Salcombe Crabfest 2024: All You Need to Know
Salcombe’s crab fishing industry is coming out of its shell from 10am on Sunday 5th May to celebrate Crabfest...
by Maria Makepeace / Events
Whilst Christmas shopping is one of the festive season’s most honoured traditions, sometimes finding authentic, original and interesting gifts for our loved ones can prove a little tricky – don’t worry though, because we’ve curated a handpicked selection of South Devon Christmas gift ideas.
It’s nice to give something a little different from time to time, and we are certain that one of South Devon’s unique businesses can come to the rescue when Christmas shopping this year. We’ve picked a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets, from delicious clotted cream fudge to something a little more bespoke such as a luxuriously personalised clutch bag, you won’t be disappointed.
Use the quick links below to discover a particular brand, or continue reading for our complete South Devon Christmas shopping guide…
– Luscombe
– Dogee UK
– Delimann
– Nkuku
It’s no secret that South Devon is a food lover’s paradise, and when you look at the geography of the region this comes as no surprise. With a thriving coastline and rich fishing industry, and expansive green and pleasant land much of which is agricultural, you will find nutritious, organic and seasonal produce available in abundance. We’ve narrowed down a selection of our foodie favourites from which you can find the ultimate South Devon gift idea – from local fudge makers to delicatessens, gin and vodka creators and even a chilli farm we have it covered…
Located in the very heart of Salcombe, Salcombe Dairy produce their signature ice cream the traditional way, using a combination of milk from local farms and decadent double cream. Ice cream aside, they also offer award-winning ‘bean to bar’ chocolate and various Christmas gifts including hot chocolate hampers, variety packs and luxurious advent calendars. For those with a really sweet tooth, you can also purchase gift vouchers, which are ideal for keeping safe and enjoying ice cream or sorbet at a later date. Visit their online shop for even more inspiration. This December, Salcombe Dairy are offering our readers 10% off using code COASTCOUNTRY10.
Elevating every experience since 1975, Luscombe are passionate about making premium soft drinks. Organic ingredients are hand selected from trusted growers worldwide and their delicious drinks are produced in Devon, England.
Luscombe’s range of multi-award-winning drinks contain soft Devon water from their own spring and freshly pressed organic fruit. Every step from sourcing, harvesting, juicing, blending, and bottling receives their undivided attention.
With a Royal Warrant in hand, over 110 Great Taste Award stars from the Guild of Fine Food and an abundance of positive customer reviews, we know you’ll love them. Luscombe’s Bubblies range make the perfect non-alcoholic alternative to champagne for your festive celebrations.
A local tipple with a rapidly growing reputation, Salcombe Gin is made the traditional way – in a distillery situated in Salcombe itself. How about presenting a friend or loved one with a bottle of this tasty local tipple, and if you’re lucky, they might even share it with you! Another option is to order a gift voucher for a gin making experience at the Salcombe Gin School, the lucky recipient of which will take charge of their own mini copper still, choose from a range of botanicals and name their own bottle to take home. The Salcombe Gin online shop is the perfect place to shop for a South Devon Christmas gift, so expect to browse a selection of indulgent hampers, miniature gift sets and a wide and varied choice of gin.
Luxuriously smooth, Devon Cove Vodka is a family run business with its roots firmly anchored in the fishing village of Hope Cove – so much so, the King Edward potatoes used to make the vodka are grown on the family farm overlooking the coves sandy shores! Pure and clean, the vodka is exceptional and as clean as it can come. What’s more, it is extremely low in calories making it the perfect drink of choice should you want to indulge in some festive drinking. Devon Cove Vodka have an extensive online shop from which you can (of course!) purchase vodka, but also fruity Cove Damson Liqueur and a selection of cocktail kits. You can even request that your order is gift wrapped with a personal message. Fancy trying before you buy? Visit Devon Cove Vodka’s Tasting Room in Kingsbridge to see their gorgeous range in person.
This December Devon Cove Vodka are giving our readers 10% off with code COAST10. Discover their range of gifts including their Cove Royale Christmas Eve Box, Hazelnut Espresso Martini Kit and Cove Hazelnut Liqueur.
Calancombe Estate, is an award winning Vineyard, Winery and Distillery located in the stunning South Hams countryside. As well as wine from grapes grown onsite at the vineyard, Calancombe also make Dartmouth English Gin, cyder, cassis and apple brandy.
Vineyard tours and Gin schools are on offer here, as well as delicious food in Calancombe’s restaurant, The Cellar Door. The menu here is crafted with the notes of the wines in mind, using estate grown produce where possible to offer an experience completely tailored around the wonderful produce grown and harvested at Calancombe.
You can also purchase their Wines, Cyders and Cassis from their online store as well as book Vineyard tours, lunches and afternoon tea.
Salcombe Brewery are passionate about crafting award-winning beers using sustainable brewing methods mixed with the best locally sourced ingredients where possible. Salcombe Brewery’s beers are about creating unique experiences and invoking the spirit of the Salcombe way of life with every sip.
Discover their range of locally brewed ales and beers, including their special Christmas Ale “Christmas Tide”. You’ll find many great gift ideas in their online store including Brewery Tour Vouchers perfect for the beer lover in your life.
Use code CCXMAS10 for 10% off online orders between 1st Dec – 1st Jan 2024.
Established in 2020, Devon Rum Co is a fairly new addition to the South Devon beverage scene offering an exciting variety of delicious spiced and flavoured rums. Based on Island Street, you can pop into Devon Rum HQ to buy a gift set, or order a voucher online for a rum tasting and tour experience for your loved one, to be enjoyed later in the year together – sometimes the best gifts are memories made together.
Branded beautifully, and with a conscious effort to be as sustainable as possible, Devon Rum Co proudly operate as a carbon negative producer; offsetting their carbon footprint by planting trees on the nearby Dartmoor National Park and beyond. Find out more about Devon Rum Co and visit their shop here.
The South Devon Chilli Farm is situated on the edge of Loddiswell amidst the rolling South Devon countryside. At the farm there is a show tunnel, play area and an impressive gift shop. Their online shop is extensive, boasting just about every chilli-infused product you can think of, from chilli jam to spicy hot chocolate, including plenty of spicy items beautifully packaged as gift sets. You can even purchase a gift certificate, to be sent via email or by post, which includes a personal message.
You can’t forget the canine in your life when it comes to yummy treats for Christmas. Dogee UK is your one stop shop for natural dog treats!
A family run business based in Devon and driven by a passion for providing dogs with treats that are not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly healthy. Their mission is simple: to promote a diet for your furry friend that mirrors what they would naturally consume in the wild, to help give them a long, happy and healthy life. Dogee UK is home to the renowned Natural Treat Box and also offer an extensive range of all-natural treats carefully selected to cater to the unique needs of every dog breed. All packaged in eco-friendly packaging (even down to the tape used to secure your parcel!)
You can find them online at www.dogee.co.uk or on Facebook/Instagram using @dogeeuk. You’ll also find them at many dog shows across the South West. Give your furry friend the best that nature has to offer and shop with Dogee this December with 20% off The Santa Paws Box using code SANTAPAWS20.
Edward’s Fudge Kitchen, found nestled within the cobbled streets of Dartmouth, makes a traditional clotted-cream based version of this traditional sweet treat. From both the shop and Edward’s Fudge Kitchen online shop you can buy gift packs of various sizes, choosing from an extensive range of flavours, from the tried-and-tested to more unusual, with sea salt and peanut butter options both available.
Sharpham Dairy hand make a small range of award-winning English cheeses in a beautiful valley overlooking the River Dart in South Devon. Sharpham Dairy is small, artisan producer making around 70 tonnes of award-winning cheese a year, using the rich milk from their own herd of cows and sheep and goats’ milk from local, trusted family farms.
Sharpham Dairy offer a delicious selection of cheese and hampers on their website, including the Devon Festive Celebration Box and their Essential Devon Cheese Board to bring the local touch to your Christmas celebrations, and for those year round Cheese lovers there is even a Sharpham Cheese Subscription Service.
Delimann is an online fine food and gift emporium based in Devon, best known for their delicious afternoon tea and cream tea gifts. Their Christmas hampers are brimming with the most delicious West Country award-winning local food and drink.
Me and East is an eclectic celebration of uniquely handmade gifts and beautifully handmade crafts, from accessories to homeware. Everything they stock is meticulously selected and includes jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, prints, cards, clothing and textiles. Based in Totnes, and also home to a successful online shop, it’s the kind of treasure trove that is difficult to leave without a very full basket.
Located on Salcombe’s bustling Island Street amongst a quirky collection of boatyards and chandleries, art galleries and other local businesses (including Coast & Country Cottages) Will Bees Bespoke specialises in bags, clutches, purses and pouches. You can often see their talented artisans busy working at the window or in the workshop producing exceptional items that make fantastic presents – be sure to visit their website for an equally experiential brand experience. Products can be personalised with embroidered names or initials, and the fee for this is included in the price of purchase.
At the Canvas Factory you can purchase a range of handmade, hard-wearing yet stylish bags and accessories, all of which are made in the very heart of South Devon. These can include completely bespoke options if you’d like something truly unique, and what’s more, the Canvas Factory can also embroider your gift to order, adding that extra special touch.
Jam packed with beautiful clothing, homewares, accessories and lifestyle pieces Busby & Fox is the place to go if you are after something really special. With stores across Devon, Cornwall and Henley-on-Thames, they are all underpinned with creating an experiential shop with an anchored sense of community – tea, coffee and biscuits are often offered, and there is always a bottle of fizz in the fridge! A treasure trove of candles and clutch bags, and also timeless knits and outfits for every occasion, you are certain to find something to suit. The Busby & Fox website is also a characterful emporium – it has never been easier to browse their collection from the comfort of your home – just remember to leave a significant spending budget, because it’s almost impossible not to fill your basket! For the full lowdown, be sure to read our blog feature ‘the Busby & Fox success story’.
Handcrafted from 100% natural rubber, Rudds are high quality Wellington boots crafted to work with your lifestyle – they are simply perfect for South Devon adventures on coast and countryside, muddy puddles and sandy shores alike! A relatively young company with a journey that began in 2014, they have grown from strength to strength and are the ultimate wellie if you are looking for a boot with an emphasis on comfort, support, safety and durability. They also offer a range of Salcombe-centric hoodies and tees for both adults and children should you want the complete outfit.
Based in Totnes, Small Folk offers a range of sustainable and ethical natural clothing, shoes and accessories for babies, children and women. Small Folk aspire to bring you closer to local makers, environmentally conscious brands and responsible manufacturers, as such, you really feel a sense of connection to the local community of makers when visiting. With clothes that are free from harsh chemicals and promote freedom of movement, and toys which spark imagination and creativity, it’s the perfect bolthole from which to find South Devon Christmas gift ideas.
Barefoot Boy is a Salcombe based children’s clothing brand that grew from a deep rooted love for the ocean, and in particular, how this natural environment proves to be so nourishing for younger wild and free souls. In essence, it’s core is about beautiful, quality products, and as such, their hoodies and tees are ethically produced and designed for beach and ocean adventures. As a business, they are passionate about all children having access to opportunity, and proudly support two important local charities – the Salcombe Lifeboat and The Daisy Palmer Trust, both of which are close to our hearts at Coast & Country Cottages.
Bert and Buoy is a contemporary, nautical lifestyle brand with an instantly recognisable design – we love it so much we just had to add Bert & Buoy to our list of South Devon Christmas gift ideas! Inspired by the stunning surrounding coastline, numerous locations in South Devon and local wildlife it comes as no surprise that these feature heavily in Bert’s handcrafted designs. You may have seen Bert & Buoy’s work at the Dartmouth Regatta after he designed the cover artwork of the event programme, but if not, be sure to check their website to familiarise yourself.
Ethical and eco-friendly handmade homeware and lifestyle, Nkuku is the perfect blend of home decor, furniture and lighting. Their local store is located in Harbertonford, near Totnes, but equally their comprehensive website leaves no stone unturned and you will find their full product list online, and if you aren’t 100% sure, you can always purchase a gift card instead. Be warned, once you have been ‘Nkuku’d’ it is very difficult to turn back!
Professional illustrator and designer, Tor Allens designs are iconic to the region and her unique style captures the true essence of South Devon perfectly. With prints of various popular South Devon locations including Hope Cove, South Milton, the River Yealm and Burgh Island they make the perfect gift for those wanting a snapshot of holiday memories in their home. We love her work so much that we asked Tor to design artwork for our very own View magazine! Relatively recently, Tor Allen has opened her Etsy shop so be sure to support her by browsing her collection and purchasing a print (or few!).
South Devon is a magical wonderland during the festive season and is perfectly placed to enjoy a Christmas break. At Coast & Country Cottages we have an enviable collection of winter retreats simply perfect for Christmas – from coastal cottages with sea views (some of which also boast open fires and hot tubs!) to country escapes and luxury properties. We have over 100 dog-friendly holiday cottages too, so your canine companion can also join the festivities!
Book your Christmas break in South Devon today
by Maria Makepeace / Events
I love the South West and ensuring visitors to the region have the best experience possible. That's why I love sharing local tips ...
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