SHOP BRISTOL Bristol’s directory of independent shopping locations has relaunched this year, focusing on locally-made, unique, consciously-created products, for customers who want to support small businesses. The online directory is a collection of fantastic independents offering a diverse range of products from jewellery to plants, homewares to clothes. It’s a great place to look if you want to support Bristol businesses when compiling your wedding gift list and can find everything you could need to start your married life together all in one place, as well as thoughtful gifts for your wedding party. Whether you decide to shop in store or online, the support for your neighbourhood shops will always be appreciated. Beck Prior, founder of Prior Shop in Cabot Circus, is spearheading the campaign and after a challenging couple of years, believes shopping local has never been more vital. She says, “It’s so sad to see many small business closing or on the brink. I think it’s incredibly important to stick together to make sure we collectively encourage customers to shop local and save our high streets.” Check out the Shop Bristol Independent Directory at www.shopbristol.co.uk GET THAT FESTIVE FEELING Across Somerset, Bath and Bristol, National Trust places are full of warmth, magic and sparkle as the festive season approaches. Wrap up and embrace the chilly days with a romantic walk around a country estate, or get into the Christmas spirit with carols, open fires and mince pies. There’s lots on offer this season from guided walks and craft workshops to horse and carriage rides. An Enchanted Christmas at Barrington Court is taking place now until 31st December, 10am-3pm. It offers a magical experience as you stroll around twinkling Christmas trees in the old cow shed and the wintry garden; shop for special gifts in the artisan workshops and complete the day with a warming drink in the cafe. A Country Christmas is on at Dunster Castle daily from19th December to 2nd January, 10am-3pm. Here you can experience a cosy castle decorated for a family Christmas as the Luttrells enjoyed it when they lived there. More festive magic can be found at Fyne Court with a festive family trail and carols in the Music Hall. At Montacute House there’s Mystery and Mischief and at Prior Park Landscape Garden there’s an advent trail. Meanwhile, at Tyntesfield you’ll find festive fun aplenty with guided estate walks, Christmas Victorian audio trail, Christmas horse and carriage rides, lino printing workshops, wreath-making workshops, and Chapel Christmas concerts. For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk ©National Trust Images, Bob Fowler AWARD-WINNING SLEEP The Good Hotel Guide has revealed its annual list of 12 César winners with No.15 by GuestHouse in Bath (www.guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-15bath) taking home the award for Best City Hotel. This boutique property occupies a trio of Grade I listed town houses in a Georgian terrace that are home to eclectic rooms with a touch of whimsy such as a coffee maker in a doll’s house. Established in 1978, the Good Hotel Guide is the only truly independent UK hotel guide. It features 650 hotels, inns, B&Bs and guesthouses with 414 main entries and 44 new entries (a combination of new properties and new entries). Readers play a crucial role by reporting on existing entries as well as recommending new discoveries. The Good Hotel Guide 46th Edition: Great Britain & Ireland is out now priced at £20 – well worth a read if you’re planning a UK mini-moon. © Toby Mitchell 10
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