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- Category: things to do
- Updated: 22nd May 2023
The Shopper's Guide to Stamford: Where to Go and What to Buy
As small towns go, Stamford is one of the best in the region for a touch of retail therapy! With a thriving high street, a wide range of independent stores and well-known brands, and a history which brings tourists a plenty, Stamford is the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing. Whether you're after high-quality designer brands, beautiful gifts or homeware to die for, you'll find a variety of Stamford shops to choose from.
Independent Shops in Stamford
Every small town needs some gorgeous local indie brands if it's going to make a name for itself as a shopping destination. Stamford has succeeded. Dotted between the trendy cafes and traditional country pubs sit many independent shops offering art, homeware, clothing and gifts.
Energy Clothing
Opened in 1996, Energy has been a feature on the Stamford high street for almost 30 years but still prides itself on being the go-to store for the very best high street designer brands. Stocking names such as Levi's, Birkenstock, Calvin Klein, Scotch and Soda, Energy is a great shout for a wardrobe update. The 'Energy girls' as they are known locally, are the very best at styling and sourcing what you need too, so if you have an event coming up and you don't know what to wear, drop in, and they'll provide a personal service ensuring you find the perfect outfit! I can also highly recommend Energy for buying denim- they offer the best brands and a range of fits and lengths for jeans. A winner in my book!
Energy, 9 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire , PE9 1PL
Katie Cardew
Local treasure Katie Cardew, artist, interior designer and lifestyle brand owner, recently opened the first of two new stores right here in Stamford. Her unique designs and fun range of prints and products for your home make great gifts. From framed prints to mugs, kitchenware and greetings cards, her designs are exciting, stylish and easily recognisable under the Katie Cardew umbrella. The shop is gorgeous too! In a proper little old Stamford building on St Mary's Street (Stamfords most exclusive shopping area), it's a beautiful place to browse, taking in her gorgeous designs!
Katie Cardew Shop Stamford, 6 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DE
Iris & Violet
Just across the way from their neighbours at Katie Cardew, you'll find the charming Iris & Violet - a beautiful little independent store selling clothing and homewares (think Scandi-inspired throws, vases & cushions). In springtime, you'll see pastel shades to die for, gorgeous white French blouses, summer maxi dresses and gorgeous jewellery and hair accessories. A bonus is that owner Beth buys only a few sizes of each piece, and when they're gone, they're gone - meaning you'll definitely not end up wearing the same outfit as a fellow Stamfordian! For something unique and super on-trend, I would definitely recommend a trip to Iris & Violet next time you're in town.
Iris & Violet, 31 St. Mary's Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS
Stamford Botanics
Oh, what a joy this place is! Love a good houseplant? Us too. Stamford Botanics stock a wide range of plants and accessories in their gorgeous little hideaway on St Paul's Street, just off the high street at the end of town. This stunning little shop is perfect for a nosey before dropping by the Tobie Norris for a pizza at lunchtime. Stocking plants for every space in your house, big or small, you'll find something perfect here. Owner Leonie is super knowledgeable too and will be sure to offer advice on caring for your new additions too.
Stamford Botanics, 7 St Paul's St, Stamford , PE9 2BE
Stamford High Street Clothing Brands
Not only is the local indie offering great, but Stamford is also lucky to be home to several of the UK's best high-street clothing brands. Affordable clothing giant New Look have a large store on the high street right in the centre of town - stocking clothing, shoes and a specialist section for teenagers. In addition, the high street also boasts several other well-known names such as Fat Face, The White Company, Mint Velvet and the more recently opened Oliver Bonas. Mountain Warehouse stocks outdoor gear, walking boots, and camping equipment for those of us a little more adventurous. Perfect for stocking up before the holidays!
Specialist Shops in Stamford
We're not done there! As well as independent gift shops, high street clothing options and the well-known local town standards like Boots, Stamford also benefits from several more specialist shops, serving the community with everything they could possibly need.
Harrison & Dunn
Existing for over 90 years, this absolutely fantastic independent hardware store is a vital feature of Stamford's community. Here you can find tools and equipment for DIY, gardening & car accessories, baking, cooking and household cleaning items. It really is an Aladdin's cave. Somewhat of an institution in this small town, Harrison & Dunn is the place to go for anything you may need to keep your household running smoothly. So next time you think to yourself, "Where can I get one of those from?" try Harrison & Dunn - they'll definitely have it!
Harrison & Dunn, 3 All Saints' St, Stamford , PE9 2PA
Cook Shop
Don't fancy cooking but also trying to avoid the dreaded unhealthy takeaway? Cook Shop in Stamford has the solution! This lovely little shop on the high street offers frozen ready-made homely meals and takeaway alternatives ready to stick in the oven as soon as you are home- no preparation required! Their range includes comfort food faves such as lasagne, cottage pie and beef stew, as well as everything you could possibly want for a curry feast or Thai/Chinese inspired dinner party. They offer individual portions for one, family meals and a separate children's range. We often use Cook Shop on swimming night here at home as we are never all in one place! I would also highly recommend checking out their new parent offer - meals for mum and dad during the first few weeks of parenthood. The ideal gift to give to that mum to be at her baby shower!
Cook Shop Stamford, 50 High St, Stamford, PE9 2BD
Walkers Bookshop
What a delight this place is! Walkers is a traditional little bookshop right in the heart of town. Downstairs you'll find magazines, newspapers and cards, gift wrap etc., then heading up to the first floor, a fantastic selection of modern classics, non-fiction books, and current popular fiction paperbacks greets you. There is a children's section at the far end and also a specialist table with signed limited editions and works from local authors. They also offer an ordering service for books you may be looking for that are not currently stocked. I have used this service myself before, and it's simple, quick and personal - much better than ordering from Amazon!
Walkers Bookshop, 10 High St, Stamford , PE9 2AL
Stamford Cheese & Deli
And now, onto something a little more niche! What more could a gorgeous Georgian town like Stamford need than its very own cheese shop? Stamford Cheese & Deli specialise in, yes, you guessed it cheese! Offering a wide variety of produce, they focus on local produce where possible but do also stock varieties from further afield. Also available are cheese hampers, boards and handmade gift boxes. You'll also find all the accompaniments you'd need here - crackers, chutneys and jams, pate and a few extras such as salami and, perhaps more surprisingly snails! Before your next dinner party or gathering, I would recommend a trip to Stamford Cheese & Deli to pick up those all-important extras to make it the perfect event!
Stamford Cheese & Deli, 16 High St, Stamford , PE9 2AL
Stamford Music Shop
Another long-standing feature in the heart of Stamford's shopping district is Stamford Music Shop. Specialising in sheet music, they also offer various brass, woodwind and pianos for sale and rental. They provide a friendly, personal service and will help you find your first instrument as a beginner or keep your well-loved music equipment in good shape. They describe themselves as a traditional music shop, and I would agree! The perfect place for any music lover to visit.
Stamford Music Shop, 11 St Mary's Hill, Stamford , PE9 2DP
Cloisters Italian Deli
A relatively new addition to an already established and well-loved local restaurant, Cloisters Deli sits immediately next to their wonderful dining space. Opened in 2021, they offer a wide selection of Italian cured meats, salamis, olives and other deli produce. Tempting! Head on over next time you are planning a dinner party or evening at home for some gorgeous treats for the table. Let's face it, even if you're not planning a gathering, walking past their fabulous produce in the window and not shopping is quite impossible!
Cloisters Deli, 9 St Mary's St, Stamford , PE9 2DE
Art Galleries
Whether you're an art collector or looking to style your home, Stamford offers plenty of opportunities for creative retail therapy! The town has many galleries and art shops, each with its own focus and style.
The well-known Castle Fine Art sits proudly on the high street and offers limited edition prints from famous names such as Johnny Depp and Billy Connolly. Also offering some original artworks, this gallery is a great place to head for some interior design inspo.
Head further up the path, and you'll find Gallery Stamford, tucked away in a quiet, central lane. This gallery specialises in bespoke picture framing and also sells originals and prints. Most artists exhibiting their work here are local and well-known in the area, an excellent showcase for great talent!
For higher-end artworks with a more exclusive price tag, Robert Fogell Gallery is the place to head. Situated on the glorious St Martin's, close to the famous George Hotel, this art gallery offers the opportunity to purchase stunning pieces for your home. If you're looking to buy some art in the near future, I would recommend visiting the local galleries here in Stamford for some inspiration.