We visited Christmas in Stanningfield pop-up shop, near Bury St Edmunds, and discovered a festive treasure trove
If you drive out to rural Stanningfield between now and December 23, you’re sure of a big surprise, because hidden just a few miles away from Bury St Edmunds is a treasure trove packed with all the festive feels.
Christmas in Stanningfield is a family-run pop-up shop situated in a farm barn, which every year is transformed to house all things Christmas.
From decorations to trees, trinkets, garlands, wreaths and pretty much everything you could need to deck the halls this festive season – Christmas in Stanningfield aims to sell it.
I had heard good things about the pop-up shop, but had never been before. So when I realised it was due to open its doors for 2023 on Saturday, I vowed to make it over there during opening weekend.
The shop is located just a few miles outside Bury. Once you turn off the Sicklesmere Road towards Stanningfield the shop is signposted, or, you could pop ‘Stanningfield Hall Farm’ in your satnav.
After arriving and parking up alongside the barn, we were greeted with the sight of a giant Father Christmas in the distance and two pygmy goats grazing in a pen. My daughter Clara immediately wanted to pet the miniature goats, but they were more interested in their food.
So we turned our attention to the ‘photo booth’ station – home to the giant Santa as well as a bright blue tractor, reindeer, snowman, Christmas tree and plenty of photo props to choose from.
Soon enough, seven-year-old Clara and I had found suitable head attire and were posing for photographs – alongside a hutch for the regally-named guinea pigs George, Charlotte and Louis.
Before long we had stepped inside inside the shop itself and found a Christmas tree decked with hanging baubles, trinkets and glistening glass; tables and shelves packed with decorations, including a range of pheasants – harking back to the barn’s rural heritage.
If you need a nutcracker, you’ll find one here. Seeking a festive mouse? There is a plenty of choice inside the barn.
Soon, Clara was torn between spending her pocket money on a jar of sparkling magic reindeer dust, or a hanging ‘Meowy Christmas’ decoration. She settled on the reindeer dust, with the intention of sprinkling it on our front garden on Christmas Eve.
We then turned a corner to find a ‘man creche’ (although girls are allowed), complete with a heater, sofas and coffee table, along with appropriate reading material.
Meanwhile, at the far end of the barn is a wreath station, where wreaths of varying sizes were being lovingly crafted – orders can be placed for these.
There was also a display of colourful handmade decorations, however our attention was drawn to the refreshments on offer. We ordered three hot chocolates (up there with the best I have ever tasted) complete with whipped cream and mini marshmallows. I also had (almost) my first mince pie of the season. Delicious!
There is a guide price for refreshments, but you can choose how much you donate – with card or cash payments accepted.
And while you’re there, you can pick up a sack of potatoes or onions alongside your decorations and refreshments.
Although early in the season, outside there was a lovely collection of Christmas trees for sale, from fir to spruce and potted or cut – all looking healthy and worthy of any home. Some customers were already choosing their trees, while we made a mental note to consign our artificial tree to the loft this year and return to Stanningfield next weekend to choose a real specimen.
Christmas in Stanningfield is open daily 10am-6pm (10am-4pm on Sundays) until December 23.
There may be a few Christmas shops dotted about these days but this one has a rustic, traditional and non-commercial feel which endeared it to me. Our verdict? It is definitely worth a visit.
