Just like the county itself, Cornwall’s shopping scene is unique and eclectic, offering the very best in boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and specialist retailers with products rarely found elsewhere. Many of the best spots are situated in hidden side streets, only known by those who choose to skip the chain stores and head off the beaten path.
This makes Cornwall’s shopping destinations special and perhaps not always focussed on pure luxury, but rather a unique experience. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of stores in and around Cornwall that are worth checking out. Whether you’re a local or a tourist looking to do some holiday shopping, this list has something for everyone.
Why You Should Shop in Cornwall
Design-conscious holidaymakers will find Cornwall’s shopping scene to be unlike any other. Many artistic locals have established themselves with popular stores offering everything from high-quality fashion to carefully crafted homeware.
If you’re looking to spend a luxurious holiday in Cornwall, Perranporth is a perfect start. You can take a look at Duchy Holidays who offer the very best in Cornwall beach holidays, with luxurious self-catering accommodation that allows you to shop and relax in style. Duchy Holidays is home to a variety of spacious seaside family homes, traditional cottages, and luxury beach apartments for you to choose from. With world-class interiors and unbeatable views, your stay in Cornwall is sure to be a memorable one.
Now that you know where to start, let’s take a look at the best shopping destinations nearby.
Plumbline
Situated in St Ives, Plumbline is a unique take on curated luxury crafts. The owner, Deborah, offers a unique selection of handpicked products created by designers in the country. This includes the likes of Sam Hall’s elegant ceramics and Jochen Holz’s carefully crafted glass blown arts.
The store is fairly small and discrete, with a focus on offering a small range of quality products that you’d struggle to find elsewhere. If you’re looking to up your style or spoil a loved one, the tasteful selection of Jennie Hancox’s jewelry has you covered.
Finisterre
Founded in Falmouth by Tom Kay, Finisterre is a unique take on technical clothing for surfers. The luxurious garments are crafted from high-quality materials with an emphasis on functionality. This makes them perfect for wearing before and after watersports.
Materials are responsibly sourced from local suppliers and Merino wool can be found in many of Finisterre’s products. Unlike standard materials such as cotton and polyester, Merino wool is sourced from a specific breed of sheep in Devon and has a number of technical properties that, while more expensive, make it the perfect material for clothing.
Aside from sportswear, Finisterre also offers a selection of knitwear and casual clothing, along with a number of accessories, ensuring that every fashion-forward luxury shopper will find something valuable to invest in here.
No.56
If you ask the locals what the best shopping destination in Penzance is, Chapel Street is more than likely to be their answer. The area is home to many unique boutiques and retro outlets, with No.56 being one of the most famous of them all.
Founded by Carole Elsworth, No.56 is a personal collection of natural, minimalist products including stationery and homeware. The store itself is a design enthusiast’s dream, featuring a clean and unique layout. The owner is increasing her range to satisfy all types of shoppers with locally sourced products that are unrivalled when it comes to quality.
Folklore
Going back to Falmouth, Folklore is a beautiful boutique store located in the Old Brewery Yard. Here you can find a number of carefully curated products that range from aesthetically beautiful to impressively functional. Many of them are crafted by young local designers, helping fuel local innovation and a focus on art.
From Hannah Lawrence’s quirky ceramics to Sarah Johnson’s handmade smocks, there’s plenty on offer when it comes to products for your home. Some more unique and interesting products can be found here as well, such as Francli’s impressive recycled bags.
Those who are interested in the background of each product will be glad to know that the employees can give you the story behind the items on sale. After all, nothing here is simply created in a boardroom and mass produced in a factory – everything is unique and inventive.
Kernow Chocolate
What better way to end off your luxury shopping trip than with a tasty treat? Kernow Chocolate is a small but thriving store with an open viewing area where you can see exactly how their products are made. Coffee and tea are on offer, as well as their signature hot chocolate. Their on-site shop also features a variety of high quality treats for you to feast on.
With many more stores to discover, Cornwall is clearly the place to be when it comes to shopping for high-quality, unique products. What are your favorite places to shop in Cornwall? Let us know in the comments below.