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Unmissable stores for every itinerary

Whether it’s vintage gear or Scottish cashmere, pre-loved books or England’s Wedgewood, you’ll find this and so much more in Britain’s unmissable stores. Drop by Dundee’s cool optical shop, Spex Pistol’s, or browse through Spillers in Cardiff, the world’s oldest record store. Peruse around Liberty London, or indulge in the decadent food halls of London’s Fortnum & Mason, wherever you’re heading, make sure you take in some of Britain’s memorable stores.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Getty Images/Sturti

Adult browsing records in a vintage shop

London’s most unmissable stores

London is packed with unmissable shopping, and its unique stores are no exception. From Marylebone’s beautiful Daunt Books to snapping a picture of yourself outside Liberty’s. See a 200-year-old umbrella shop, the world-famous Twinings, or a unique shop of taxidermist wares. These distinctive stores are an absolute must for a visit to the capital to remember.

Other unique London shops

Twinings 216 Strand

The Brits take tea seriously. Anyone who loves their leaves as much should head to London’s Twinings 216 Strand. For over 300 years this address has been home to Twinings Tea, it’s their flagship store, and the oldest tea shop in London. Check out classic to unique English blends and try before you buy at its Tea Bar. Book yourself in for a Tea Experience or Masterclass or simply grab a box of the classic drink we love so much for a classic cuppa of English Breakfast tea.

One of a Kind Archive

Want to rock vintage vibes. Stop by Portobello Road’s One of a Kind Archive for London’s exclusive and well-curated vintage threads. In addition to ready-to-wear retro finds that range from the 1930s to the noughties, they also stock over 5,000 pieces from leading names like Gucci and Vivienne Westwood. It is an unmissable treasure hunter’s paradise for vintage enthusiasts. 

Unmissable stores outside of the capital

You don’t need to be in London to experience Britain’s unmissable stores. Check out the Cotswold’s cute year-round Christmas shop to Britain’s largest collection of cashmere in Perthshire. Whether its literature, fancy stationary, vintage vinyl or unique sartorial selections, Britain has something different, somewhere, for everyone.

If pre-loved pages are your likely literacy flavour, then Leakey’s Bookshop is a must-visit.

Discover more about Leakey’s Bookshop

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A woman standing by the shelves in library looking at a book
Leakey’s Bookshop

Discover the iconic bone china brand, Wedgewood, and see how it’s made in the idyllic home town of Barlaston. 

Discover more about Wedgewood

Photo by: worldofwedgwood

Wedgwood fine china
World of Wedgewood 

Explore a thriving vintage with more than 10,000 piece of vintage stuff in Brighton’s North Laines. 

Discover more about Beyond Retro

Photo by: isabellabowden

Beyond Retro vintage clothing retailer
Beyond Retro

Every day is Christmas Day at this year-round Christmas shop. 

Find out more about Cotswold Christmas Shop

Photo by: cotswoldchristmasshop

Cotswold Christmas Shop
Cotswold Christmas Shop

The world’s oldest record shop dates back to 1894 – and specialises in jazz, rock and indie vinyl and CDs.

Head to Spillers Records

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A man looks through records at Spillers Records in Cardiff
Spillers Records

Find lots of pure wool goodies, rare Welsh tapestries and watch 50-year-old looms at work.

Find out more about Trefriw Woollen Mill

Photo by: livinloomwoven

The Trefriw Woollen Mills
Trefriw Woollen Mill

A Norwich shopping staple for more than 200 years, every product is carefully curated from local artisans.

Shop unique treats at Jarrolds department store

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: Norwich, England

An outside view of Jarrolds Independent Department Store in Norwich
Jarrolds

Discover a red brick Victorian skating rink, which is now a beautiful shop and museum.

Unique shopping at South Asia Collection Museum & Shop

Photo by: South Asia Museum and Shop

Location: Norwich, England

An inside view of some exhibits in the South Asia Museum in Norwich
South Asia Collection Museum & Shop

Creating beautiful woven rugs, jackets and accessories, this woollen mill is keeping Welsh traditions alive.

Shop at Solva Woollen Mill

Photo by: Shutterstock / Lukassek

Location: Wales

Weaving tools used traditionally throughout the United Kingdom
Solva Woollen Mill

From Joules and Cath Kidston to Valentino and Gianni Conti, this department store is chock-full of designer labels.

Discover The White House Portrush

Photo by: The White House Portrush

Location: Northern Ireland

The White House Portrush
The White House Portrush

With its designer fashions, cosmetics and homewares, this department store offers an elevated shopping experience.

Shop at Moores of Coleraine

Photo by: Ulster Stores / Moores of Coleraine

Location: Northern Ireland

Moores of Coleraine
Moores of Coleraine

Looking for something unique? You’ve come to the right place. Afflecks is renowned for its quirky independent boutiques.

Find shopping heaven at Afflecks

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Couple at 'Ginger's Comfort Emprium' Afflecks Palace
Afflecks

Set in a historic train station, this bookshop features a cafe, ice cream parlour, and log fires in winter.

Step inside Barter Books

Photo by: VisitBritain

Man sitting on a sofa, reading a book at a bookshop
Barter Books

Looking for your next favourite author? The staff are all book lovers, so ask for their recommendations.

More about Blackwell’s

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Oxford

A girl reading a book in a bookshop, Blackwells. Oxford
Blackwell’s

This mill on the Isle of Lewis has worked with Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and Chanel.

More about Harris Tweed Hebrides

Photo by: Getty Images/David Johnson

Location: Islands

Bolts of Fabric-Harris Tweed.
Harris Tweed Hebrides

Browse the shelves of the lovely bookshop Much Ado Books, in Alfriston, in the South Downs.

Take time to visit Much Ado Books

Photo by: Much Ado Books

Location: South Downs

People browsing through shelves of books at Much Ado Books
Much Ado Books

Make a stop at Timothy Langston Fine Art and Antiques in Petworth, West Sussex and find one-of-a-kind pieces.

Pick up a vintage find at Timothy Langston Fine Art and Antiques

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: South Downs

Timothy Langston Fine Arts
Timothy Langston Fine Art and Antiques

In the Broads, Roys is synonymous with shopping: this family-run retail chain dates back to 1895.

Be inspired by Roys of Wroxham

Photo by: James Bass Photography

Location: Broads

An exterior shot of Roys of Wroxham, a department store in the Broads National Park
Roys of Wroxham

Take your pick from a wonderfully eclectic range of novels, non-fiction, travel guides and more.

Discover The Bookmark

Photo by: Rothiemurchus Farm Shop

Location: Cairngorms

Interior of the Rothiemurchus Farm Shop , Aviemore
The Bookmark

This incredible emporium features more than 120 antiques dealers and traders, all under one roof.

Explore Antiques Centre York

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking
Antiques Centre York

Do your bit for the planet and get a great new look – what’s not to love?

Explore Green Heart Collective

Photo by: Green Heart Collective

Groups of people searching through clothing at the Green Heart Collective in Grainger Market, Newcastle
Green Heart Collective

Filled with hand-made bears, jewellery and sculptures, this is a great spot to buy unique souvenirs.

More about Aurorabearealis

Photo by: Angus Alexander Chisholm / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: North Coast

North Kessock Black Isle, Ross shire, Scotland, United Kingdom
Aurorabearealis

If pre-loved pages are your likely literacy flavour, then Leakey’s Bookshop is a must-visit.

Discover more about Leakey’s Bookshop

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A woman standing by the shelves in library looking at a book
Leakey’s Bookshop

Discover the iconic bone china brand, Wedgewood, and see how it’s made in the idyllic home town of Barlaston. 

Discover more about Wedgewood

Photo by: worldofwedgwood

Wedgwood fine china
World of Wedgewood 

Explore a thriving vintage with more than 10,000 piece of vintage stuff in Brighton’s North Laines. 

Discover more about Beyond Retro

Photo by: isabellabowden

Beyond Retro vintage clothing retailer
Beyond Retro

Every day is Christmas Day at this year-round Christmas shop. 

Find out more about Cotswold Christmas Shop

Photo by: cotswoldchristmasshop

Cotswold Christmas Shop
Cotswold Christmas Shop

The world’s oldest record shop dates back to 1894 – and specialises in jazz, rock and indie vinyl and CDs.

Head to Spillers Records

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A man looks through records at Spillers Records in Cardiff
Spillers Records

Find lots of pure wool goodies, rare Welsh tapestries and watch 50-year-old looms at work.

Find out more about Trefriw Woollen Mill

Photo by: livinloomwoven

The Trefriw Woollen Mills
Trefriw Woollen Mill

A Norwich shopping staple for more than 200 years, every product is carefully curated from local artisans.

Shop unique treats at Jarrolds department store

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: Norwich, England

An outside view of Jarrolds Independent Department Store in Norwich
Jarrolds

Discover a red brick Victorian skating rink, which is now a beautiful shop and museum.

Unique shopping at South Asia Collection Museum & Shop

Photo by: South Asia Museum and Shop

Location: Norwich, England

An inside view of some exhibits in the South Asia Museum in Norwich
South Asia Collection Museum & Shop

Creating beautiful woven rugs, jackets and accessories, this woollen mill is keeping Welsh traditions alive.

Shop at Solva Woollen Mill

Photo by: Shutterstock / Lukassek

Location: Wales

Weaving tools used traditionally throughout the United Kingdom
Solva Woollen Mill

From Joules and Cath Kidston to Valentino and Gianni Conti, this department store is chock-full of designer labels.

Discover The White House Portrush

Photo by: The White House Portrush

Location: Northern Ireland

The White House Portrush
The White House Portrush

With its designer fashions, cosmetics and homewares, this department store offers an elevated shopping experience.

Shop at Moores of Coleraine

Photo by: Ulster Stores / Moores of Coleraine

Location: Northern Ireland

Moores of Coleraine
Moores of Coleraine

Looking for something unique? You’ve come to the right place. Afflecks is renowned for its quirky independent boutiques.

Find shopping heaven at Afflecks

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Couple at 'Ginger's Comfort Emprium' Afflecks Palace
Afflecks

Set in a historic train station, this bookshop features a cafe, ice cream parlour, and log fires in winter.

Step inside Barter Books

Photo by: VisitBritain

Man sitting on a sofa, reading a book at a bookshop
Barter Books

Looking for your next favourite author? The staff are all book lovers, so ask for their recommendations.

More about Blackwell’s

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Oxford

A girl reading a book in a bookshop, Blackwells. Oxford
Blackwell’s

This mill on the Isle of Lewis has worked with Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and Chanel.

More about Harris Tweed Hebrides

Photo by: Getty Images/David Johnson

Location: Islands

Bolts of Fabric-Harris Tweed.
Harris Tweed Hebrides

Browse the shelves of the lovely bookshop Much Ado Books, in Alfriston, in the South Downs.

Take time to visit Much Ado Books

Photo by: Much Ado Books

Location: South Downs

People browsing through shelves of books at Much Ado Books
Much Ado Books

Make a stop at Timothy Langston Fine Art and Antiques in Petworth, West Sussex and find one-of-a-kind pieces.

Pick up a vintage find at Timothy Langston Fine Art and Antiques

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: South Downs

Timothy Langston Fine Arts
Timothy Langston Fine Art and Antiques

In the Broads, Roys is synonymous with shopping: this family-run retail chain dates back to 1895.

Be inspired by Roys of Wroxham

Photo by: James Bass Photography

Location: Broads

An exterior shot of Roys of Wroxham, a department store in the Broads National Park
Roys of Wroxham

Take your pick from a wonderfully eclectic range of novels, non-fiction, travel guides and more.

Discover The Bookmark

Photo by: Rothiemurchus Farm Shop

Location: Cairngorms

Interior of the Rothiemurchus Farm Shop , Aviemore
The Bookmark

This incredible emporium features more than 120 antiques dealers and traders, all under one roof.

Explore Antiques Centre York

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking
Antiques Centre York

Do your bit for the planet and get a great new look – what’s not to love?

Explore Green Heart Collective

Photo by: Green Heart Collective

Groups of people searching through clothing at the Green Heart Collective in Grainger Market, Newcastle
Green Heart Collective

Filled with hand-made bears, jewellery and sculptures, this is a great spot to buy unique souvenirs.

More about Aurorabearealis

Photo by: Angus Alexander Chisholm / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: North Coast

North Kessock Black Isle, Ross shire, Scotland, United Kingdom
Aurorabearealis
House of Bruar

Stop by the picturesque rural Perthshire and shop in one of Scotland’s most unmissable stores, the House of Bruar. In addition to its much-celebrated country collection of traditional Tweeds and Britain’s largest cashmere collection, you can browse Scotland’s finest produce in their Food Hall and dine in their Victorian-style conservatory at the House of Braur Restaurant. 

Spex Pistols

If the name doesn’t give it away, then perhaps a visit will. Spex Pistols is a unique Dundee-based optical boutique features an eclectic stash of stylish classic, vintage and designer frames. Offering a wide range of quirky and colourful glasses not available on the high street, as well as a varied assortment of vintage goodies, it’s a sight for sore eyes.

Tasty food shops and delicatessens to discover

Tal-y-Cafn, Wales

This historic farmhouse in the Conwy Valley is renowned for its fine food and drink.

Photo by: Visit Wales

NVW-C38-1617-0010
Grasmere, England

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – the site where the spicy treat was invented.

Photo by: grasmeregingerbread

Location: Lake District

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside
Kenmore, Scotland

Buy Scottish salmon, sea trout, cheeses and pâtés – with views of the Torridon loch and mountains.

Photo by: Getty Images/EyeEm/Youli Zhao

Location: North Coast

Delicious Seafood At Applecross Inn Scottish Cuisine
Bakewell, England

Searching for gifts? Look out for homemade chutneys, biscuits and liqueurs at Chatsworth’s official shop.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

Location: Peak District

Young couple standing by a wooden fence. Manor in background
Anglesey, Wales

Learn the secrets of Anglesey’s top-quality salt, on a surprising behind-the-scenes adventure.

Photo by: Jim Marsden/ Halen Môn

Location: North Wales

Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company
Bakewell, England

Feast on award-winning gelato, hot toasted teacakes and artisan coffees at this family-run spot.

Photo by: Tagg Lane Dairy

Location: Peak District

Tagg Lane Dairy
Windsor, England

Choose from flavours such as lemon sherbet, whisky and Eton mess, or try a fudge-making workshop.

Photo by: The Fudge Kitchen

A member of staff posing outside the Fudge Kitchen in Windsor
Llanrwst, Wales

Shop for speciality bites such as buttery Welsh cakes and bara brith, plus wines from nearby vineyards.

Photo by: Blas ar Fwyd Cyf

Members of a wine club toasting the camera at Blas ar Fwyd in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park

Explore other shopping locations in Britain

Iconic department stores, shopping centres and an eclectic mix of high streets all make Britain’s shopping great.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Location: London, England

A man posing for the camera in front of a 'Welcome to Carnaby Street' sign in London.

Get a taste for luxury shopping with iconic shops and unique British brands.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Woman exiting building carrying shopping bags

While city centres are great for history, culture and shopping – it’s out of town shopping centres which can zip you away from the city’s bustle.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Three young people sat at a dining table with high views

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