Cornwall is celebrated for its dramatic coastline and charming villages, but it’s also a wonderful place for shopping. From bustling market towns to pretty harbourside villages, you’ll find a mix of high street favourites, quirky independent boutiques, art galleries, and local produce stalls.
If you fancy a bit of retail therapy on your short break in Cornwall, there are plenty of interesting shopping destinations for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for fashion, antiques, or handmade gifts to take home, these Cornish towns and villages are some of the best places to shop.
Image Credit: Mutney
Shops in Truro – Cornwall’s Shopping Capital
Why go: Cornwall’s only city, and its most complete shopping hub. A mix of high street, independent boutiques, and markets.
What you’ll find:
- High Street stores – you’ll see familiar names like Primark, TK Maxx, and Marks & Spencer, etc. A good base if you want more mainstream shopping.
- Independent shops – jewellery, quirky giftshops, homewares, vintage clothing.
Markets:
- Pannier Market: year-round indoor stalls – antiques, crafts, accessories, food.
- Lemon Street Market: gifts, homeware, local crafts.
- Farmers’ Market: Local Cornish produce for sale every Wednesday & Saturday on Lemon Quay.
As Cornwall’s only city, Truro is the most comprehensive shopping destination in the county. Its Georgian architecture and cobbled streets create a picture-perfect backdrop for a day of retail therapy. Here, you’ll find a strong mix of national brands alongside an array of independent retailers.
The Pannier Market, tucked away off Lemon Quay, is a highlight, with stalls selling everything from vintage treasures to jewellery and handcrafted goods. Just across town, Lemon Street Market offers a more modern indoor shopping space, where you’ll discover art, homewares, books, and gifts.
Truro is also home to a lively farmers’ market twice a week, making it a great spot to stock up on fresh Cornish produce. With cafés and restaurants around every corner, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a full day browsing and indulging.
Shop in St Ives – Artistic Boutiques and Galleries
Why go: Artistic, scenic, packed with independent boutiques and galleries. The shopping itself is a big part of the charm.
What you’ll find:
- Art galleries and studios – sourcing local art (paintings, ceramics, glasswork). If artisan goods or design interests you, these are highlights.
- Boutiques / Fashion – surf wear (unsurprising in Cornwall), outdoorwear, seaside styles. Plus shops with clothing, footwear, and accessories.
- Gifts, home & gift shops – things like local crafts, homewares, jewellery, quirky souvenirs. Examples: The Corner Shop, Onda, Bronte’s Cornish Gifts etc.
- Markets – St Ives Guildhall Farmers’ Market (weekly) for produce, food, handmade goods.
The narrow, winding streets of St Ives are lined with independent boutiques and galleries, making it one of the most unique shopping destinations in Cornwall. Famous for its thriving art scene, the town is home to the Tate St Ives and numerous smaller galleries where you can purchase paintings, ceramics, glasswork, and sculptures directly from local artists.
Shoppers will also find an excellent selection of boutiques selling coastal fashion, jewellery, and surfwear. Many of the gift shops here specialise in artisan crafts and homeware, often inspired by the sea and natural surroundings. For food lovers, the St Ives Farmers’ Market at the Guildhall runs every Thursday and is a great opportunity to taste and take home fresh local produce. Beyond the shops, the town’s harbourside setting and sandy beaches make shopping here a truly scenic experience.
Shops in Falmouth – Harbourside Shopping with Character
Why go: A lively harbour town, good mix of big names + indie shops + arts culture.
What you’ll find:
- High Street / Arwenack Street – jewellers, accessories, fashion. Coastal/outdoor style shops.
- Booksellers – independent bookshops.
- Vintage, antiques etc – Falmouth has several vintage and antique shops.
- Markets and fresh produce – local food, crafts. Also galleries.
Falmouth combines a rich maritime history with a vibrant shopping scene. The main high street is packed with independent stores, from jewellers and bookshops to clothing and homeware boutiques. Fashion in Falmouth often leans towards coastal chic, with plenty of surf-inspired brands and outdoor wear shops.
Alongside modern stores, you’ll find an array of vintage and antique shops, making it a great place to hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces. Foodies will enjoy browsing delicatessens and bakeries, while regular markets bring together local farmers, makers, and craftspeople. With its lively harbour, waterside cafés, and cultural attractions, Falmouth offers a shopping day out that blends browsing with plenty of Cornish charm.
Image Credit: Simon Cobb
Shops in Penzance – Bohemian and Eclectic
Why go: Bohemian feel, blend of traditional and contemporary retail.
What you’ll find:
- Historic streets – Chapel Street with independent shops, vintage, curios, gifts.
- Wharfside Shopping Centre – more mainstream retail plus smaller traders.
- Markets & produce – as with many towns in Cornwall, local produce, artisan goods.
Penzance is known for its creative, slightly bohemian edge, which is reflected in its shopping scene. The historic Chapel Street is a highlight, lined with antique shops, vintage clothing stores, art galleries, and independent gift shops. This area is ideal if you’re looking for something unusual or quirky.
The Wharfside Shopping Centre brings in more mainstream retail names, while markets and food shops provide access to local produce and artisan products. Penzance’s blend of the traditional and contemporary makes it a fascinating place to browse, especially if you enjoy uncovering hidden gems.
Image Credit: Middle Street, Padstow by Derek Harper
Shops in Padstow – Foodie Paradise
Why go: Head here for foodie shopping, stylish boutiques, and galleries set around a picturesque harbour.
What you’ll find:
- Foodie Shops – Famous delis, bakeries, and Rick Stein’s food shops.
- Boutiques & Lifestyle Stores – Clothing, accessories, and coastal-inspired homewares.
- Art Galleries & Craft Shops – Local artists, ceramics, and photography.
- Gift & Souvenir Shops – Cornish products, nautical trinkets, and handmade goods.
Padstow is best known as one of Cornwall’s culinary capitals, and its shopping scene reflects this reputation. Food lovers will find a wealth of delicatessens, bakeries, and specialist food shops, with Rick Stein’s deli among the most popular. These shops are perfect for picking up Cornish treats such as chutneys, cheeses, artisan breads, and local seafood to enjoy at home or as gifts.
Beyond the food, Padstow is home to a selection of independent boutiques and British clothing brands like Seasalt, Joules and FatFace, many with a stylish coastal influence. From fashion and accessories to interiors and homewares, the shops here strike a balance between laid-back holiday style and contemporary design.
Art is another big part of Padstow’s retail appeal. A number of galleries and craft shops showcase paintings, ceramics, and photography from local artists, making it a great place to pick up something original. The town also has plenty of small gift and souvenir shops, selling everything from nautical-themed trinkets to handmade Cornish crafts.
With its pretty harbour as the backdrop, shopping in Padstow is as much about the atmosphere as the purchases. Strolling from shop to shop along the waterfront, popping into cafés or enjoying a fresh pasty by the quay, makes it one of the most enjoyable shopping destinations in Cornwall.
Image Credit: Mutney
Shops in Fowey – Small but Stylish
Why go: A small seaside town with charm, lots of small & independent shops; great if you want something handcrafted or local.
What you’ll find:
- Arts & Craft Shops – artisans making crafts, gifts, homewares.
- Clothing / Footwear – more relaxed ‘casual’ style shops, seasonal wear.
- Books, gift shops – also very local flavour; shops stocking works by Daphne du Maurier etc.
- Food / Drink / Bakeries / Deli / Butchers – helpful if you want to eat locally or pick up supplies.
For a more intimate shopping experience, head to the picturesque harbour town of Fowey. Though smaller than Truro or Falmouth, Fowey more than makes up for it with its quality selection of independent shops. Wander its winding streets and you’ll come across galleries, craft shops, and boutiques selling everything from handmade jewellery to stylish clothing and gifts.
Fowey also has a number of excellent food shops, including bakeries, delicatessens, and butchers. Literature fans will appreciate the town’s connection to Daphne du Maurier, with bookshops often stocking her works alongside Cornish titles. It’s an excellent destination for those who want to combine leisurely browsing with scenic harbour views and waterside dining.
Image Credit: Molesworth Street, Wadebridge by Richard Rogerson
Shops in Wadebridge – Relaxed and Independent
Why go: Quieter, less touristy, good as a stop-off or if you’re exploring the Camel Trail.
What you’ll find:
- Independent shops, vintage, craft shops.
- Good selection of food shops, cafés.
- More relaxed feel than the big tourist hotspots.
Located on the Camel Trail, Wadebridge is a laid-back town with a strong community feel and a good mix of independent retailers. It’s less touristy than some of Cornwall’s more famous shopping spots, which means you can enjoy a quieter browsing experience.
The town has plenty of interesting shops, from vintage stores and craft outlets to stylish boutiques and bookshops. There’s also a good choice of food shops, cafés, and delicatessens, perfect for stocking up on picnic supplies before cycling or walking the Camel Trail. Wadebridge is a great stop-off point if you’re exploring North Cornwall.
Image Credit: Fore Street, Liskeard by Jonathan Billinger
Shops in Liskeard – Historic and Characterful
Why go: A more “off-the-beaten-path” market town with history and indie shopping.
What you’ll find:
- Bay Tree Hill – independent stores, cafés, etc.
- Markets – for local produce.
Liskeard offers a taste of historic Cornwall with a shopping scene that reflects its market town heritage. The streets around Bay Tree Hill are dotted with independent shops, cafés, and small galleries. Markets are a regular feature, giving visitors a chance to pick up fresh produce and artisan goods.
Liskeard may not have the same volume of shops as Cornwall’s larger towns, but it offers a characterful, community-minded shopping experience that feels authentically Cornish.
Image Credit: Bank Street, Newquay by Bryn Holmes
Shops in Newquay – Seaside Stores
Why go: Ideal for those who love the surfing scene & coastal style.
What you’ll find:
- Surf Shops – Famous for surf culture; brands like FatFace, Animal, and many local surf outlets.
- Independent Boutiques – Fashion, gifts, and homewares often with a coastal twist.
- High Street Stores – Bank Street has familiar names such as New Look, Boots, and WHSmith.
- Markets – Newquay Farmers’ Market (monthly) and smaller craft fairs.
Newquay is Cornwall’s surf capital, and that’s reflected in its shopping scene. Bank Street, the main shopping area, combines high street favourites with independent boutiques, giving visitors a choice of both well-known brands and unique finds. Surfing enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, with shops dedicated to surfboards, wetsuits, and coastal lifestyle fashion. From Rip Curl to local surf outlets, Newquay is the place to gear up for beach life.
Beyond surf culture, Newquay also has plenty of independent boutiques selling stylish clothing, gifts, and homewares, often with a seaside flavour. You’ll also find the usual holiday shops dotted around the town, offering everything from buckets and spades to quirky souvenirs. Food lovers should check out the Newquay Farmers’ Market, which takes place monthly and showcases fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan treats from across Cornwall.
Image Credit: Mutney under CC BY-SA 4.0
Shops in Redruth – Historic Market Town
Why go: Once Cornwall’s mining capital, now a hub for community shopping.
What you’ll find:
- Fore Street – Main street with independent shops, practical stores, and services.
- Boutiques – Clothing, accessories, and everyday shopping.
- Markets – Redruth Town Market, first Saturday of every month, with local traders selling crafts, gifts, and antiques.
- Antique & Curio Shops – A few specialist shops reflecting the town’s heritage.
Redruth has a strong sense of history, with its roots in Cornwall’s mining industry shaping its character. Today, it’s a down-to-earth shopping town where practicality and community come first. The main shopping area, Fore Street, is lined with independent retailers, local services, and everyday stores, making it a popular hub for locals as well as visitors passing through.
Redruth is a good place for bargain hunting and uncovering curiosities. It’s more of a traditional Cornish market town than a tourist destination, but that authenticity adds to its appeal. Once you’re ready for a break, head to The Buttermarket, a historic courtyard acting as a food hall with an exciting mix of street food kitchens.
Image Credit: Mutney
Shops in St Austell – Charming shopping near major attractions
Why go: Shop here for a mix of modern retail at White River Place and characterful stalls at the historic Market House.
What you’ll find:
- White River Place Shopping Centre – Modern complex with national chains and cafés.
- High Street Shopping – Mixture of mainstream shops and local businesses.
- Markets – St Austell Market House (historic building with stalls and local traders).
- Boutiques & Independent Shops – Gifts, crafts, and clothing.
St Austell is one of Cornwall’s larger towns and offers a mix of traditional shopping streets and more modern developments. At its heart is White River Place Shopping Centre, a contemporary complex with national brands, restaurants, and cafés, perfect for those who want a straightforward retail experience. Surrounding the centre, the town’s high streets are home to a blend of local businesses, gift shops, and services.
For something with more character, head to the St Austell Market House, a striking Victorian building filled with stalls selling crafts, antiques, jewellery, and other unique finds. This gives visitors a taste of local creativity alongside the convenience of bigger stores.
The wider area also offers some excellent shopping opportunities. The Eden Project has one of Cornwall’s best gift shops, specialising in eco-friendly products, plants, and homewares, while nearby Charlestown is lined with small boutiques and galleries that make perfect browsing spots after a walk along the harbour.
Tips for getting the most out of shopping in Cornwall
- Check opening times – smaller shops and markets often open late or close early, especially in off-peak season.
- Look for market days – some towns have special market days, which are often the best times for variety.
- Support local makers – many shops are independent; buying local helps sustain the character.
- Plan by region – Cornwall is large; grouping nearby towns helps avoid too much driving.
Cornwall’s shopping towns and villages each have their own personality, whether you’re after the artistic buzz of St Ives, the bustling city vibe of Truro, or the relaxed charm of Wadebridge. Many of the best finds come from independent retailers, artisan makers, and local food producers, making shopping here a great way to take home a piece of Cornwall.
Our luxury holiday cottages near Truro and Falmouth make a great base for your Cornish adventures. Discover more to start planning the perfect holiday to Cornwall.