We all have someone in our lives who is impossible to buy for (for me, that’s my Dad!) They have everything they could possibly want, and when asked, say that they don’t want anything for Christmas! Well, I’ve got a solution for you.
Here in Somerset we have a huge number of brilliant antique shops, flea markets, and reclamation yards. There’s nothing better than having a poke around these treasure troves, and you are sure to find something unique for that special someone.
One of our favourites is Wells Reclamation. We actually got some pieces for the bed and breakfast after having a good rifle through their collection. If you have £80,000 lying about (we wish we did!), you can actually buy a T34 Russian Tank, believed to have been built in 1944. A little more affordable are statues of the Greenman (a pagan symbol of rebirth), kitchen accessories, and vintage and antique furniture. Their collection of statues is also quite a sight to behold!
A stone’s throw away from the bed and breakfast is the Bath and West Showground, which periodically hosts antiques and collectors fairs and giant flea markets throughout the year. Over 250 stalls, both inside and outside, have everything – from jewellery to books to fabrics. And retro furniture, of course! Even better, the Showground is dog friendly, though you must keep your dog on a leash. Keep an eye on the Royal Bath & West Showground website for upcoming dates.
Another of our go-to spots is the Antiques Bazaar in Crewkerne. Filled with helpful, friendly staff, we love to visit to look through the piles of antique furniture, signs, and esoterica. They offer a bespoke kitchen table service and furniture restoration. The home bakery (great tea cakes!) and plant centre at the Antiques Bazaar are also worth a visit.
Last but certainly not least, in Shepton Mallet you will find Somerset Antiques & Interiors. Just down the road from the bed and breakfast, this antiques store has something for every room of the house. Again, they’ve got someone for everyone! Want a vintage matchstick doll’s house? Or Victorian oak panel carvings? They’ve got one! Also, if you are looking for a very particular item, they offer a service where they can source and locate it for you. How helpful is that! If Vintage is more of your interest, Shepton has a lovely variety of independently owned vintage shops up and down the high street. Browse and buy to your heart’s content – it’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours and there’s plenty of restorative tea, coffee and goodies on offer at The Cheeky Bean Cafe, The Art Bank Cafe or Loaf.
We personally love the antique and vintage shops and stalls on offer in Somerset. You never know what you’ll find!
