Alternative Christmas Shopping

Racing Santas at Padstow Christmas Festival

For those of you who prefer to do your Christmas shopping away from the High Street, there are plenty of interesting alternatives across the West Country this year.

You're highly likely to find a host of original and unusual presents at one of the West Country Christmas markets, full of local and authentic produce, often hand-made with loving care. From 21st November onwards, Cathedral Green in Exeter will be flooded with over 50 international and South West traders offering unique, handmade and eye-catching gifts, decorations and food items.

In St Austell, on the site of the old china clay works at Wheal Martyn, you'll find a great selection of food, drink and crafts at the Food and Craft Fair on 23rd and 24th November. Enjoy some relaxed, hassle free shopping at this historic site.

Truro is hosting the Made in Cornwall Fair on Lemon Quay from 27th November to 1st December, celebating the amazing range of Cornish products, from award-winning local food and drink to funky clothing and collectable teddy bears. On 4th December you can get up close to Cornwall's finest livestock when town meets country at the entirely unique Primestock Show.

This year over 30 of the biggest culinary names from around the country will be at the Padstow Christmas Festival - see Rick Stein (of course), Angela Hartnett, Sat Bains, Tom Kerridge, Michael Caines, Phil Vickery and Reza Mohammed to name a few. Visit the marquee on the quayside for festive gift ideas and irresistible local food and drink - including many local specialties: Cornish Duck, Tamblyns Sausages, Duchy Game and Kernow chocolate.

We hope your Christmas shopping goes well - if you manage to pick up some of the West Country treats mentioned above, you'll not go far wrong!