Nestling within the Hirsel Estate the craft centre, spread over two courtyards, incorporates a gallery, the Cottage Tearooms and craft workshops where resident artists and craft makers sell a variety of handcrafted work inspired by the wonderful surroundings of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. Visitors can see items being handmade, buy something direct from the craftspeople or commission something to be made especially for them.
Abbey Ceramics is run by painter and potter Peter Lochhead. Well known throughout Scotland for his range of domestic ware and wall plaques, Peter’s bowls, teapots, cups, vases and more come in many styles and designs and are oven and dishwasher proof. Peter also has a gallery of his beautiful watercolour paintings within the pottery. Often drawing inspiration from local scenes Peter’s images are being exhibited nationally. Please visit his website to check availability www.abbeyceramics.co.uk .Tel. 01890 883160
Ticketty Boo designs and handcrafts textile home accessories including cushions, aprons, bunting, doorstops and much, much more. Using quality fabrics and funky, original designs these hard wearing accessories will enhance any home. Many items can be personalised making them ideal gifts and the shop also stocks a range of haberdashery and wooden garden and home accessories. Also upcycled vintage furniture, bringing a new lease of life to old furniture in need of a new home.Ticketty Boo has a vibrant online shop at www.tickettyboo.co.uk 01890 882833 Julia Linstead decorates hand-blown 24% lead crystal bowls. Each piece is etched with a unique pattern often drawn from studies of local flora and fauna including fish, flowers, dragonflies and butterflies. Julia often works to commission with her customers for special gifts. The Glass Gallery also shows a stunning array of crystal bottles, paperweights, vases and jewellery by glassmakers from around the North East. Described as “a gem of a shop” visit Julia online at www.julialinsteadglass.com. Tel. 01890 882555 Sleepy Thistle, Daisy Dots Boutique
Handmade hair accessories for babies and girls of all ages...non slip hair clips, headbands, hair ties and more! From everyday wear to something for that special occasion, there are styles to suit every budget.
Sleepy Thistle
Sleepy Thistle sells unique and original gifts which are designed and handmade in the Scottish Borders. Beautifully crafted brooches, home accessories, handmade soft toys, felted pictures and accessories, greetings cards and a range of children’s & local interest books. www.sleepythistle.co.uk www.daisydotsboutique.co.uk Tel.01890 883535
The Hirsel Tearooms are open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. A wide selection of snacks and light meals are freshly made to order and a range of fresh baked cakes, biscuits and hot and cold drinks are always on offer. The Tearoom also has a selection of tempting ices, confectionary and local produce for sale. So make time during your visit to the Hirsel to relax in this warm and relaxing haven where you can spoil yourself after a good walk or admire your handcrafted purchases over some of the delicious treats on offer. Please contact the Tearooms on 01890 883645 if you would like to book a meal or group in.
The Centre for Arts and Crafts is open almost every day from 10:30 am to 4:30pm. However the craft workers all have to have some time off and try to take different days so there is always something open, but if you would like to visit one workshop in particular please contact them directly in advance to avoid disappointment.
The centre is also home to a museum of country life, a photography exhibition documenting a year on the estate, a children’s playground and picnic area. There are many walks throughout the surrounding estate to suit all tastes and abilities. The easy access walk takes in the Hirsel’s famous pedigree herd of highland cattle, longer walks can take you along riverbanks or through woodland. Whatever time of year you visit the Hirsel Estate there is something wonderful to see in the park, from stunning displays of spring bulbs to the glorious rhododendron and azalea wood, the beautiful autumnal colours of the arboreal collection and the crisp winter outlines of the plants. The Hirsel woodlands and lake also attracts a huge variety of wildlife and we have a hide on the lakeside where amongst many other species you can watch the resident kingfishers or the flocks of migratory geese and swans in autumn and spring.
