CHRISTMASINKENT
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE CONT .
Once you ’ ve had your fill of merriment and joy at the Harbour Arm , head up through Folkestone ’ s iconic Creative Quarter for some of the most unique , indie shopping opportunities you ’ ll ever find . Move over big-name brands because this is the home of small , independent shopping in Kent , and wow does it have a lot to offer . If you ’ ve got little feet running frantically round your house demanding all manner of Christmas surprises then your first stop should be the award-winning children ’ s boutique Moo Like a Monkey , an alternative shop that celebrates individualism , diversity and incredible design favouring thought-provoking books , bright clothes and toys that will introduce entertainment , colour and learning into your little ones ’ lives . This is a paradise for anyone with kids who want to give them fun but thoughtful gifts this festive season .
If you know anyone obsessed with classic films then your next visit should be the quirky wonderland that is Paradiso . This one-of-a-kind shop is filled to bursting with film and television memorabilia from around the world including posters , press stills and everything in between . These gifts will finish off any film lover ' s house with an artistic flourish , bringing just the right blend of vintage brilliance , cult horror classics and childhood heroes into their homes . Open Thursday to Sunday every week , this shop is the perfect place to find that special gift that they would never expect to receive this Christmas .
It ' s not just the Creative Quarter and the Harbour Arm that have great Christmas pressie hot spots in Folkestone . Be sure to make your way onto Rendezvous St to The Beer Shop , which provides the town with beer from breweries big and small , far and wide . Now , when we say that this is a beer lover ’ s paradise we are not joking … Not only can you get some banging beers to make the ultimate beer hamper , you can also pick up a pre-made beer gift box of local beers , or , for those more experienced hops drinkers , opt for a more exotic ale gift pack . As a bonus , you can grab a cheeky pint at the same time to quench your thirst .
Ashford Designer Outlet
In terms of Christmas shopping locations , Ashford ’ s legendary designer outlet is a location not to be missed ; we ’ re pretty sure Santa himself has been spotted darting in and out the high-end stores on a number of occasions . Kent ’ s answer to a jam-packed day on London ' s Oxford Street , this is the perfect place for a day out shopping – and perhaps just a spot of retail therapy for yourself too . Designer clothing brands including household names like Armani , Calvin Klein , Karl Lagerfeld and Michael Kors will make shopping for that well-dressed loved one in your life a breeze . If you ' re feeling brave , you could even pick out the Christmas Day outfit for
your stylish significant other … although this buying technique is not recommended if they ’ re particularly hard to please .
Tonbridge & Royal Tunbridge Wells
Next on Santa ’ s whistle-stop tour is the royally adorned Tunbridge Wells , which is well known for its spas , gourmet restaurants and stellar Christmas shopping options , and its welcoming neighbour Tonbridge . Can you think of a better way to get the ultimate Christmas shopping experience than at a very royal castle because we certainly can ’ t . Head to Tonbridge ’ s very own noble structure for the very magical Castlemas , a traditional Christmas market where wooden chalets brim with local , independent wares that will fill stockings and bring smiles to all your friends and family this year . There ' s artisan coffee , locally poured soy candles , prints by local illustrators , beauty supplies and sustainable household products – to put it simply , there is something to make everyone joyful at this magical market experience . As well as the well-stocked Christmas market , there will be no shortage of Christmas activities at Castlemas including a Santa ’ s grotto and all sorts of daily entertainment . The quintessential Christmas family day out , this is the perfect place to stock up on bits and bobs for under the tree ; we can ’ t think of anything better .
MOO LIKE A MONKEY
PARADISO
ASHFORD DESIGNER OUTLET
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