We love to support local – whether that is for food in our restaurant, for the refurbishments we carry out or when we are looking for gifts. This is our gift guide to help you support independent & local shops & artisans.
EXPERIENCES
We all have to buy for someone who seems to have everything. What better thing to give someone than an experience. At the Tudor Farmhouse, you can enjoy the following and vouchers are available for all of them (and more):
- Foraging – We work with three foragers to provide a wide range of foraging experiences. Whether you want to forage in the hedgerow and make something with your finds, or you want to find fungi, we probably have a course for you.
- Wildlife Safari – Join Ed Drewitt to find all the best that nature has to offer in the Forest of Dean. He is a fount of knowledge so you are bound to learn a lot!
- Stargazing Safaris – Join Jim to explore the skies above Clearwell, or in his Explorer Dome. Learn all about the myths and legends and spot planets and constellations in the night sky.
Or how about a Float? Float in the Forest is a floatation centre in the Forest of Dean. You float on the surface of warm water saturated with Epsom salt, in a comfortable environment where sound and light are minimised. Imagine relaxing in a giant bathtub that you can sleep in with peace of mind. Float in the Forest provides a wonderful floatation experience, with the added benefit of emerging into a beautiful natural environment.
GIFTS
Chris Lewis Jewellery Design for all your jewellery needs. Chris can design something bespoke for you, or you can opt to buy a voucher for one of her ring or pendant making courses (many of which we host at the Tudor Farmhouse).
Black Cat Glass Designs is run by the lovely Becci. From vases to Christmas decorations you are bound to find something you love. The beauty is that Becci and Chris often work together to make beautiful glass pendants.
Sarah from Blue Dandelion Ceramics has a wonderful array of products, all handmade and hand painted by her. She also takes commissions – but be quick as today is the last day for commissions!
In the past our Christmas guests have been given one of Frances Palmers‘ hand painted terracotta tiles, as well as her gorgeous chicken Christmas decorations. Definitely worth a look!
Our two picks for today are Rachel Shilston – Inspiring Creativity for mosaic crafts and Sew Forest of Dean for her wonderful sewing kits. Or if don’t fancy going it alone, then you could attend one of the courses they both run in their workshops.
Teri Chance Boutiques & Fundraising Fashion Shows has a wide selection of clothes, scarves, bags & jewellery. The showroom in Lydney is currently closed but you can still order from the website or plan a visit from December 3.
Sarah from Balm Jewellery in Taurus Crafts, Lydney Forest Of Dean offers a great selection of gifts, including her very own LAZE Candles (You can also buy a selection of Laze Candles from the hotel.)
BOOKS
We love bookshops and the gift of a good book. Our bookshop of choice is Chepstow Books & Gifts but if you prefer to shop online why not consider ordering on Bookshop is an online bookshop with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.
As more and more people buy their books online, we wanted to create an easy, convenient way for you to get your books and support bookshops at the same time.
If you want to find a specific local bookshop to support, find them on our map and they’ll receive the full profit from your order. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookshops.
FOOD & DRINK
Whether you are looking for something to enjoy with your Christmas Day lunch, or a gift for someone, then our local breweries and vineyards are bound to have something to suit.
Our recommendations for beer would be Hillside Brewery and Kingstone Brewery and for wine, Parva Farm Vineyard, Tintern, Monmouthshire.
Looking for a food hamper as a gift? Then look no further than Forest Deli in Coleford or The Forest Larder at Harts Barn in Longhope.
Or for an alternative gift for the foodie in your life, what about a gift voucher for one of the amazing courses at Harts Barn Cookery School? Or a voucher for dinner or afternoon tea at the Tudor Farmhouse.
