As we enter the season of festive cheer, us BIRDIEs are yearning for a must-needed alternative to the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. Cue much-loved boutique coastal retreat, The Swan, Southwold, who have just the ticket for a laid-back Christmas shopping experience. Championing all things British (don’t mention the B-word!), this two-night break will counter all stress typically associated with the run up to Christmas.
Overlooking the glistening market square and adjoining high street, The Swan provides a cosy and stylish sanctuary to wind down, feel festive and take a breath; encapsulating that home-away-from-home feel, where you can play a game of scrabble with a glass of mulled wine or indulge in a Christmas themed afternoon tea, featuring our favourite Adnams champagne and festive nibbles!
Upon arrival you will receive an illustrated shopping map and discount card, pinpointing The Swan’s favourite shopping boutiques, delis and watering holes perfect for a post-shop tipple in and around Southwold; allowing you to scout out your route and meander around the seaside town, all without having to use google maps with your gloves off- phew!
After a welcome festive fizz and a warm, homemade mince pie (is there a better hello?) you will be introduced to your very own butler who will be your go-to for collecting shopping, giftwrapping festive goodies or simply finding your way around. Equipped with a Swan hamper ready to be filled with local Suffolk-sourced produce, you will be ready to shop til you drop.
The goodies are endless: Black Olive Deli sells delectable macaroons and pork pies; Slate has one of the biggest East Anglican cheese and chutney selections in Suffolk; chocolate makers Harris & James are delightfully more-ish and the cute personalized stationery at LIFT will complete any hamper.
For those on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gladrag or glamorous gift, Collen & Clare, located directly opposite the hotel, will be offering Swan shoppers exclusive personal shopping and Christmas party styling experiences- accompanied by a glass of Adnams fizz of course! With a £50 gift credit to be spent on any of the shop’s British brands in store including Zoe Butler Moss, Nooki and Rixo, plus a range of children’s boutiques nearby, gifts for everyone on your list are catered for. Tick, tick and tick!
Throughout the festive season, The Swan has established a calendar of workshops for guests eager to get crafty and creative. Try your hand at gift-making workshops or gin & whisky making experiences at The Admans Brewery and Distillery. Harris & James, one of the region’s foremost chocolatiers, will be offering exclusive chocolate making experiences and nearby Gallery Thea, a pottery shop featuring hand drawn illustrations, will be running workshops to create bespoke designs on a number of their products.
With shopping over and tired feet a natural occurrence, The Swan’s locally sourced festive afternoon tea – think turkey, Parma ham and cranberry brioche finger rolls, Christmas spiced doughnuts and cinnamon rice pudding – will be the perfect post-shop pick-me-up. To ensure that this is the most relaxing and enjoyable shopping experience possible, the local beauty boutique Blush & Glow are gifting a spa treatment of choice to each Christmas shopper, too. Bliss!
Every trimming, finish and bespoke touch has been thought of, tying this Christmas present in a bow!
