Christmas 2024 is just days away, but we know this year has been a busy one and you may not have got your gifts yet – but, that’s ok, we have you covered.
We asked our readers to recommend Cumbrian businesses they love for gifts and they did not disappoint.
The recommendations cover the length and breath of the county with individuals to stores.
Fiction Wicks
The hand poured candle maker based in North Cumbria, Fiction Wicks create candles inspired by works of fiction with customers leaving five star reviews for their “great smelling candles” all based off works of fiction.
Etsy Store – Here
Flowers from my Attic
Looking for an experience? West Cumbria’s Flowers from my Attic offer floristry workshops to ‘release your inner florist.’ Using seasonal flowers, some grown by the owner, workshops run up to December 22 and restart in the New Year and continuing throughout the year.
There are also a variety of gifts available to purchase from centre pieces to potpourri.
Website – Here
Warwick Bridge Corn Mill
The Grade 2 listed Warwick Bridge Corn Mill has been a fixture of North Cumbria for nearly 200 years and since restored has been grinding flour for its onsite bakery.
Powered by the river the mill has bags of flour, breads and other treats for sale along with a guide book for sale.
The mill also can take customers on a guided tour of the site.
Website – Here
Lanty Slee Liquor Co
The spirit of Langdale, Lanty Slee Liquor keeps the story of one of Cumbria’s bootleggers going. Distilled in small batches using court records to recreate Lanty’ recipes the company produces Vodka, Rum, Dry Gin and Single Malt Whiskey, if you can get your hands on it.
Website – Here
ARTventurers Carlisle Penrith and Keswick
Looking for something different for babies or children ARTventures provide interactive and messy art classes. in three different locations around the county.
With themed session from pirates to seasons there is always something new for you and your little one to do.
Website – Here
Go Your Own Way – Adventure Art, Gifts and Homeware
Looking for a different gift for the outdoorsy person in your life Go Your Own Way provide unique Cumbrian inspired gifts from pin badges to Christmas ornaments.
They are now closed for Christmas but can be found in selected stockists.
Website – Here
Crafted by Liam
Resin trinkets that can add a bit of sparkle to any stocking with letters, teddy bears and coasters available.
Website – Here
Laverock Hampers
Create something special with a custom made Laverock Hamper with a selection of items available to pamper someone or yourself.
15 percent of each sale goes to charity as well.
Facebook – Here
Waffling On
Not something to open on Christmas Day but one to look out for on the build up too and after. Fresh made waffles with either sweet or savoury topping.
Hosting an event or works gathering book Waffling On as something different as a catering option.
Facebook – Here
Basecamp North Lakes
Basecamp North Lakes provides a farm shop, cafe and activity site set in 155 acres with it’s own lake. It provides delicious in house baking while championing sustainability and low food miles.
It is also home to Alpacaly Ever After, all the more reason to visit.
Website – Here
Flutter & Fern
The Flutter & Fern gift shop in North Cumbria goes through a rigorous selection process for the artists that they stock so only the best make it into their store.
From pins to cards to ornaments and candles there is plenty to see.
Website – Here
Beewell by Esther
Using beeswax and honey from their West Cumbrian hives to create small batches of skin balms, salves, body butter, beard balms and more.
Website – Here
The Business of Bathtime
With the stress of the festive period The Business of Bathtime can help you relax with bathbombs, candles, unique ornaments that can be used in a wax burner.
Facebook – Here
Helen Haraldsen – Writer in the Wellies
Author Helen Haraldsen not only has series of books based on her experience in the pony club and around the lives of her dogs.
Helen also offers workshops, school visits and Hobby Horse sessions.
Website – Here
Busy Little Crafts
Looking for something festive to make and paint, Busy Little Crafts has sets with paints and brushes so all you need to supply is the table cover.
Facebook – Here
Telaren Designs
Telaren Designs create unique and custom laser and 3D printed gifts from plaques, coasters and even business cards.
Website – Here
Check Out My Plumage
Glasswork, watercolour and jewellery all hand made by Check out my Plumage, commissions can be taken if you are looking for something extra special.
Facebook – Here
Woodlands Tearoom & Santon Bridge Gift Shop
Take a break while shopping at the Woodlands Tearoom before heading into the Santon Bridge Gift Shop for locally sourced Cumbrian gifts from food and drink to jewellery, cards and badges.
Website – Here
Woody’s
A Seascale secret or not so much anymore. Woody’s has a little bit of everything from preloved clothes, selected artists work and home made food.
Facebook – Here
Keswick Craftman
The Keswick Craftman creates rustic wooden sculptures currently with a Christmas theme. Mostly sold on the road side their work can be found at selected stores such as Woody’s.
Facebook – Here
Tina Woods Cheesecake – Woodys
Looking for a special desert or something to make shopping that little bit more pleasant try Tina Woods’ Cheesecake in Woody’s.
Salt Fish and Chips
The award winning chip shop in Seascale has had a fantastic first year. The budding business does things a little different with as much of the items on their menu and products in the restaurant coming from Cumbria and the North West.
Website – Here
MENS Wooden creations
Looking for a special household item, MENS Wooden creations crave everything from plates to clocks and festive snowmen and trees.
Facebook – Here
Grace and Annie’s Event Hire
Planning something special in the New Year Grace and Annie’s Event Hire provide plenty of options for your wedding, christening or birthday.
They can also help spruce up a business event with balloon garlands or doorway installations.
Facebook – Here
Beads N Beeswax
A two for one business with candles, wax melts and hand made jewellery. Beads N Beeswax offer plenty of options with unique dream catchers and incense burners available too.
Facebook – Here
Scribbly Bark
Taking driftwood and making splendid items Scribbly Bark has something different with each look. From tea light holds to wall pieces and even magic wands there is something for all the family.
Facebook – Here
White Horse Vintage
Bringing back the clothes or yesteryear White Horse Vintage have gone on to become a one stop online shop for all things vintage. You never know what you might find on their virtual shelves.
Website – Here
Felted and Fleeced
Supporting British farmers Felted and Fleeced take Herdwick wool and turn it into art. At the moment there are Herdwick baubles available.
Etsy Store – Here
Marions Pet Shop
Pets can often get left out at Christmas but Marions Pet Shop in West Cumbria can bring your fluffy or not so fluffy favourite into the festive fold with treats or a new look. They can also give your dog a pampering.
Facebook – Here
The Little Barber Shop
The Little Barber Shop is nothing like its musical counter part (Little Shop of Horrors) with customers leaving Charlotte and Kelly with big smiles and new hairdos.
Also as an added extra the shop stocks hair products, soaps and exfoliates.
Facebook – Here
KW Creatives
Taking photographs or using images you provide KW Creatives can make cards, bottles, canvases and framed wall pieces.
Website – Here
Richardsons of Whitehaven
A standout of the Whitehaven high street, Richardsons of Whitehaven have it your drinks covered with red, white, rosé and sparkling wines, spirits and even fresh ground coffee.
Website – Here
Cumbria Crafts and Fused Glass
Cumbria Crafts and Fused Glass has undergone a transformation moving to a new website. The variety of fused glass Christmas on offer means you’ll find something to use as a decoration.
Website – Here
Candy Cabs
Claiming to be the best sweet shop this side of Shap, Candy Cabs offers up plenty to back up their claim. Family favourites are on offer along with imports from around the global.
Website – Here
Lakeland Lights Company/Whitehaven Sea Cadets
West Cumbrian candle makers Lakeland Lights Company have created a candle to support Whitehaven Sea Cadets as they look to raise funds for their new home.
Looking for a candle that captures the different smells of Cumbria the Lakeland Lights have a range of candles all named after places in the county.
Website – Here
The Victorian Candle Company/Eden Valley Hospice
The Victorian Candle Company has teamed up with Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice to raise money with its Light Up A Life Candle.
They also offer plenty of other candles, room sprays and wax melts along with Candle Making Workshops throughout the year.
Website – Here
Lakes Escapes
Looking for something to bring the family together over the festive period or in the New Year?
Lakes Escape rooms provide hours of entertainment with eight themed rooms to suit a range of people, their wants and needs.
They also provide a range of escape themed gifts.
Website – Here
St Mary’s Hospice – Retail
St Mary’s Hospice Shop supports the work the Ulverston based hospice does in the South Cumbria area. With a wide range of items for sale from clothes to toys you can pick up a bargain while supporting a good cause.
Even if you don’t find something when you’re having a spring clean consider heading to a charity shop.
Website – Here
Hospice at Home West Cumbria
Hospice at Home West Cumbria provides palliative care to the residents of West Cumbria and has charity shops in Workington and Cockermouth with providing a range of items for sale.
Website – Here
The Herdwick News is passionate about supporting local businesses in throughout the region.
Keep an eye out for further guides and features to learn more about businesses across Cumbria, what they do and how they’re an integral part of their communities.
THE HERDWICK NEWS 