DAYS OUT : INDIE SHOPPING HAVENS
INDIE SHOPPING HAVENS
It is incredibly important to support and cherish our county ’ s abundance of fantastic independent shops . From hidden buildings filled with unique antiques and one-of-a-kind clothing to hotspots of artisan goods and homemade treats , there is an abundance of delights waiting to be discovered . Head to these Kentish gems and open up a whole new world of shopping independently .
The King ’ s 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 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 to admire the architectural delights and head to Sayers Lane , the town ’ s central hub , which is 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 highstreet . 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 secondhand 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 , upcycled homeware , exclusive women ’ s clothing and hipster cafes , this place is definitely well up there as an independent destination must-do . www . visitthanet . co . uk
Cranbrook Cranbrook , just a short drive from Sissinghurst , is a very pretty settlement with a medieval layout of streets which is home to over 60 intriguing individual shops . A range of independent boutiques selling jewellery , kitchenware , vintage and designer clothing , furniture and homeware 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 60 independent shops and eateries , The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells is a shopper ’ s dream . Explore the pretty Georgian colonnade steeped in history and an array of indies along the way including bespoke jewellers , bridal boutiques , cafes and antique shops . 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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