When deciding to go shopping, many people will choose Nottingham city centre or a high street close to them. But there is one charming shopping spot in Strelley Village, near the grounds of a former castle, that offers a truly unique experience.
Strelley Hall is described by regulars as 'a lovely day out, as you are able to combine a walk through the greenery with a spot of shopping. Located in the quiet courtyard of Main Street, by Strelley Hall, stand shops including Milly Melts, a gift shop, the Mulberry Tree Cafe, Created by Hand, Palmer and Wood and more. Palmer and Wood, one of the newer shops to Main Street, has been open for less than 2 weeks.
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The shop, run by Kaye Palmer and Christine Wood, sells products including greeting cards, stationery and flowers. Christine said: “Here, we have plants, garden flowers and botanical-themed gifts. The prices vary but they’re gifts and treats.
“We want people to come here when they need something for a friend, pop in and have a look. Shops like this, they’re unusual.”
So far, Palmer and Woods doesn’t have a best-seller but Christine feels like the ceramic flowers ‘will do well.’
Strelley Village has a population of just 653 people. The All Saints Church in Strelley Village dates back to the 13 Century.
A short distance away from Palmer and Wood is Created by Hand. Inside, you’ll find a lot of colour, jewellery, homeware and more.
Owner, David Humphreys spoke about what working by Strelley Hall is like. He said: “We try to work with makers who are as local as possible.
“Our glassware sells well whether it's stained glass or fused and we have around six jewellers who make costume or silver jewellery.”
Prices range from as little as £3 upwards at Created by Hand. The ‘top quality’ gift shop also holds workshops.
David continued: "It’s a nice set up here [at Strelley Hall] - people get the whole experience. Strelley Hall is built on a mediaeval castle which attracts people to the area.”
With people coming in and out of the Mulberry Cafe, Joanna Walker, 40, likes talking walks in nearby Strelley Hall and uses the shops. The full-time mum said: “The shops here are lovely, my children love the sweet shop and I’ve been to the Mulberry Cafe many times.”
Joanna added: “The Mulberry Cafe does lovely flapjacks and cakes, it’s great there. Strelley Hall is a lovely day out and you can walk around the surrounding areas or drive up to look around for an hour or two.
For art lovers, there’s a gallery full of ‘eclectic’ pieces of art. Tony Brodrick works at the Hay Loft Art Gallery. He said: “The demographic here is a very mature clientele, within the gallery, there’s an eclectic mix for most people who visit."
Tony added: “We do studio pottery and there’s a mix of artists relative to the 1980s onwards. There’s contemporary photography here in a pleasant environment of original pieces.”
Connie Hall, 56 lives near the village. Now retired, she comes to Strelley Hall often. She said: “Nottingham has beautiful sites, whether it be Wollaton Hall, Strelley Hall or Nottingham Castle which will hopefully be open again soon - there is admirable architecture.
“Living around here is great. Although it’s quieter here, you can get to the city centre or wherever else in no time and in spring and summer, it’s great.”
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