In the middle of Steyning High Street, next to the 18th century Market House with its distinctive clocktower, a small doorway leads down a cobbled alley into a courtyard area. Here you’ll find a timbered 15th century tea house, and two dozen little chalets housing a collection of independent boutiques and shops. This is Cobblestone Walk in Steyning (West Sussex).
Originally home to the town’s bakers, this is also the place to come if you want to buy local and support an eclectic and talented group of creatives and producers. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main street, there’s a certain serenity to Cobblestone Walk and a familial feel.
Tea and paws for thought
In the centre of the courtyard is Cobblestone Tea House which has low ceilings, nooks and crannies, and beams from the old port of Steyning in the 11th century. Stop for tea, coffee, smoothies or cake or a light lunch of toasties, bagels or jacket spuds. If you have your hound with you, not a problem. Next to the Tea House is Paws For Tea where your dog can enjoy the delights of speciality teas: Barkjeeling, Earl Greyhound or Lapdog Souchong, or perhaps a Puppacino whilst tucking into pupcakes, doggy ice cream and other treats!
Support local and meet the makers
Once refreshed, it’s time to browse this little marketplace and meet the makers. In addition to the Tea House and Paws for Tea, there are 23 shops, some of which have been here for many years and others that are relatively new. And each one has its own story tell to tell.
Art and cards
Williams Lockdown Art is the work of a former nurse with a passion for abstract and colour. Around the corner, you’ll find work by John Wakefield inspired by both nature and mysticism and in a corner, tucked neatly in front of a beautiful old tree, you’ll find Lydia Mae Design’s hand-designed and illustrated cards, prints and decorations.
Homewares and wellbeing
Throws made from recycled bottles and handmade cushions supporting women in India are eye-catching at Singing Himalaya but so are the mesmerising sounds of the Singing Bowls, and what a story the owner has to tell about how and why she has a stall here (you’ll have to ask her).
Or head to Be Natural Candles which as the name suggests is home to a beautiful collection of handmade, natural and vegan-friendly candles which come in recycled and fully recyclable packaging.
Babywear
From sustainable nappies, clothing, toys and crocheted ponchos to beautifully hand-knitted and made-to-order cardigans with matching teddies – head to Imogen Ruby and the Baby Boutique if you have little ones in the family to buy for.
Jewellery
With fifty years of experience and lots of preloved and antique items, there’s a silver and goldsmith in Cobblestone Walk as well as a hand-crafted jewellery stall with pieces made in everything from silver to glass.
Fashion
Shopping isn’t proper shopping without a little browse through a few nice things to wear and the good news is, there is fashion here too.
And there’s more, like the rainbow-coloured Cotton Candy Caboodle which has lots of lovely jewellery and accessories. In short, there are all sorts of little boutiques with a wonderful assortment of wares. It’s so easy to hurry past Cobblestone Walk and not notice what lies within but it’s well worth a little detour and a moment or two of your time.
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