Rushden High Street is a wonderful mix of old and new. From traditional shops like the local butcher, greengrocer, and a jewellery shop that’s been serving the town for over 80 years, to new and even award-winning independent businesses, there’s something for everyone.
We had a fantastic time exploring 5 unique stops, including a traditional toy shop, a fascinating reptile centre, a touch of witchcraft, delicious food and drink, and beautiful jewellery.
Parking in Rushden is free, making it even easier to support local and explore this great little town.
Stop 1: PW House Jewellers - a timeless gem!
PW House Jewellers is a diamond find on Rushden’s High Street. It’s a busy family-run jewellery shop full of tradition and charm that was established in 1943. This treasured business has been passed down through generations and has been in Rushden for 82 years! Today, it’s lovingly run by father-and-son duo Adrian and Jonathan, who bring a unique blend of expertise to the shop.
Adrian is a talented jeweller, while Jonathan combines his skills in jewellery and watches, developed through a career in luxury retail at Selfridges and Harrods, serving everyone from celebrities to royalty! Despite this glamorous past, Jonathan treats the people of Rushden with the same care and respect, which is at the heart of PW House’s ethos.
The shop itself is a reflection of its rich history, retaining many original features that add to its charm. Customers travel from far and wide to browse their stunning range of jewellery, watches, clocks, glass and giftware, with options to suit all budgets.
Along with the beautiful jewellery and product ranges, PW House offer a repair service which keeps them very busy, along with engraving, and advice – they will always do their best to help thanks to their outstanding knowledge and expertise.
Adrian, Jonathan, and the team pride themselves on helping customers celebrate life’s milestones and forming meaningful connections with their loyal customers which is what makes them stand out. They are looking forward to a bright future which includes expanding their vintage and pre-owned collections, thanks to Jonathan’s interest and expertise.
You will always get a warm welcome at this beautiful shop that is full of heart and history!
Stop 2: House of Venom UK - an exotic experience on your doorstep!
If you’re looking for something truly unique, House of Venom UK is the place to visit. Run by reptile enthusiast Alex, this fascinating shop has been welcoming visitors for 15 years and moved to its bigger, better location in August last year. Inspired by a childhood love of reptiles sparked by watching Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alex has turned his passion into a brilliant business for exotic creatures.
Inside, you’ll find a mesmerising array of animals, from snakes and lizards to geckos, tortoises, iguanas, tarantulas and more! You can also buy food, accessories, terrarium, starter kits, and meet a female American alligator named Swampy, who arrived recently. She will eventually grow to an impressive 8 feet and the team are busy working on an extension to her enclosure which will include mud banks and a huge pool.
Alex’s dedication to these creatures shines through in the carefully created bioactive enclosures, which mimic natural habitats with plants, accessories, and even sunrise and sunset cycles. He works with a reptile welfare centre to help rehoming programmes and supports other small businesses in the town including 5th Times a Charm who are often looking for snake skins for their witchcraft spells!
The team ensure each customer is equipped to care for their creature by spending time getting to know people and understanding their needs, to make sure the purchase is right. Whether you’re a collector, a first-time reptile owner, or simply curious, House of Venom UK offers friendly advice, affordable prices, and a truly exotic experience. You’ll meet amazing creatures and can even be hands-on with some. Not all the reptiles are available to buy, and safety is a top priority, with venomous reptiles securely housed.
Alex is always thinking ahead and making great plans. There’s lots to come with this wonderful small business including an education centre at the shop offering displays and hands-on experiences for schools including for children with special educational needs.
When you visit, don’t forget to say hi to Steve the lizard, George the royal python and Lecter the not-so-friendly king cobra!
Stop 3: 5th Times a Charm - Rushden’s magical escape
For a truly enchanting experience on Rushden’s High Street, step into 5th Times a Charm, an alternative gift shop that’s as unique as its name. Run by the lovely Tracy, this one-of-a-kind shop has been a part of the town since 2017, rebranding and moving to its newest location in summer 2023.
Described by Tracy as “gothic, spiritual, and magical,” the shop is a welcoming place with an amazing smell! Inside you’ll find crystals, incense, clothing, witchcraft supplies, and more from 34 independent traders who Tracy works with.
One of the highlights is the chance to make your own spell. Tracy guides you through the process, with suggestions for spells like love, protection, wealth, or healing, or you can create your own bespoke one. We made a spell during our visit, and it was such a fun experience, complete with melting wax on a little cauldron, and a pretty jar with a charm to seal it in.
5th Times a Charm is also a safe space for those with social anxiety, and you can join tarot reading events, psychic meets, spiritual and craft workshops. Tracy has a deep connection to the spiritual world, following in the footsteps of her psychic mum, despite initially not being interested!
The shop attracts a wide variety of customers, many of whom return regularly or travel from other areas just to visit. Tracy’s passion for what she does shines through, making this shop a special find in Rushden. Whether you're after crystals, incense, or a touch of magic, you’ll find something to love here.
Stop 4: Elevens Bakery – sweet, savoury and freshly baked with love!
Standing proud on the High Street is Elevens Bakery, a fresh, new addition run by Kelly and her husband, Adam. Opened last summer, this bakery has quickly become popular with locals and visitors, and with its bright yellow tables and quirky branding (think puns like “don’t you baguette about me”), Elevens is impossible to miss - and you won’t want to!
We stopped by for lunch and were greeted by Kelly and Isabelle, who were all smiles as they served up an impressive variety of sweet and savoury treats. There is so much to choose from, and you’ll be tempted by the cake display! Everything is freshly baked, from cookies and eclairs to baguettes and the bakery’s star attraction: the “hog” sausage rolls which are very popular! These handmade delights come in a variety of creative flavours, with different themes depending on the season.
You can take away or eat in at Elevens Bakery thanks to the pretty tearoom which recently opened. It’s a cosy space that’s perfect for catching up with friends, taking a break, or even a spot of work. The bakery’s menu is packed with options for breakfast and lunch, including jacket potatoes, toasties, pastries, and freshly filled sandwiches, alongside a range of hot and cold drinks.
If you can’t make it to the High Street, Elevens Bakery has launched a sandwich van service, bringing their delicious food straight to businesses in the Rushden, Wellingborough and Raunds area.
Named as a nod to “elevenses,” this lovely bakery is a welcome addition to the High Street and has great feedback thanks to the team’s passion for food and community. Open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4pm, Elevens Bakery is a must-visit. Don’t baguette to try a hog roll – one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Stop 5: Osborne’s - A toy shop full of history, magic, and generations of smiles
Osborne’s Toy Shop has been a beloved shop on Rushden’s High Street for an incredible 70 years! Founded in 1955 by Mr Osborne, this iconic shop has been passed down through the generations. It is now run by Will, his wife Libby and their family. Libby takes care of the ordering, ensuring that only the highest quality toys make it onto the shelves, a tradition the family takes great pride in.
Over the years, Osborne’s has grown and they are proud to be the very first shop in the UK to sell Lego! This landmark moment has forever tied Osborne’s to the history of the famous bricks. To celebrate Lego’s 60th anniversary, their shop front received a fantastic makeover, and was recreated in Lego – even the door and signage! Lego remains one of their best sellers, alongside their expansive model railway range, a particular passion of Will’s.
From toys for babies to gifts for teens, there’s something for every child (and child at heart!) at Osborne’s. The shop has a magical atmosphere that keeps families coming back. Grandparents who once shopped there as kids now bring their grandchildren, creating a beautiful cycle of nostalgia and new memories. The team love seeing their younger customers growing up.
While competing with online shopping can be a challenge, the Osborne family knows their strength lies in the experience they offer. Stepping into their shop means you can touch, hold, and explore the toys, and their expert advice and personal recommendations make shopping at Osborne’s an adventure, something you can’t get online or in the aisles of big-box stores.
The team is gearing up for their 70th birthday celebrations, with plans for a shop facelift, plenty of balloons, cake, and fun activities to mark the milestone. Their passion for toys remains as strong as ever, and often sparks animated family dinner conversations and excitement about what customers are buying.
They love what they do and are proud to continue Osborne’s legacy on Rushden’s High Street. After all, there’s nothing quite like the joy of a traditional toy shop!
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