2418

One of the best things about Canterbury is the host of unique shops that are hidden away amongst the high street giants. Whilst Wilkinsons is a student dreamland for home supplies and Poundland is a lifesaver on a strict budget, there is so much more to discover in the town centre. Whether you require decorations for your room or clothes that are slightly different to the average high street fare, shopping in smaller stores doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here are some of the best shops Canterbury has to offer:

Home and Decorative

The Merchant Chandler (Orange Street) is a cornucopia of cheaply priced knick-knacks. From photo frames to paper lanterns to colourful rugs, this shop has it all. Avoid the touristy one on the main high street and spend an hour browsing the Orange Street store.

Siesta (Palace Street) is a fair trade and environmentally conscientious shop selling hand-made items from all over the world. Items such as wall hangings and unusual instruments are sold downstairs while clothing is upstairs.

If you are feeling creative, head to Chromos (Stour Street) to pick up all the arts and crafts supplies you could possibly need. If the jewellery making section is not large enough for your liking, The Bead Pot (Palace Street) is full to the brim with a huge variety of beads and pendants.

Indoor Market (St. Peters Street) is a quirky shop with a thrift-store feel, selling band t-shirts, badges and posters. It also has second-hand DVDs and records from as little as £1.

Clothing and Accessories

Angels (St. Margarets Street) is a girly boudoir of pretty dresses, jewellery and shoes. There are also ornamental jewellery boxes and photo frames which make great birthday or Christmas presents.

Peppermint (Mercery Lane) is a small shop selling fashionable women’s clothes and shoes at high street prices. When winter comes, there is a particularly good selection of boots.

Going to a fancy dress party? Funky Monks (St. Peters Street) boasts a range of comedy outfits and outrageous wigs, so if you are feeling the need to dress up like a cowboy or a hippy then this is the place to go.