Ding dong merrily on high the Christmas bells are beginning to ring. There's no better place to get into the spirit of Christmas this year than at The Shops at Dartington. To help create that sparkly festive feeling, on Thursday 10th December there's a special late night shopping event and then on the 19th and 20th December it's the much loved The Shops at Dartington Christmas Fair.
The Shops are packed with stylish gifts which will make your shopping this Christmas easy, from toys and toiletries to handbags and hampers – bespoke of course! 'The Food Shop' is bursting with local delicacies and treats, 'Devon Drinks' has something to tempt all including local beers, ciders, wines, DAPPA and this year's favourite artisan gins and vodkas - perfect for savouring on their own or for making into your cocktail of choice. The Christmas shop, has classic and quirky decorations, cards, wrap and essential party games!
On Thursday 10th December all the shops will be open until 7.30pm allowing those at work in the day to shop till late in a pleasant and uncrowded atmosphere. There will be lots of special offers in-store to be found and all will be made even more relaxing with festive music, food and drink tastings. No need to book, just come along on the day.
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December are definitely days to bring all the family. Craft and food stalls outside will complement the wonderful array of beautiful, unique gifts on sale at The Shops. Bespoke hampers can be made up to your individual requirements and there'll be glass engraving from Dartington Crystal on the Saturday. Live music will be played across the weekend too courtesy of John Shillito's Jazz Band. Mince pies, mulled wine and chestnuts will be on sale in the courtyard and there will be special offers in all the shops for those last minute presents. Father Christmas will also be making an appearance at 2pm on both days in the Craft Gallery.
Barbara King, managing director, says: “The Shops at Dartington is the perfect location to purchase Christmas gifts for all the family that are guaranteed to surprise and delight recipients.”
If you really are pushed for time or, for whatever the reason are unable to get to The Shops then there's no need to fret as there's a fabulous collection of gifts online at www.shopsatdartington.co.uk.
The Shops at Dartington is a group of 14 shops and cafes, located in a beautiful rural setting in a range of what were once farm buildings. The Shops at Dartington is owned by the Dartington Hall Trust, an independent charitable organisation, trading ethically and sustainably as a social enterprise in order to help support the Trust's activities in social justice, sustainability and the arts.
With a unique selection of shops to explore, hours can be spent browsing the exquisite craft and pottery collections, stylish women's and men's fashion, homeware and unusual gifts and furnishings. There's also the two on-site cafés, The Venus Company and Cranks, which serve delicious, fresh dishes.
