Christmas Shopping on Gandy Street
Gandy Street, in the heart of the city, is Exeter’s most picturesque shopping area. Host to a wonderful array of independent shops, its perfect for your Christmas shopping.
Tucked away from the crowds, it offers an intimate shopping experience. With its bars, restaurants and cafes, beauty and hairdressing salons you’ll be able to shop, relax and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
So, here’s why Gandy Street is the place to head to this Christmas.
1. Jewellery. Stunning jewellery to suit all pockets - and lots of shops to choose from. Because they’re independent you’ll get a friendly welcome, advice to help guide you to the perfect gift. Shops to visit include Mantis, Silver Lion Jewellery, Firkins, Exeter Crystal Shop and the Shop at RAMM.
2. Beauty and R & R. We all need a bit of rest, recuperation and even pampering now and again. It’s all here on Gandy Street with a yoga and pilates studio, beauty salons, hairdressers, a wonderful holiday shop and even an independent mini spa with delicious looking products on Queen Street too. So, chill, and check out Aromatika, The Hair Boutique, Haven Pilate Studio, Nail Studio, Massage & Wellbeing, Exeter Natural Health Centre, Derek the Dog Yoga Studio, The Lost Hair Company, Lefroy Beauty, Lefroy Hair, The Hair Gallery, Head Hair and Nomadic Travel.
3. Gifts. If you need inspiration, Gandy Street’s the place. There are so many gift ideas and also the option of buying gift vouchers. Remember to check out the little alleys tucked away too as there are some great little shops hidden away. Here you’ll find some locally sourced prints, pottery, cards, jewellery, lighting and more. You’ll be surprised at how reasonably priced the items are. Stunning shops include Mounts Bay Trading and Georgie & Flo as well as Moko
4. Hand-Picked Shopping! RAMM, Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, has opened up a fabulous, new shop inspired by the collections: beetles, butterflies, romans, jewellery. It’s all there with plenty of space to move around too. Check out the special exhibitions whilst you’re there. There’s a small charge for the exhibition of 19th-century Japanese prints. Other galleries and Victorian watercolours from the Royal Collection from 17 December are free.
4. Clothes & Accessories. Get a different look or pick up a present for chic friends and family at one of the many clothes and accessory shops. Moko, SeaSalt, Vivid, Sobeys, Exiv Boutique, JoJo Maman Bebe, My ExWardrobe and Stolen by Suzie, a new addition to the street.
6. Chocolate. It needs a listing all of its own on Gandy Street. Pop into Chococo (complete with café) and Choccies Bar and treat yourself or pick up a gift the recipient will surely love. If you have a sweet tooth, Roly’s Fudge on Queen Street is also a must.
7. Eat & Drink. Whatever your taste, you won’t go hungry around Gandy Street. Whether you want a drink, a snack or a meal, the choice is broad: Cuba Cantina, Zizzi’s, Hatts, John Gandy’s, Bill’s, Boston Tea Party, Devon Coffee, Las Iguanas as well as the Phoenix and the Museum. Opening again early next year – after a devastating fire – is the Cavern famed for great music and great food.
8. Culture & More. As well as RAMM, there’s the Phoenix Arts Centre. It’s a gem of a place, with a wonderful bar, café, cinema, exhibitions, theatre, studios and with a host of courses. There’s always something going on from a cutting edge pop up shop, to gigs or just a place to get onto wifi and catch up with work (if you must!).
So there’s a whistle-stop tour, but there is more to discover.
Most shops are open late night shopping on Thursdays until 9pm and open 10am-4pm Sundays too. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is closed Mondays & Bank Holidays.
