DAYS OUT : INDIE SHOPPING HAVENS
INDIE SHOPPING HAVENS
There ’ s something so special about buying something from an independent . Whether it ’ s coffee from the pop up on the corner , your favourite artisan delights , an exclusive item of clothing from a clothes boutique or discovering an antique gem from a second hand store , Kent is home to a thriving independent scene often forming the heart of our communities . Here are some of the best independent hotspots across the county .
The Kings Mile , Canterbury Wander the cobbled streets of historic Canterbury , overlooked by the magnificent cathedral . Canterbury ’ s King ’ s Mile is the picture perfect spot , and what ’ s more , the stores here are just as lovely as the legendary setting . From chic boutique clothing , bespoke jewellers and gifts , to greeting cards galore and artisan specialists , the collection of streets that lay beneath the cathedral are the ultimate haven for anyone seeking an authentic feel and taste for the city .
www . thekingsmile . org . uk
Tenterden Otherwise known as The Jewel of the Weald , the quaint tree-lined town of
Tenterden is bursting with a wealth of quirky independent shops . Wander through the little side streets and admire the architectural delights and head to Sayers Lane , the town ’ s central hub , home to a handful of independent coffee shops , cafes and boutiques .
www . visitashfordandtenterden . co . uk
Rochester Delve into the history and culture of Rochester with a walk up the Victorian High Street . Lined with specialist stores – head here for gifts , jewellery , vintage clothing and one off pieces . A must see is Baggins Book Bazaar ; one of the largest second-hand bookshops in the UK .
www . visitmedway . org
Margate Now so much more than just ‘ The Original Seaside ’ town , the cool Kent capital coined ‘ Shoreditch by the Sea ’ is bursting with independents – vintage gems , homeware , exclusive women ’ s clothing , luxurious skin care brands , and hipster cafes , this place is definitely well up there on the independent destination must-dos .
www . visitthanet . co . uk
Cranbrook Cranbrook , just a short drive from Sissinghurst , is the prettiest settlement with a medieval layout of streets home to over 60 intriguing individual shops . Independent gift shops , jewellery , kitchenware , vintage and designer clothing , furniture and homeware boutiques appeal to all its visitors .
www . cranbrook . org
Whitstable Discover the bohemian seaside town of Whitstable , famous for its oysters and shingle beaches , this ‘ Pearl of Kent ’ is also home to an abundance of independent boutiques , art galleries and artisanal bakeries . From small and emerging brands to exclusive boutiques , bookshops and cafes , Whitstable is the perfect indie shopping spot to splash the cash . www . whitstable . co . uk
The Pantiles , Tunbridge Wells With over 70 independent shops and eateries , The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells is a shoppers ’ dream . Explore the pretty Georgian colonnade steeped in history , and array of indies along the way including bespoke jewellers , boutiques , cafes and the Pantiles ’ very first zero waste shop .
www . thepantiles . com
Faversham Visit this pretty medieval market town steeped in history . Situated between Sittingbourne and Canterbury on the A2 , browse the range of independent shops , galleries , inns and tea rooms located in the town ’ s many listed buildings . Local traders are proud to boast an impressive range of independent shops selling unique gifts , local crafts and artisan products . There ’ s also a fantastic choice of restaurants , cafes and pubs for a pitstop along the way .
www . visit-swale . co . uk
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