Your guide to ticking off your Christmas list in Lancashire

Christmastime, a time for spending with family, for making memories and for cosying up. And there’s no better place to do those things than in Lancashire. Lancashire offers a fantastic range of places to stay, and things to do to help you get into the Christmas spirit with family, as well as places to visit to tick off the Christmas to-do list.

If the Christmas shopping is on your mind, look no further than our local producers and retailers to relieve some of the stress. With everything from bookshops and made in Lancashire shoes, to historic farmer’s markets, food halls and even independent supermarkets to pick up the ideal desert for Christmas Dinner, Lancashire offers an unrivalled shopping experience.  With this Saturday being Small Business Saturday, it’s never been a better time to show your support for some of Lancashire’s fantastic local businesses. Take a look at our town and city guides to shopping in Lancashire;

Lancaster

A haven for independent retailers, Lancashire’s historic county town is an ideal place to tick off those festive must-buys. You can find an array of treasures at the city’s Assembly Rooms Emporium, including vintage clothing and jewellery at B’s Knees and Celtic Dreams, books, cards and jigsaws at Assembled Books and anime and nerdy gifts at Miss Frog. You can also find niche shops in the city, such as Atkinsons Coffee Roasters, independent wool shops Northern Yarn and Ethel & Em, stationary retailer Analog, board game shop Tabletop Republic and a host of gift shops including the Meet the Makers store where you can buy gifts directly from the people who made them. You will also find many of the UK’s leading high street stores such as The Entertainer, TK Maxx, Mountain Warehouse and Marks & Spencer’s and more. Close by you can also find fantastic shops in Morecambe, including options at the town’s Festival Market, and in Carnforth, home of Carnforth Bookshop.   

Preston

Known for its historic Grade Two listed Victorian Market Canopies, the city has a whole host of great shops to pick up locally crafted items and novelty items, both within the Markets and beyond. On Friargate you can pop into That Comic Shop, or Halewood & Sons second-hand booksellers. In the city centre head to The Music Cellar for all things musical instruments, and Green Pheasant Gifts for a beautiful selection of gifts and homeware. The city also features a number of larger retailers both on the high street and within its shopping centres including Fishergate Shopping Centre’s TK Maxx and Primark, and St George’s Smiggle, Matalan and H&M, and on its high street where you can find Waterstones, Next and more. Just outside the city centre you can find Preston Antiques Centre for that unique find.

Blackpool

Not many people associate the seaside town with shopping, but you’ll be surprised at what you can find! Blackpool has a great range of high street stores, including a newly opened Flannels store and Primark, but it also has a number of independent retailers, including those at the new Abingdon Street Market and Charabanc – part of the Aunty Social group of local makers, which also has a store on Topping St. For second hand and vintage items head to The Regent Antiques Centre where you are sure to find something unique. Grundy Art Gallery on Queen Street also has a fantastic gift shop offering exhibition specific merchandise, journals, publications, toys and more. 

Blackburn

Blackburn’s main shopping hub is The Mall, where a huge range of high street retailers can be found, however it is also home to Blackburn Market. The markets are a great place to pick up gifts, food and more from local independent sellers. In addition, you can find independent retailers such as Ainsworth’s Jewellers and delicious treats from the popular Finch Bakery.

Clitheroe

A historic market town bustling with everything you need for Christmas. Clitheroe is home to an award-winning Wine Merchant D Bryne and Son, speciality sausage shop Cowmans and The Emporium Interiors. Art lovers can pick something up at Longitude Art Gallery. Those looking for smaller high street retailers can also enjoy a warm welcome at the recently opened Edinburgh Woolen Mill and Fat Face. With Whalley nearby you can extend the shopping day with Whalley Warm and Dry and LANX shoes too.

Of course, some other fantastic shopping locations shouldn’t be missed to, from Fleetwood’s Affinty shopping centre and Market, to Chorley and the surrounding areas where you can find The Alabaster Jar, Bygone Times and Ceder Farm, all offering the opportunity to pick up the perfect present!

Thinking outside the flower box

Lancashire’s also got a fantastic garden centre offering which are often a little more remote, but ideal locations for gift purchases.

In the winter most centres come alive with a range of beautiful Christmas decorations, wreaths, garlands, and trees.

Head to Carnforth to Bay View Garden Centre, where you will not only find a wonderful family-owned business filled to brim with garden goodies, but there is also the opportunity to meet the big guy himself Santa and have a delicious afternoon tea.

Or why not pop to RHS Tatton gold medal winners Holden Clough. This truly stunning nursery offers a wide range of gifts and interior items, as well as festive workshops and Christmas markets, perfect for picking up that unusual gift.

Food, Drink and Christmas Dinner…

Do you have a foodie in the family? Have no fear, Lancashire is renowned for its fantastic selection of tasty cuisine, from creamy moreish cheeses to sweet treats and savoury bites. Pull it all together as part of a delicious hamper or on its own as a scrummy gift.

If you are not sure what you are looking for, a Lancashire farm shop or food hall is a great place to start, most offer a wide selection of locally produced Lancashire products, from jams, chutneys and spices to cheese, pies and cakes. Try Countrystyle Meats Farm Shop, Bowland Food Hall or meet the maker with a trip to Dewlay Cheese.

Lancashire isn’t just known for its food; you’ll also find a wide range of locally produced drinks too. From the super tasty but non-alcoholic Calyx and Mr Fitzpatrick’s to a wide range of alcoholic beverages such as gin, rum, and beer.

And of course, if you are looking to get your Christmas dinner list ticked off, the county is home to a number of Booths stores, ready for you to stock up on locally, or UK sourced ingredients and products.