Christmas is less than a week away and if you have left things to last minute, you may have missed the final day to order presents online to receive them in time for the big day.

Fortunately, with so many incredible independent shops in Carlisle, your Christmas shopping can be sorted in one trip and you can still find gifts suitable for even the trickiest person to buy for.

Whether you’re looking for artwork, food, books, or homeware, here are five places to shop to guarantee you have unique gifts ready for everyone on Christmas Day.

Ashbridge and Brown

Ashbridge and Brown, located in Treasury Court, has a huge assortment of different gifts to choose from.

Pick up the perfect snuggle partner for your child, or yourself, from their collection of Jellycat. Grab a candle that smells just as good as it looks. Got an Emma Bridgewater fan in your life? They’ve got that too.

They also stock products made in Cumbria too so you’ll double the support for local business if you shop here this Christmas.

Ashbridge and Brown are open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday, 11:30am to 3:30pm.

Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life

Nestled within the grounds of Carlisle Castle, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life offers a chance to learn more about local history and the people who have served in the army over the last couple of hundred years.

If you know someone who might be interested in these topics, it’s an easy win if you pop into the museum’s shop. They’ve got a bit of everything from books and art to locally brewed beer and regimental items.

The shop at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life is open on Saturday, from 10am until 4pm.

Carlisle’s Pop-Up Shops

There’s always something new popping up in Carlisle, and this week is no exception. 

Get yourself down to one of the temporary pop-ups in Carlisle city centre to support local makers and artists.

Cumberland Artisans are in The Lanes pop-up until December 23 and StArt is hosting its festive bazaar at 7 Paternoster Row until Christmas Eve.

Both are selling and showcasing artwork and crafts that would make an ideal gift for just about anyone.

Castle Chocolates

Who doesn’t love chocolate? It’s even better when it’s made right on your doorstep. Castle Chocolates, on Fisher Street, has got bars and gift boxes in a variety of flavours that would make perfect stocking fillers.

White, milk, dark, caramel, ruby, rocky road, marshmallow, honeycomb – they have got it all. They’re also selling chocolate in festive shapes.

At this time of the year expect a queue out the door during busy times Avoid the crowds, and pop in this Thursday for late night shopping where Castle Chocolates opens until 9pm.

Flutter and Fern

Flutter and Fern is one of the city’s newest shops and it’s definitely one of the brightest.

All the artwork, enamel pins, and other items are colourful and whimsical, immediately giving any purchase a magical feeling.

A lot of the designs are inspired by nature so expect moths, frogs, mushrooms, and flowers when you pop in. You can find them on Rosemary Lane in the pink shop.

Flutter and Fern is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Check their social media for Christmas opening times.