Top 5 Unique Snowdonia Shopping Experiences

Mooching around the shops of small towns and villages is very much part of a holiday. For one, you have the time to enjoy a bit of leisurely retail therapy and secondly, it is a rare chance to see a high street of independent shops. In Snowdonia of course, we like to do things a little differently and that goes for our shopping experiences too; some are off the beaten track, some are treasure troves you didn’t know existed and some are, well in the cattle market….. here are our top 5 unique Snowdonia shopping experiences….

CAE DU DESIGNS | HARLECH

This is one of the best treasure troves you will ever find and once you’ve been introduced, you will be back time and time again. People come here year on year to stock up on material for home furnishings. There is a lovely cafe next door to deposit your ‘other half’ giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the beautiful fabrics on offer. Dee specialises in fabric seconds; top quality brands and names but for a lot less than you would normally pay. She also offers a ‘make-up’ service for curtains and soft furnishings – her team are all local and the quality of their work is in a league of its own.
TEL | 01766 780181

FARMERS MART | DOLGELLAU

On the last Thursday of every month, a furniture auction is held at the farmers market in Dolgellau. The diversity of what is on offer is amazing especially if your looking for something ‘hard to find’. For the larger items, you walk around in a crowd like a herd of sheep following the man auctioning the items; a nod of the head or a lift of the hand will secure your purchases. The smaller items are sold as lots in the main auditorium and again its a bidding format. Even if just for the experience, you should visit this place.

CWT TATUS | ABERSOCH

Set off the beaten track, this old converted potato shack is full of beautiful furniture, jewellery, clothes and items for the house along with an onsite cafe. Daloni the owner has a really good eye for unusual items; I love the metal plated monkey side table or the green pineapple lamp for a start. It’s a kooky environment with great quality items offering diversity with a mix of price points so there is something for everyone.

PIECES FOR PLACES | BARMOUTH

Situated in the old Caersalem Chapel, there are three floors offering an eclectic mix of furniture and homewares. Everything you need to kit out a house is available here from sofas, beds and beautiful chests of drawers to the smaller bits like candles, photo frames and vases, bedding etc. There is a lot on offer and everything has clearly been chosen carefully and so beautifully presented. They also recently opened a smaller shop just down the road from the main store where you can stock up on books and gifts.

PENTRE PETHAU | LLANRWST

This cooperative was set up as a showcase for local crafts men and women of the area. There is a real mix on offer from quality vintage items including furniture, lights, clothes and accessories to great gifts, including bespoke items. It’s a really lovely place to go and while away some time.