Artisan Christmas Shopping in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds has long inspired every kind of artist across a wide range of disciplines. With our rolling hills and untouched, rural beauty it’s easy to see why. We’re incredibly lucky that there are some Cotswold retailers who are very much a reflection of this. With their personal ethos, items they sell, presentation and shopping experience, they manage to embody the beauty of the area and artistry it inspires. These shops come into their own at Christmas when it’s a great opportunity to buy family and friends something meaningful and special. We’ve listed our favourites below for you. 

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At Home with The Rudds – Burford and Broadway

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At Home with the Rudds promises to offer ‘rustic, vintage charm with a modern twist’ and they definitely deliver. Entering their shops is an immediately captivating and immersive experience. Through clever curation, design and lighting they induce a feeling of stylish yet deeply-nourishing, homely comfort. It feels like you’ve entered the cosy and stylish living room of your best friend. Completely epitomising the phrase ‘retail therapy.’ Not that I’m suggesting you crack open the wine and settle in for some afternoon chats, but I can promise you that you’ll definitely want to.  

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Stocking all you need for ‘simple, yet luxurious living’, At Home with the Rudds very much embodies the essence of the Cotswolds. With colours and textures that reflect and celebrate nature, you feel as if you are much in a special Cotswold shop. I’m a huge fan of their plush cushions and blankets. Designed with earthy tones and rich resilient fabrics, they feel a particularly satisfying investment as we nestle into the very heart of a rather ghastly winter.     

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Domestic Science – Nailswoth, Tetbury and Stow-on-the-Wold 

https://domesticsciencehome.co.uk/pages/visit-our-stores

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Domestic Science shops are emporiums of joy, brimming with a plethora of lovingly chosen items throughout. There’s a definite theme and feel at Domestic Science that captures old charm with wholesome and desirable modern design. With captivating interiors, fashion and lifestyle brands mixed with skilfully sourced antique pieces, Domestic Science offers a comprehensive and enchanting shopping experience. 

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The shop was founded 10 years ago by antiques dealer Libs Lewis and it’s a delight to see her vision successfully spreading across three stores in three Cotswold towns.

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Catesbys – Broadway 

https://catesbys.co.uk/pages/about-us 

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Catesbys motto is ‘ l’art  de vivre ’ – or – ‘The Art of living’. Words that embody their mission to ‘…make every day more enjoyable with the things that surround us.’ They undoubtedly achieve this; their products are meticulously selected with an eye that continually pays homage to beautiful design. The shop is originally and harmoniously curated. It’s a delight to browse and immerse yourself in each well thought out room. 

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Housed in a Cotswold stone house on Broadway high street, Catesbys skilfully blends old charm and crisp modern style. With art, home-goods, candles, perfume and more it’s a must for anyone looking for an original gift or just a pleasurable way to enjoy a Cotswolds shopping experience. Plus greeting shoppers is a gorgeous resident French Bulldog, who is quite clearly in charge and pulling all the strings.    

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Made In Stroud – Stroud 

www.madeinstroud.com

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‘Made In Stroud’ opened in 2000, evolving from a makers market that started in 1991. With beer, food, pottery and mosaics and so much more it’s a veritable temple of artisan makers from across the five valleys. From the minute you arrive there’s a clear feeling that you’re surrounded by products that have had genuine love and passion poured into them. It makes for a very special kind of shopping experience that has lashings of heart and soul at its core. 

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Made in Stroud also has a comprehensive website inviting you to meet the makers. It’s a great touch giving insight and narrative to the beautiful range of eclectic items on offer. I can’t recommend a visit to both the shop and website enough.