Buy Local This Christmas

Buy Local This Christmas in Hereford & Worcester

Small independent businesses are the heart and soul of our towns and cities. They add spice and character to our high streets that large chains simply can’t offer.  That local variety and character is great for ‘us locals’ and is the absolute life blood of our tourism industry too, bringing more money into our local economy.  But our highstreets are changing, small independent businesses are often struggling, many sadly close down. We all seem to agree that it’s not good to lose these ‘lovely locals’ but the reality is, this is in our hands!

Remember when the word ‘Amazon’ only invoked images of rainforests?  Now it seems to be the go-to for our shopping, and that is possibly the biggest threat to our lovely local businesses.

Not all local businesses have shops or websites of course, but behind them all is a local person trying to make a living or supplement their income. Every time you choose to buy from a local business, more of your money stays within the local community. Those business owners hire local workers, use local services, and support other nearby businesses too.  Buying locally doesn’t just keep their shop open, their website running, or give them a little additional money to supplement their main income.  Your purchases help pay the bills, put food on the table, pay for their children to go to local clubs, or for the family to keep a beloved pet fed and healthy.

You can browse a wide range of goods from local makers and bakers at the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, which takes place from 3^rd to 6^th December, with 200 stalls and some great festive entertainment. Hereford Christmas markets are held on Fridays and Sundays throughout December, but for a full day of festive fun, go along to High town in Hereford on 19th, 20th and 21st December for the Christmas Village experience with reindeer, snow and great entertainment.  Details will be available from mid October on the Hereford City Life website here. We love the annual Christmas fair at Hereford Cathedral  – keep an eye on their website for this year’s date!

Add local to your wish list!

What will be in your stocking? When you write your list for Santa, why not add items from local independents, local makers and creators, bakers and crafters?  Many sell gift vouchers too, so you can pick what you like if you happen to get one in your stocking this year!

To help you find local and buy local for Christmas 2026, here are some of the best to choose from.

Activities – the gift of memories to last a lifetime!

Oaker Wood Leisure is the ultimate day out and a voucher is the perfect gift, offering memories to last a lifetime. You can choose vouchers for a private quad trekking session, an Escape Room, private clay shooting for ages 16+, or a children’s activity day voucher for a full day of adventure. Details here.

Aztec Adventure offer a range of activities for all across their sites. Aztec Adventure at the Lost Valley in Evesham offers heart-pumping high ropes and a fabulous themed 18-hole adventure golf course, while their centre at Upton Warren has a choice of water-based fun. Their awesome aqua park with giant inflatables and epic wipe outs offers non-stop laughs, and your loved ones can enjoy the lake on stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats or kayaks. Give the gift of adventure to your loved ones with an Aztec Adventure gift voucher.  Details here.

Escape Quests in Ross on Wye  is perfect for family fun, or for a group of friends.  Your loved ones will have the best time trying to crack the Norse Code, Saving Sugarvale, helping Santa find his marbles, or beating their Restaurant Rivals.  It’s a great alternative Christmas party option too! Gift vouchers are on sale through their website here.

Days out

Ralph Court Gardens in Herefordshire has 15 unique and amazing gardens to explore, including Alice in Wonderland and Dinosaur World, and is loved by everyone who visits. From Italy to Africa transport yourself around the world and beyond into a mythical-fantasy world. With a surprise around every corner, the gardens are for all ages and wheel-chair friendly.  Rather than buying individual gifts for children and their parents, or even for grandparents why not treat the family to a fabulous day out? Gift vouchers are available on their website here.

Experiences

The Courtyard offers something for everyone, all age groups, all interests. E-vouchers and physical vouchers are available, so let your loved ones choose from a huge variety of shows, films, live screenings and even memberships.  Physical vouchers can also be spent in the Cafe Bar and the Shop.  Details here.

Worcester Theatres also sell gift vouchers which can be used across any of their venues, from large scale productions at Swan Theatre to music and comedy at Huntingdon Hall.  A gift voucher is the perfect pressie for anyone! Details here.

Bakes & Makes

Visit local markets and fairs to support local bakers and makers. Many have their own websites, and the option to buy gift vouchers.  Some will mail products (even cakes) across the UK too.  Ask them if this is an option, and be sure to pick up their details. Going to a show at The Courtyard, or want to shop later in the day? Visit The Courtyard Theatre shop, open 10am – 8pm Mondays – Saturdays, for loads of lovely goods from local crafts people.

Cafes and Restaurants

If the little ones aren’t old enough to enjoy any of the above, Little Pandas Play Café in Ross on Wye offers gift cards too.  This lovely play café is never overcrowded due to their pre-booking policy, and has everything little ones will love, including ride on toys, a sensory room, role play areas, and loads of climbing fun. The safe café area is perfect for parents to relax while watching the little ones have fun – perfect for any family with young children. You can buy gift cards here.

Many local cafes offer vouchers – so treating a loved one to a coffee and cake is possible, even if you can’t be there to enjoy it with them. Ask your favourite café if they offer vouchers, or are included in the Hereford Gift Card scheme if in Hereford.

Clothing & Accessories

Pop in to any independent clothing and accessories shop to see what they have on offer- we love Juice in Ledbury! They often have unique items, and give great service and advice.  Many will also sell gift vouchers, and some have fabulous websites too.  

Books

Most children and adults alike enjoy a solid, ‘actual’ book!  When delivering the magazines, it’s the comment I hear from schools time and again – how lovely it is to sit without a screen, and relax to read something you can physically pick up and put down, and revisit it as many times as you like without having to scroll.  No batteries required! Call in to your local independent book shop, and support them by purchasing from them.

If you would like your business added to the list, please email with details to HerefordandWorcester@raring2go.co.uk