The Best Shops Outside Of London That Are Worth Travelling For

Set in a series of converted barns and farm buildings nestled in the English countryside, this rustic home and garden store is regularly touted as being among the best in the country by newspapers and magazines of all descriptions. The beautifully curated stock reflects the excellent taste of the Baileys, the husband and wife team behind the store. One a trained interior designer and the other a furniture designer and maker, everything in their shop (both vintage and new) is handpicked for its beauty, simplicity and craftsmanship, and sourced almost entirely from British suppliers — much of the pieces are bespoke commissions. Meander around the carefully dressed space and you’re sure to find several items you never knew you needed but just have to have. Aladdin’s Cave references are overused, but deserved in this case.

The kind of store without which the world would be a poorer place, Rise is an independent mini-chain (there are three, in Bristol, Cheltenham and Worcester) aiming to ‘maintain the spirit of a classic indie record shop’. Records are far from the only thing on offer here, though; a wide range of movies, literature and even vintage clothes can throughout the store, which doubles as a hang-out space thanks to its very own cafe/bar. Rise entertains close links with the indie music industry it serves, and regularly hosts live performances and exclusive vinyl releases, many of which support emerging artists and are free to enter. Besides the gigs, they also host in store DJ sets, film nights, book launches and the Rise Quiz.

Why should adults be the only ones to enjoy the fun of vintage clothing? No reason that this Brighton-based store can think of, apparently. Selling a range of antique and vintage clothing for tots through to teens from the late 18th century right up until the 80s, Dinky Vintage may just be the sweetest boutique we’ve ever come across. Every accessory and piece of clothing has been hand-picked and carefully restored, and they will even specially source any specific items you have in mind.

Everything about this Edwardian homeware store on the East coast harks back to the under-appreciated beauty of a simpler time. Perhaps, though, it’s not entirely appropriate to speak of beauty — Alastair, the owner and creator of A.G. Hendy,has a rule against anything without a practical purpose entering the store. Sticking to a philosophy that values that which is ‘simple, honest and enduring’, items that ‘are made to last and stand the test of time’, the store is dominated by the unsung heroes of the home; crockery, pans, utensils, tins and lots and lots of stiff brushes. Okay, so maybe it doesn’t sound the most exciting things in the world, but the careful selection and arrangement of the stock in Alastair’s store reflects a long love affair with collecting; as a photographer, the import of his items is of the kind best appreciated by those who spend their lives appreciating the aesthetic impact of the small things, and his curated pieces are akin to props in a dressed set. Alastair also works as a stylist and food writer in London, and travels back on weekends to work as a chef in the attached kitchen and dining rooms, just another quirky facet to this truly unique business.