accessories & food. If your pampered pooch is in need of a new snoozing place then try out Boho & Blyth’s range of fashionable dog beds.
Don’t forget the wrapping paper and tape! Spoilt for choice, visit Wotsit’s or Patricks Newsagents for some bargain rolls of wrapping paper, gift boxes, Christmas Cards and ribbons. Head to Focus, Huus, or the Halesworth Bookshop for something special including hand printed paper and locally made cards.
If you arrive in Halesworth early and need a spot of Breakfast or brunch before the shopping begins then head to the award-winning Black Dog Deli for light breakfast options, fresh pastries and top quality coffee. The White Hart Pub, The Angel Hotel and Farmhouse Bakery are also open for breakfast. Try Rhubarb and Rose or The Greenhouse for a delicious slice of cake or a homemade scone mid-morning. Focus Organic offer lunchtime super salads and handmade scotch eggs and sausage rolls including a great selection of vegan and gluten free foods. Afternoon cakes and a cheeky pint can be enjoyed at the You Drink Tap Room. If you are stopping for dinner, why not book into Cleone’s Italian Restaurant at the Angel Hotel or for a special treat, the Boarding House in the Market Place. Both the White Hart & The Angel Hotel offer gift vouchers too – another present crossed off the list.
Pre-order the freshest of local meats, cheeses, pies and more from Allen’s Butchers in the Market Place, pop in and ask for an order form. Fresh fruit and veg can also be ordered from the Halesworth Greengrocers or Melons Greengrocers ahead of the big day.
To enjoy the magic of choosing your own Christmas Tree grown on Halesworth’s local Christmas Tree Farm, head over to Woodside Farm in Holton. Holton Road Garden Centre also offer a great selection of cut and potted trees to suit all spaces and be sure to head in to the Garden Centre to view their impressive sparkly selection of Christmas decorations.
Halesworth’s hardware store Coopers has a nice selection of decorations, tinsel, Christmas lights and more – not forgetting the batteries. Find hand crafted and other unique decorations in Focus Organic and the Marketplace Artisan store. Or, for something really special, pop in to Purple Pumpkin Creative Studio and book a session to paint your own!
