A guide to the best shopping in Cornwall

When it comes to high streets, Cornwall has some fantastic ones. Beyond its breathtaking beaches and historic landmarks, the Duchy also offers some excellent shopping experiences. Shopping in Cornwall and supporting independent businesses not only benefits the retailer but also means that your purchases hold more meaning. From bustling markets to artisan boutiques and local merchants and makers to shops selling home essentials, join us as we embark on a journey of shopping in Cornwall, exploring a county where retail therapy abounds.

Starting in the capital

Where better to start shoppnig in Cornwall than the county’s cathedral city? Truro blends urban sophistication with Cornish charm. Its majestic centrepiece, Truro Cathedral, overlooks a shopping scene that’s a delightful mix of independent stores and specialty boutiques. The pannier market, dating back to the 19th century, offers a traditional market experience with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to antiques. Truro’s Lemon Street Market is a hidden gem for artisanal crafts, Scandi-inspired homewares and gorgeous clothing, while its ever-popular farmer’s market on Lemon Quay offers an array of Cornish produce in the heart of the city.

Over to St Austell

It’s also well worth driving the few extra miles to nearby St Austell where you’ll find Griggs Country Store (magrigg.co.uk). This incredible emporium is a veritable treasure trove and also boasts a fabulous restaurant so you can refuel after your retail spree. HBH Woolacotts (hbh-woolacotts.co.uk), one of Cornwall’s leading electrical retailers also has a superstore in St Austell, so if you’re in need of a new appliance this couldn’t be
more convenient.

Shopping by the sea

Known for its nautical heritage, and in more recent times as a thriving university town, Falmouth’s streets are lined with an array of independent boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops. It’s a must visit for anybody shopping in Cornwall. The town’s vibrant arts scene is showcased in galleries such as the Falmouth Art Gallery, while the Falmouth Arts Centre offers an exciting program of exhibitions and workshops. Falmouth’s weekly Market on The Moor – which is held every Thursday and Saturday from March to December – is well worth a visit as is the Tuesday farmers market. At the other end of town, on Discovery Quay, just in front of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, you’ll find Discovery Market on most Fridays, where independent traders come together for a plastic-free collection of food, drink and craft stalls. One of our favourite streets for a mooch is the old High Street. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of boutiques, homeware and lifestyle shops – The Grey Lurcher is a must-visit – and cafés lining the steep street, which also gives way to hidden courtyards, housing more retail gems.

Around the estuary

From south coast to north, the Camel Estuary has some surprising retail finds. Wadebridge itself is a flourishing town, which enchants with its riverside tranquillity and diverse retail scene. The town’s independent shops have a variety of offerings, from fashion and interiors to artisanal food and drink, showcasing the region’s creative spirit. At the heart of the town, Wow Cornwall (wowcornwall.co.uk) offers a wide range of home styles, carefully chosen and with sustainability always in mind. Out-of-town shopping comes courtesy of Hawksfield where an enviable collection of like-minded businesses offer retail therapy for those who prefer their shopping experience to be a little calmer. Just off the Atlantic Highway, home accessories, fashion, beauty and gifts can all be found in the tranquil surroundings of Jo & Co Home (joandcohome.com). Stock up on artisan treats from The Arc or grab a coffee from Strong Adolfos before visiting Finisterre’s outlet store for a fashion fix. Or, keep the petrol head in your life happy by looking at the rare, retro and exotic vehicles at Bespoke Traders.

No shopping trip to the north coast should be without a visit to Padstow. Perhaps more famed as a culinary haven, it also some fabulous boutique finds. Wander the winding streets to discover charming boutiques and galleries that showcase local crafts, fashion, and contemporary art. Renowned glass artist, Jo Downs (jodowns.com) has one of her galleries here. This colourful and friendly space nestles between Rick Stein’s Deli and Gift Shop and never disappoints. Whether it’s a piece of glass art to take home or a gift for someone special, the vibrant colours reflect the nearby coast and countryside. Padstow is also known for its canine emporium, Slickers Doghouse (slickersdoghouse.co.uk). As well as having a shop on the High Street on Padstow’s north quay it also has an out-of-town store open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday allowing you to stock up on all your doggie favourites without having to battle the crowds or the parking!

Visiting Newquay?

Further down the coast, Newquay is a cosmopolitan town known for its surf culture and has a host of surf and streetwear shops at every turn. If you can’t make the journey to Cornwall, but still want to stock up on some surf goodies, then online store 10 Over Surf Shop (10oversurf.com) is the place to go. Venture slightly out of town to Porth, and you’ll find one of Cornwall’s most exciting boutiques. Roo’s Beach (roosbeach.co.uk) combines designer beach-chic with expertly curated staples – there’s even a coffee and plant shop on site… it’s hard to leave! Similarly, Nansledan also provides an out-of-town retail experience that is as eclectic as it is exciting. This flourishing community is one for the sustainability conscious shopper and along with tempting cafés, you’ll also find vintage fashion at Love of Lemons (loveoflemons.co.uk) and cult brands that are kind to the planet at &Kin (andkin.co.uk).

Shopping for the surf

Ocean explorers are also well-served by heading west, where Hayle hosts Down The Line surf shop (downthelinesurf.co.uk). Now in its 30th year of trading, there’s nothing the guys here don’t know about the surf. Experts in wetsuit fitting and with a range of demo boards and hire equipment available, you’ll be out on the water in no time. They also stock a wide range of surf clothing brands so you’ll look as good out of the water as you do in it! No round up of retail therapy would be worth its salt without a trip to St Ives. The town’s narrow cobbled streets are brimming with studios, showcasing everything from ceramics and glasswork to contemporary paintings, reflecting its heritage as an artist’s enclave. Whistlefish Gallery (whistlefish.com) opened its inaugural shop here back in 1997 and is as popular as ever. Cornish-made contemporary jewellery is a highlight in this harbour town – visit Silver Origins (silverorigins.com) for ocean-inspired pieces – along with local produce, crafts, and gourmet delights. As you browse, the breathtaking ocean views provide an artistic backdrop that’s nothing short of inspiring and it’s great to hear that the town has recently launched a holiday-friendly gift card. Led by St Ives BID, the St Ives Gift Card is available to buy online as either a physical or digital card, and can be spent like a debit card on everything from accommodation and eating out to leisure activities, making it ideal for holidaymakers and locals looking to explore where they live and ensure their money stays within the town.

The end of the line

Our final stop on this whistle-stop retail round-up is Penzance. Known for its literary connections and historic charm, the town presents a captivating shopping experience with a focus on vintage treasures and local markets. Chapel Street is lined with independent shops, antique stores, and bookshops. The town’s regular farmers and craft markets offer a chance to engage with local artisans and sample Cornish produce. It is also home to one of the longest-established furniture and interior design stores in Cornwall, Alfred Smith and Son (alfred-smith.co.uk).

In all of Cornwall’s towns, shopping is far more than a transaction, it’s an experience. Whether you’re exploring galleries in St Ives or sampling local produce at Truro’s markets, each town offers a distinct and unforgettable encounter. So, whether you’re seeking unique souvenirs, fashion finds or artistic inspiration, Cornwall’s towns are ready to welcome you with open arms.