Although pages and pages could be written about the multitude of shopping opportunities available in the Cotswolds – from the small boutiques up to big name retailers – in this article I’ll cover some of the more colorful and cultural places to shop.

Vinegar Hill gift shop and flower store is in the lovely village of Stratford on Avon. This quirky shop shared the name of a hill in Ireland, hence there are usually curious Irish tourists shopping here. This store is owned by the Austen sisters, and sells many hand-crafted gift items.

Bennettís Fine Wine Merchants in Chipping Campden is housed in a building that was built in 1727! They are specialists in older vintages, often purchased from private cellars, and they also specialize in new releases that are offered in limited quantities. They are specialists in fine and rare Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Vintage Port, Italy and top end New World Wines.

The Salt Gallery in Burford is located in the beautiful stone courtyard of Bear Court. They sell UK studio pottery and glass. This store has something to offer the serious collector and the browsing tourist. They have a huge selection of salt glaze pottery.

The Cotswold Perfumery at Bourton on the Water is in an 18th century traditional stone building, complete with oak beams and crooked floors. This company has manufactured scents for world-famous perfume houses. Owner John Stephen will spend a day taking visitors step by step through the process of creating their own unique scent.

Watling Goldsmiths is located in the well-preserved medieval village of Lacock. All the pieces displayed in the store are handmade in the workshop in the cobbled courtyard. By appointment only, they make individual pieces for customers, who can choose from diamonds, all color sapphires, emeralds, rubies and cultured pearls.

Black Ink antique shop in Stow-on-the-Wold is just one of many antique shops throughout the Cotswolds. Available are artistís originals, etchings, lithographs and woodcuts. They also specialize in the Impressionists, with Renoir, Pissarro, Manet, Guaguin and Degas usually in stock. This region is renowned for its antiquing opportunities; antique shops can be found in every town and village.

You’ll never run out of shopping opportunities in the Cotswolds! Next time you visit, be sure to seek out some of the more highly unique shops and boutiques like the ones I’ve covered here!