The north of England has a rich tradition of craft, making, and independent business that is often overlooked in favour of London-centric brands. From Cumbria and the Lake District to Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Northumberland, the north is home to some of Britain's finest independent makers. Here is a guide to finding and buying gifts from the north of England.
Why northern makers are worth seeking out
Independent makers in the north of England tend to share certain qualities: a strong connection to the landscape and materials around them, a commitment to craft over convenience, and a directness that comes from running a small business in a community you are part of. These qualities show up in the products they make.
Buying from a northern maker also supports local economies that have historically been underserved by national retail. Every purchase makes a direct and meaningful difference to a small business and the people who work there.
Handmade candles from Cumbria
The Victorian Candle Co. is based in Carlisle, Cumbria, and hand-pours every candle in our workshop using premium soy wax. Our candles are one of the most popular locally made gifts from the north of England, available with UK-wide delivery.
Our fragrance blends are developed to reflect the character of the place we call home. From fresh, clean scents that evoke the open fells of the Lake District to warm, cosy blends suited to long northern evenings, our candles carry a sense of place that mass-produced alternatives cannot replicate.
The Cumbria region is particularly rich in independent makers. See our
Other northern makers worth knowing
Yorkshire
Yorkshire has a particularly strong independent maker scene, with excellent food producers, textile makers, and craft businesses across the county. The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors provide inspiration for a range of locally made products.
Northumberland
Northumberland's dramatic landscape and rich history inspire a range of independent makers, from artists and photographers to food producers and craft businesses.
Lancashire
Lancashire has a strong tradition of textile production and a growing independent food and drink scene, with several excellent small producers worth seeking out.
Finding northern makers
Local markets, craft fairs, and independent gift shops are the best places to discover northern makers in person. Online, many northern businesses sell directly through their own websites or through platforms like Etsy. Searching for "handmade gifts [county or city]" is a good starting point.
Browse our Scented Soy Candles for handmade gifts from Cumbria, or explore our Best Sellers. All hand-poured in Carlisle with UK-wide delivery.