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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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Every trimming, finish and bespoke touch has been thought of, tying this Christmas present in a bow!