We are extremely fortunate to have a region where independent shops are king, and to have an area flowing with creativity through its talents in arts, crafts and textiles.
Let's take a moment to share a few of those special places with you...
Textiles & Cashmere
The small market towns of Hawick, Innerleithen, Peebles and Selkirk boast a proud textile heritage, and today their iconic brands grace the runways of fashion’s elite and the very best international boutiques, including Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. With 10 textile producers in the area encompassing everything from exceptional tweeds to finest quality cashmere, it provides visitors with a perfect excuse to stock up on luxury garments or simply some woolly socks!
The Textile Trail offers not only a fascinating insight into its industrial heritage, but encompasses visitor centres and museums, as well as factory and retail outlets, including the superior Johnstons Cashmere, Lochcarron in Selkirk and Hawico in Hawick. If you are lucky enough to be in the Borders in December, a number of producers open their doors for some seriously impressive cashmere and knitwear sales - perfect for a spot of Christmas shopping!
Art Galleries
For original Artwork, there are a number of galleries in the area - the Breeze Gallery and Moy Mackay in Peebles, the Flat Cat Gallery in Lauder, The White Fox Gallery in Coldstream, Allanbank Arts near Allanton, The Alnwick Gallery, The Fenwick Gallery in Warkworth, and The Mick Oxley Gallery in Craster to name but a few.
Independent Shopping
Visit Kelso, Melrose, Peebles and Alnwick for its fabulous array of independent shops including gems like The Crafters in Melrose which brings new meaning to the word ‘crafts’. From the stunning jackets and coats by Jane Hall of Pinkminis using the finest Tweed cloths available, to the copper and silver jewellery designs by Murdoch Kerse, the shop features some of the very best the area has to offer.
Head to Selkirk for beautiful hand-blown tableware at Lindean Mill Glass or take a detour to the Kinsman-Blake Studio at Smailholm for its wonderful selection of ceramics, jewellery and silversmithing. The Hirsel at Coldstream is a centre for arts and crafts featuring ceramics, glassware, fine art, home accessories and jewellery - all handcrafted and made on site.
Alternatively the Buy Design Gallery at the lovely forest location of Harestanes, near to Jedburgh features beautiful design work in glass, metal, wood, ceramics and textiles, including gorgeous bags in buttery soft leather by Caroline Marr of Cuero.
Right across the region you will find a wonderful range of shopping - from interiors and homestyle, arts and crafts, ladieswear and menswear, knitwear, country clothing, outdoor & field sports, delicious deli’s, and fine local produce. In fact something to tempt just about everyone!
Here's a quick summary of Crabtree & Crabtree’s top picks...
Melrose
An extremely pretty town with very smart boutique style shopping. Try Michael Vee for interiors; Sarah Thomson or Twelve for ladieswear; italian shoes from Cobblers; Masons bookshop; flowers from Harpers; and The Country Kitchen for fine local produce. Also home to the fabulous Borders Book Festival held each June - with a highly esteemed literary line-up, it's an event not to be missed.
Hawick
Home to the finest Scottish Cashmere and Knitwear. Follow the Textile Trail for the very best the area has to offer including Johnstons Cashmere, Love Cashmere and Lovat Mill. A super day out and some great deals to be had!
Peebles
A picturesque market town renowned for its fine independent shopping and wide range of contemporary and traditional art. Look out for Le Petit Chambre and Time and Tide for gifts and homeware; Moy Mackay and Breeze for artworks; and KM Clothing for lifestyle and fine countrywear.
Kelso
A thriving picturesque town in a beautiful setting with Floors Castle on its doorstep. Unique for its flemish-style cobbled square and diverse range of independent shops, including Tweed House Interiors and Focal Point Furniture for interiors; The Flower Room for beautiful flowers and gorgeous gifts, A Hume fine country clothing outfitters; Honor Murray, Gifted and Cloud Nine for gifts and homeware, as well as tackle shops, antique shops, boutique shopping and much more.
Coldstream
A small but bustling town lying on the north bank of the River Tweed with a charming range of independent shops. Consider Abbey Ceramics at The Hirsel; Calico House Interiors; The Hirsel for Arts & Crafts; Julia Linstead at The Hirsel for glassworks; and the White Fox Gallery for contemporary art, sculpture, ceramics and silverware.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
A historic town with some stunning architectural features. Shopping is a combination of small independent shopping and high street names. Pay a visit to Pier Red for original art and prints; Decorum for gifts, Tower House Pottery for ceramics; and Serendipity for arts and crafts.
Alnwick
A medieval market town with narrow cobbled streets and an eclectic collection of individual shops. Seek out Barter Books - ‘a book heaven’ with thousands of paperbacks, hardbacks and collector’s editions based in a beautiful former railway station; Marilyn and Melrose for antiques; The Chocolate Spa - luxury chocolate retailer and coffee shop; and the super Bakehouse Gallery showcasing the work of local artists and designers.
Edinburgh
Whilst outwith the Borders and Northumberland area, we can’t possibly not mention the outstanding cultural city of Edinburgh! An easy drive from most of our properties, you will find extensive shopping from designer names to high street stores and a vast range of independent shops. Favourite spots include George Street for higher-end labels; The Royal Mile and Grassmarket for gifts, crafts and textiles; and Stockbridge, Morningside and Bruntsfield for a wonderful range of independent shopping
