North East: Where to Shop in Durham
Tuesday 23rd November, 2021 by hs-admin
Where to… shop
A UK staycation is not complete without browsing the shops on offer, fill your suitcase with unique clothing, vintage accessories like shoes, purses and jewellery, or pimp up your kitchen cabinets with new crockery.
It’s all on offer in Durham and here’s a selection of the best boutiques and farm shops for you to explore.
Shop ‘til you drop in boutiques
Shopping is, for many, an important part of a short break, and sometimes you might be looking for something you can’t find at home.
Fancy something a little different or maybe a unique accessory? The streets of Durham’s city centre are filled with boutiques, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Georgian Window
50 Saddler Street, Durham
Established in 1981 by owner Norman Longstaff, this shop sells such an unusual but arty mix of wonderful gifts such as greeting cards, scarves, magnets and mugs.
The perfect souvenir for anyone that may have missed out on the trip to Durham!
Find out more about The Georgian Window, Durham.
The Mugwump
37 Saddler St, Durham
Six quirky rooms in a listed building offer something for everyone.
The Mugwump began life in 1966 when it was created by two art school graduates who wanted to create a shop full of unique things and is now one of the North’s most established boutiques.
Today it still has a passion for finding the most gorgeous and unusual things, from the prettiest clothes or the perfect present, to useful and beautiful things for you or your home.
Upstairs the original dressing-up room is full of women’s clothing, alongside fabulous knitwear, scarves and bags, surrounded by a sparkling array of jewellery.
The ground floor is packed with things to keep and give. Contemporary glassware and ceramics, gorgeous mugs, cushions or keepsakes.
For the bathroom, fragrances, soaps and lotions and scented candles are available.
The Mad Hatter
21 Heathmeads, Pelton, Chester-le-Street
The Mad Hatter believes that hats can bring out your unique individual personality and if you want different personalities for different days, you can express your style simply by adding a hat.
Offering traditional hats as well as unique hats, they are made to last and give many years of wear.
Whilst still stocking a choice few brands, The Mad Hatter also have their own brand offering superb quality at affordable prices.
Find out more about The Mad Hatter, Durham.
Crushed Chilli Gallery
The Old Hall, South Street, Durham
Owner and Studio artist Janet Rogers works from her workshop within the gallery which is located in the centre of Durham City, showcasing her work alongside a selection of local artists.
She produces kiln fused, traditional leaded stained glass and Pate de Verre.
Here you’ll find a fabulous, unique gift for a loved one.
La Cookshop
23 Milkhope Centre, Blagdon
If you’re looking for kitchen supplies, you need to head to La Cookshop and you will surely be satisfied.
The speciality shop has many brands to choose from, and stocks everything from kettles and teapots to kitchen trolleys and utensils.
With well-known brands at affordable prices the chances of you finding a bargain at this place are high.
Find out more about La Cookshop, Blagdon.
The Kemble Gallery
62 Saddler Street, Durham
An award-winning specialist Gallery & Art Shop in the historic City of Durham, the Kemble Gallery has three floors of fine art, prints, gifts and even art supplies for those of you wanting to create your own momento.
It also offers a bespoke framing service for displaying your creations or finds when you get home.
The People’s Bookshop
70 Saddler Street, Durham
The People’s Bookshop is an independent, radical bookshop in the heart of Durham City.
Dealing mainly in second-hand books, the shop aims to fill the gaps left behind by the headlong rush towards best-sellers, e-books and add-on sales.
They believe that bookshops should reflect their communities and radical bookshops are an important part of the creation of a better world.
You never know which hidden gem you may find here…
Farm Shops
Enjoy good, local food all year around at Durham Farmer’s Market. It’s a producer-only market, which means that only the farmers themselves can sell their produce and all of them are located within 70 miles of the town. It’s open every Saturday, in addition to Wednesdays during Spring, Summer and Autumn.
We hope this blog has given you an insight into local independent shops Durham has to offer. Let us know where you plan on visiting.
Want to head to Durham? Check out our available Durham properties, as whether it’s a dog friendly break or a luxury two-person getaway – we have something for everyone.