Christmas Shopping in Dorset

You'll find the perfect present while Christmas shopping in Dorset, find unique gifts, local art, Dorset food and drink and much more. We've put together a few ideas to help get you started! 

 

1 –  Have you got a tank enthusiast in the family? Take a look at the Tank Museum online shop: from baubles to model kits and themed T-shirts, their shop has something for everyone.

 

 

2 – Cheeeeeese! A Christmas staple, get your cheese on, pop along to Vinolo Cheese and Wine bar, in Weymouth and order a cheese hamper for your Christmas nibbles or as a gift for a loved one, they’ll be crackers for you!

 

 

3 – For those who love seeing Dorset by the coast, how about a Tall Ship Experience? Purchase a voucher for a summer's day out at sea and join Captain Jez from Moonfleet Sailing who will take you on a truly special day out.

 

4 - Gardens galore, and spring will be here before you know it! How about a voucher to one of Dorset’s glorious gardens: Athelhampton House, Sherborne Castle & Gardens, Mapperton House and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are just some of the local beauty spots, and all can offer you a slice of cake, or cream tea – why wait till spring!

 

5 -Badger Beers, for over 240 years characterful beers have been created in the family-run brewery, based in Blandford, why not try a Tangle Foot, Fursty Ferret or Golden Champion, a selection of great beers will bring a smile to someone’s face! 

 

 

6 – Wareham is home to the only Ape Rescue Centre in the UK. Why not adopt a monkey from Monkey World, help support this wonderful centre and receive a regular newsletter ‘The Ape Rescue Chronical’ plus a free annual pass and photo.

 

7 – Looking for something wrapped, be sure to pop to Stuart Wiltshire Glass Blowing shop and studio in Weymouth. From pink flamingos, sculptures to incredible lighting, you won't come away empty handed. 

 

8 – Camping, why not treat the children with a future camping trip, we are spoilt for choice with great campsites here in Dorset, enjoy the thrill of a night under the stars whilst getting back to nature, Bagwell Farm and Rosewall Camping both have lots to enjoy.    

 

9 – Dorset is renowned for delicious seafood, which is why the most prestigious seafood festival in the country is held in Weymouth, keep an eye out for the 2025 dates. In the meantime Weymouth boasts some fantastic award-winning seafood restaurants, Seabeats, Catch at the Old Fish Market and the Crab House Cafe, to name just a few!

10 – Thrill seekers, see Dorset differently and hop on a rib ride from Lyme Bay Rib Charters, hold your breath and zoom along the Jurassic Coast from West Bay, gift vouchers available via their website.

 

11 - Why not be a savvy, sustainable shopper this Christmas! Take a trip to Dorchester Curiosity Centre and you’ll find an eclectic mix of all things vintage, retro and new to you! With around 100 traders under one roof, the Dorchester Curiosity Centre is a real treasure trove of exciting items. Stay for coffee and cake, you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

12 - Independent shops can be found all over Dorset: here are a few to look out for whilst out Christmas shopping: Dorchester Antelope Walk: Kooky Bloom, Cranborne’s, and Creative Image Studio. Bridport: Cilla and Camilla, Symondsbury Estate and Rise. Swanage: Mulberry Tree Gallery, Curiosity, and Chococo. Weymouth: Howley’s Toy Shop, Cove Gallery and the Bridge Fair Trade Shop. Wimborne: Salamander Cookshop, Tickles & Co and Gullivers Book Shop. Poole: Lavender Moon, Boiler Room Records and Studio Poole. Bournemouth: Trove, South Coast Makers, and Bobbys. Sherborne: The Sherborne, Melbury Gallery, and The Circus.  Christchurch: Hatch Gallery, Bookends, and The Clay Studio. Shaftesbury: Kit & Kaboodle, Golden Snowdrop Jewellers, and Mine.

 

13 - And don’t forget your furry and feathered friends at Christmas. Check out Pet Experience, Weymouth’s independent pet shop, where you’ll find everything from animal toys, chewy treat advent calendars, cosy dog coats and much more!

 

Make Christmas personal this year, make it Dorset!

 

If you're looking for more inspiration why not head to one of the many Christmas Markets in Dorset, take a look here: Christmas Markets in Dorset