Christmas is just around the corner, and with the weather getting colder and the evenings getting darker—get into the festive spirit at Sutton Harbour! Plymouth always hosts plenty of great events in the run-up to Christmas but there’s another way to spread the cheer a little sooner. Get out of the cold and explore the joy of Sutton Harbour’s little hideaways this merry season. With plenty of cosy cafés and charming boutiques to explore, a great day out is guaranteed.
With loads to choose from, we’ve picked out just a handful of the hideaways to explore. Be sure to visit for yourself to discover them all.
Charming Boutiques
Plymouth’s Barbican is home to Southside Street, an epicentre of great independent retailers. This is the place to be for quirky and handmade Christmas gifts. It’s here that you’ll find the ultimate harbour hideaway, The House That Jack Built arcade.
In this unassuming building, you will find a plethora of tiny boutiques among winding corridors and mythical interiors. For the aspiring magician in your family, you will find places such as Top Secret Magic. If science fiction, movie memorabilia or trading cards are what you’re after, you can also find The Tusken Trader and BPH Cards. The House That Jack Built is also home to artists, craftspeople and jewellery makers, the perfect place to find a unique and thoughtful gift.
Overall, there are plenty of talented artists selling their creations along the rest of the street. 45 Southside Gallery sells a range of artists’ work from ceramics and glass to metalwork. Plymouth Glass can also be found making a statement with their special Christmas window display each year, selling a variety of contemporary glass items.
If you’re still not sure what to get somebody for Christmas, head to Rockpool Trading which has a dedicated Christmas section in their shop. Expect to find beautiful cards, baubles, decorations, and candles. For a plant lover’s perfect gift, you need to stop off at Nook Houseplants where you’ll be able to peruse an array of greenery as well as beautiful plant pots and other accessories.
Behind Southside Street, on the Parade, you’ll find the Book Cupboard. There are thousands of books spread over three stories inside this great listed building. Take your time browsing for the bookworm in your life. Alternatively, you can get in touch with them in advance and they will track down the book for you.
Cosy Cafés
If you need a quick coffee to recuperate and warm up before you crack on with your Christmas shopping, there are plenty of cosy cafés hidden away around Sutton Harbour. They also all have lots of delicious food options if you’re rewarding yourself with a bit of lunch before heading home for a job well done.
If you’re still on Southside Street, check out new residents Fig & Thyme for a great choice of coffee, savoury sharing boards and other brunch classics. A street over from Southside Street, you’ll find the Parade and bike café Rockets & Rascals. With brunch, lunch, coffees, smoothies and more to choose from—you can even browse their merch. It will serve as great gift inspiration for that keen cyclist in your life.
The Cornish Bakery is one of the newest residents in Sutton Harbour situated in the Old Glass Blowing House. With cakes, sandwiches, pasties and more, you can also choose from a range of hot drinks while enjoying a fantastic view of the harbour. Revel in your cosiness as you watch the harbour’s ships bob in the breeze.
For something a little more filling, the Armado Lounge is just two units down from the Cornish Bakery. This reliable, family-friendly, dog-friendly, and vegan and gluten-free friendly dining spot is perfect for all the family.
Daisy’s Tearooms and Coffee Shop can be found tucked away on the edge of Sutton Harbour. Always decorated for Christmas, there are plenty of festive delights to tuck into. Whether you fancy a Christmas afternoon tea or a roast with all of the trimmings, Daisy’s has got it covered.
There are plenty of great cafés and restaurants to discover around Sutton Harbour and the Barbican. Come along and have a look (or a taste) for yourself.
Christmas at Sutton Harbour
Plymouth has a variety of events lined up from this month to celebrate the countdown to Christmas. Catch the Christmas Market and the town centre’s Christmas Light Switch-On. Finally, catch the Barbican’s Light Switch-On and keep an eye out for other festive activities over the holiday season.
Wrap up warm, discover new places and spread joy this winter.
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