The kids have finished school and this weekend is your last before Christmas, so there are just a few days left to finish that Christmas shopping. Before you head off to one of the big cities or order those last minute gifts online, why not consider a little excursion to Skipton? This historic market town in North Yorkshire is bursting with character and there is much to see and do.
With it’s perfectly preserved castle, historic church, pretty canal basin and excellent array of pubs, restaurants an cafes, you can easily spend a whole day in the town. Shopping wise, Skipton is probably best known for it’s award-winning market but did you know it also boasts a considerable number of excellent independent shops? We’ve put together a list of just a few of our favourite products currently available in Skipton’s independent shops. In this lovely little Yorkshire town you’re bound to find something for everyone.
Classic Chocolate Selection
These beautiful handmade chocolates are made using chocolate from rainforest alliance certified farms. Lovingly created by the talented team at Chocolates & Truffles on Mount Pleasant in Skipton, these delicious treats are bound to put a smile on anyone’s face. This box of 12 pefectly tempered white, milk and dark chocolate shells filled with a variety of indulgent fillings are a firm favourite of ours. Chocolates & Truffles have quite an impressive range of flavours and you never know which ones you’ll find in your box. We particularly love the Salted Caramels and the Hazelnut Truffles! If you have a chocolate lover to buy for, you should definately check out this fabulous chocolate shop. In addition to these yummy little boxes, they have a huge selection of beautiful handmade chocolate gifts perfect for popping in those stockings.
Yorkshire Highway Code
True Yorkshire folk need a proper ‘ighway Code to help them navigate the roads around God’s Own County, so here it is! With Yorkshire specific signs to help drivers maintain speed limits, find the chip oyl and prepare for our grim Yorkshire weather, this design is available as a print, mug, tea towel or coaster, and forms part of Lighthouse Lane’s witty Yorkshire collection. They make the perfect present for any proud Yorkshire man or woman. Find them in store at Lighthouse Lane at 44a Skipton High Street, as well as lots of other quirky Yorkshire gifts and home accessories.
Magical Drinkable Potions
The Geek Side in Skipton’s Craven Court Shopping Centre is stacked to the rafters with geeky gifts and merchandise. They’re probably best known for their extensive Harry Potter range and they have an entire floor dedicated to the boy wizard. These shimmering, sugar-free potions are ideal for Potter fans both young and old. There are four flavours available and each comes in a 250ml bottle. They’re great as an alternative mixer for gin or vodka!
Branded Bargains
You’ll find Discount Sports on Rope Walk, behind The Albion pub. They’re relatively new to Skipton but they’ve been a huge hit with locals since they opened. This family-run independent shop stocks all kinds of branded sportswear, footwear and accessories at heavily discounted prices. If you’re looking for trainers then you’ll find some absolute bargains here. These Adidas football boots, for example, have an RRP of £100 but the guys at Discount Sports are selling them for just £30. These super comfortable ladies slippers are also a steal at just £4.50 per pair or two pairs for £6!
Vegan Christmas Cake
Live Well is a fantastic little shop stocking all kinds of vegan products that you won’t find anywhere else locally. Skipton’s vegan community is growing rapidly and this treasure trove of goodies has received some great reviews since opening earlier this year. These vegan and gluten-free Christmas Cakes would make a lovely gift for someone, as would their gorgeous vegan chocolate bars. If you’re planning a vegan Christmas this year, we recommend heading to Live Well to pick up those essential ingredients as well as some extra special treats.
Himalayan Salt Lamps
Himalayan Salt Lamps are super trendy right now. Not only do they make an attractive addition to any living room, they are also offer numerous health benefits. These stunning lamps are said to remove moisture and pollutants from the air. They also reduce allergens and pollen, neutralize electronic pollution, improve the mood and aid sleep. Gemology Holistic and Wellbeing in Craven Court stock a lovely range of these lamps as well as a vast selection of healing crystals and other hollistic items.
We’ve given you just 6 examples of Christmas gifts available from independent shops in Skipton. To get a better idea of what’s available in this great little town, check out our list of Skipton’s favourite independent shops . There really is something for everyone and you can probably tick off the rest of your Christmas shopping list in a single morning or afternoon. Not only will you find some great gifts for friends and loved ones, you’ll also help to support the town’s hardworking business owners who, like those in other towns across the UK, work tirelessly to keep their High Street unique and their visitors happy.
