For centuries Britain has been at the forefront of high-quality craftsmanship and brilliantly bold designers, and we’ve leapt into the lap of luxury within extravagant department stores. Today, our native brands are joined by the finest labels from across the globe, creating luxurious shopping locations that rival the likes of New York, Paris and Milan.
Britain’s luxury shopping straddles old and new, from Newcastle’s upmarket Fenwick dating back to 1882, to London’s urban Dover Street Market. Whether you are looking for a made-to-measure pair of shoes, the cutting edge in luxury streetwear or this season’s drop from an international designer, Britain has it all – and much more.
In the architecturally award-winning Bullring shopping centre, Birmingham’s Selfridges offers not one but four floors of high-end brands. Pick out treats from Victoria Beckham to Christian Louboutin, Stella McCartney to Marc Jacobs, or shop Reselfridges for planet-friendly fashion and sustainable beauty. If after that you’re feeling famished, head to their extensive food hall for something deliciously decadent.
Close to Edinburgh’s central Princes Street, Multrees Walk is the go-to spot for luxury buys. Here you’ll find Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols, plus loads of international boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Mulberry, Canada Goose and even some Scottish home-grown luxury labels like Johnstons of Elgin. Grab a bite to eat at Harvey Nichols’ Fourth Floor Brasserie for divine dishes and creative cocktails, along with dramatic skyline views overlooking Edinburgh’s historic castle and Georgian New Town.
If you’re after luxury-based bargains, head to Bicester Village. Offering more than 150 boutiques from Dior to Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent to Paul Smith all slashed to outlet prices, it’s the wallet-friendly place to indulge. Offering a multilingual concierge and personal shopping experience, you’ll be bagging up bargains in no time. All that and just a short train journey from London’s Marylebone.
This luxurious central shopping district isn’t just retail heaven – it’s a vision of beautiful Victorian-inspired architecture, with quirky indie boutiques alongside high-street favourites, such as John Lewis and The White Company, and iconic designer brands including Mulberry and Louis Vuitton. Great style, in every direction.
Why just shop, when you can enjoy movies, festivals and restaurants too? Maybe you’ll take a drag makeup masterclass, kick back at a luxurious day spa, or check into a swish canal-view hotel. The shopping is excellent, featuring top designer and high-street brands.
Want more bang for your buck? Between Manchester and Liverpool, you’ll find Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Britain’s largest at a quarter-of-a-million square feet, it’s not just a shoppers’ retreat but an epic day out with more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and cafes. You can shop all the premium labels like Burberry and Hugo Boss, as well as athletic and high street names like Nike and Next, all at up to 60 percent slashed off the original price.
Love designer fashions at discount prices? You’ve come to the right place. This popular shopping mall features the likes of Levi’s, Coach, Paul Smith and more – with RRP discounts of up to 60%. There are more than 100 stores in total, plus a range of food and drink venues; it is open daily, with late-night opening until 8pm on selected days.
Fenwick’s flagship store opened in heart of Newcastle in 1882, and can still be found here today. You’ll find masses of big labels here including DKNY, Paul Smith, Max Mara and Jo Malone along with high-street favourites. Sprawled across five floors, you’ll find a much-celebrated food hall to explore and an intimate rooftop cafe to unwind in.
King Street is a well-known and long-standing premium shopping spot in Manchester. Explore British luxury stores from Boodles jewellers to Manchester’s hand-crafted men’s outfitters Dooley & Rostron. And discover a cool art scene with Castle Fine Art and the George Thornton Gallery. There’s also some pretty eclectic dining options to refuel.
For designer labels with a discount, McArthurGlen’s Bridgend Designer Outlet is approximately 24 miles (38 kilometres) west of Cardiff city centre. Here you’ll find over 70 stores including big names like Kurt Geiger and Calvin Klein alongside high-street brands. Shop till you drop then take your pick from a range of on-site restaurants and cafes.
