The best places for Christmas shopping in Colchester

December 2024

Are you on top of your Christmas shopping? With the big day just around the corner, we explore Colchester shops to seek out the best places to tick off your gift list while supporting local businesses.

At this time of year, it’s especially great to support independent businesses. Lucky for us in Colchester, we have plenty of incredible boutiques to choose from, many of which are found in Crouch Street and The South Lanes.

Sir Isaac's Walk, Eld Lane, Trinity Street and Scheregate Steps make up ‘The South Lanes’ and are brimming with Christmas shoppers picking up thoughtful gifts. The picturesque, historic setting and bustling atmosphere can’t help but get you in the festive spirit, too.

Shopping in charity shops is a great way to pick up a bargain and support a worthy cause at the same time. There are lots of charity shops in and near the city centre, including RSPCA, St Helena Vintage Shop, Dog’s Trust and East Anglia's Children's Hospice.

Browse the rails for a Christmas party outfit, buy cards that put a smile on more than one face and search for gifts at great prices.

For easy parking and high street brands, you are spoilt for choice with Colchester shopping centres. Many are hosting Santa’s grottos and events, a great way to entertain children if they’re shopping with you.

Big brands including Boots, Smyths Toys, Next and Sports Direct are all to be found at Tollgate Centre Shopping Park at the western side of the city. With free parking for up to four hours, you could buy most of your presents in one go.

Towards the city centre, Colchester Retail Park hosts Go Outdoors and Matalan for gifts, clothing or stocking up for outdoor winter adventures.

For bargain-hunters out Christmas shopping, Turner Rise Retail Park near the train station is a great place to pick up a few things. Dunelm Mill, Poundland, Benson Beds, Bathstore, Jollyes Pet Store, Home Bargains, Iceland, Go Outdoors, Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee and Subway are all conveniently located and ready to browse.

Lion Walk Shopping Centre is conveniently located next to Vineyard Street Car Park and is home to beauty retailers, clothes shops, phone shops, stationery shops, cafes and restaurants. There’s even a post office so you can send presents and cards at the same time as Christmas shopping.

Close to Lion Walk Shopping Centre is Culver Square with fashion, fragrance and jewellery amongst its stores. Hotel Chocolat is a personal festive favourite here: perfect for secret Santa and stocking fillers.

Department stores are ideal for Christmas, with everything under one roof. Fenwick department store is on the High Street and packed with beauty, jewellery, fashion and accessories for everyone on your gift list.

At Beresfords in Colchester, we love our local shops and have already been out and about picking up treasures for Christmas. There is so much available here, we’re sure the independent sellers and shopping centres above will have everything you could dream of and plenty of inspiration for those last-minute question marks left on your shopping list.

While you’re shopping in the city, why not come and see us at our branch on the High Street? If you’re thinking of moving any time soon, we’d love to discuss how we can help.