Great West Way Travel Magazine
SHOPPING GEMS
From antique stores and independent shops to stylish shopping centres and malls
From antique stores and independent shops to stylish shopping centres and malls
SOUVENIR HUNTING
Shop like the Victorians and go in search of the ultimate memento of your travels. Books by local authors, artworks, traditional crafts and handmade memorabilia.
You'll find independent bookshops, such as the award-winning Hungerford Bookshop at the heart of the historic town, stores and pop-up boutiques such as We Make Bristol in Westbury-on-Trym, which only stocks products by local artists and designers, hidden in all corners of the Great West Way.
Bath is a fantastic shopping destination for independents - whether you're into antique jewellery, antiquarian books, bohemian interiors or fine cheeses, you can take home some really unique finds. Head to Milsom Place to discover a fantastic mix of both famous names and breakthrough brands.
Don't dismiss the gift shops at top tourist attractions or tourist information offices either. Stonehenge gift shop, for instance, sells striking lino prints of the stones by local artist Caroline Day. Or pop into The Mill Shop following your visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill for exclusive silk gifts that have been woven right there at the Mill.
Look for shops in unexpected locations, too. St Peter's Church in Marlborough is now home to a craft shop selling all sorts of cute, colourful gifts. Or visit for their twice-weekly market, located on the High Street - one of the widest in the UK and lined on both sides with characterful old buildings housing an array of chic cafés and independent shops.
In Bristol, the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter is a hidden-away haven for one-offs including musical instruments, herbal remedies and fine spirits. There's also some marvellous markets selling everything from local crafts to artisan delicacies. Check out the Charter Market in Salisbury on Tuesdays and Saturdays or St Nick's Market in Bristol, every day except Sunday.
Did you know? Bath has its own Gift Card that is accepted across the city in shops and restaurants, hotels and bars, museums and manicurists. The best of Bath in one little card! To find out more visit bathgiftcard.com
DESIGNER FASHION
The Great West Way is proud to be home to one of the largest covered designer outlets in Europe - McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, or a short detour from the route, Clarks Village, Somerset are great places to pick up discounted top name brands like Hobbs, Jack Wills, Molton Brown, North Face and Osprey.
Then there's Kilver Court Designer Village, a short distance south of Bath, where as well as fashion there are luxurious lifestyle brands like Liberty London, known for its iconic floral prints, plus a gorgeous garden to explore.
For a truly personalised service, and exclusive couture clothing, visit one of the posh boutiques along the touring route. Fluidity in Henley-on-Thames attracts high flyers near and far and is rumoured to be former Prime Minister Theresa May's favourite.
For jewellery, consider getting a bespoke piece made by a local jeweller. Goldsmith Paul Newton in Malmesbury crafts exquisite pendants, earrings and rings set with dazzling jewels (good to know if you're thinking of making a proposal while you're away!). Or for sensational silver jewellery, go to Tundra Jewellers in Devizes, or visit Deacons Jewellers in Swindon.
VINTAGE, ART & ANTIQUES
There's no better way to buy a piece of art than direct from the artist - and at Reading's art events, including Whiteknights Studio Trail, Caversham Arts Trail, and Artline art market, you can do just that.
Or why not head to Previous, a wildly eclectic vintage shop (and café) located on Corsham High Street, for one-off homewares and quirky retro items. Then wander across the road to explore Paul Martin from BBC's Flog It! antiques shop - The Table Gallery.
If you're mainly in the market for antiques, you're sure to stumble upon more rare finds in Marlborough, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Marlow and Tetbury.
Head to Pewsey and call in at Crystal Clear – a gemstone of a shop, located on the High Street, and be charmed by unique natural crystal jewellery, crop circle artwork, crystals and minerals, and hand made gifts. There's also the delightful Woodborough Yard, full of independent shops, workshops and cafés.
For original artworks you can't beat Turville Studios located in the picturesque village of Turville, the filming locations for Midsomer Murders, Vicar of Dibley, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and most recently Killing Eve.
If you're happy to travel a short distance north of the Great West Way, you should definitely have a rummage at Antiques on High, an Oxford institution where you'll find original oil paintings to adorable writing desks.
Back in the beautiful city of Bath, their Vintage & Antiques Market, held on the last Sunday of every month at Green
Park Station, has a good mix of everything - mid-century furnishings, jazzy retro frocks and one-of-a-kind antiques.
While Vintage to Vogue can style you in top quality fashion, from the 1900s onwards, then have it tailored specifically to your shape. Very dapper! And there are exceptional restaurants to stop and refuel wherever the need takes you - keep an eye out for The Circus, Acorn and The Olive Tree at The Queensberry Hotel.
Nearby Bristol is known for its alternative outlook, making it a go-to place for vintage and offbeat fashion finds. Established in 1743 St Nicholas Market is the oldest and best loved market in Bristol, famous for some of the best food in the city, or head to Stokes Croft and adjoining Gloucester Road - the longest street of independent shops in the UK.
There you'll discover artfully-curated charity shops alongside intriguing second-hand stores (with lots of hip cafes in between for when you need a coffee break).
Love tea? Learn all about the art of tea blending and tea tasting at a Bird & Blend Tea Masterclass.
Good to know: If you're a guy or gal who likes Americana, Uncle Sam's on Park Street is the best place to find a pair of cowboy boots or classic Levis you can cherish forever.
SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Try and catch one of the Duck Pond markets, which take place regularly in various scenic locations not far from London such as Henley-on-Thames and Chalfont St Giles.
Their ethos is local, ethical and sustainable, so you can feel good about supporting the planet as well as local businesses when you buy.