Shopping
From Harrods to The Shambles, Borough Market to Bicester Village, Britain is home to some of the most famous stores, shopping streets and markets in the world. Boasting an eclectic mix of home-grown and international labels, with luxurious department stores, mammoth shopping centres and unique boutiques, we’re a true shopper’s paradise.
A shopping showcase
Northern Quarter
Bursting with personality is Manchester’s Northern Quarter. With independent stores, bars and eateries, it’s also home to the world-famous Afflecks, an emporium of unusual and unique shops. Walk its colourfully illustrated streets – look out for a Banksy – and trawl the rails at Retro Rehab. Pick up rare vinyl at the Vinyl Exchange or spot the area’s famous filming locations – recognise it from Captain America, Morbius, Sherlock Holmes, The Crown and many more productions?
Bold Street
Foodies flock, book lovers dawdle and collectors head to Bold Street, the much-loved cobbled lane in Liverpool’s heart. With its vintage shops, family-run cafes, global delis and bohemian boutiques, it’s full of independent retailers – and there’s a fantastic array of bistros and restaurants too.
Grainger town & Grey Street
Packed with beautiful architecture, lively entertainment and great dining options, this historic quarter is a must-visit on any Newcastle break – and is one of the city’s top shopping spots. Take your pick from designer boutiques, high street favourites and independent retailers, and don’t miss the Victorian-built Grainger Market, with its family-run florists, jewellers and cafes. While it’s normally a pretty peaceful spot, both Grey Street and Grainger Street were the setting of an action-packed car chase in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017).
Bullring & Grand Central
Visit Bullring & Grand Central for top-notch shopping and dining, with leading fashion brands and restaurants galore. This is Birmingham’s flagship retail complex, so look out for live music, entertainment and eye-catching street performances too.
Sharrow Vale Road
An area with bags of charm, discover indie shops, funky coffee houses, pubs and bars alongside beautiful green spaces. Ecclesall Road boasts more than three miles (around 5km) of eateries entwined with unique shopping, while Sharrow Vale Road is home to one the city’s largest concentration of independent shops.
Grassmarket
For extra-special souvenirs, high-quality fashions and unique artworks, check out the Grassmarket’s independent boutiques in Edinburgh. Behind their brightly painted facades you’ll find treasures galore: from hand-crafted tweed and fine leather goods, to foodie pleasures aplenty.
Leeds Corn Exchange
For shopping with a difference, head to Leeds Corn Exchange and its array of independent retailers. This Leeds landmark proudly does things differently, and you’ll find things here you can’t get in mainstream shops. From fashion to jewellery, artworks to music stores, barbers to cafes, the Corn Exchange proudly “doesn’t do boring”.
Cardiff Arcades
Explore seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades tucked among the biggest brand names of Cardiff’s high street. Check out its sustainable markets, late night shopping, poetry, artwork and even guerrilla galleries, alongside 100 indie shops, bars and cafes right in the heart of Cardiff.
The Lanes, Brighton & Hove
Shop ’til you drop at the quirky shops inside Brighton’s Lanes. Nestled between North Laine and the seafront, this retail labyrinth is a joy to explore – with eclectic boutiques, sought-after jewellers and art-filled cafes galore.
Why Britain's best for shopping
Britain is bursting at the seams with top-quality retail. Whether you are into the high street favourites, luxury labels, vintage garments or one-off artisanal pieces, you’ll find something that pushes your shopaholic buttons. Walk our historic shopping thoroughfares from Edinburgh to York, drop by Birmingham’s ultra-modern architectural Bullring & Grand Central, or explore the Cardiff City of Arcades. Wherever you go, you’re never far away from your next shopping fix.
London is home to so many famous markets, we’ve lost count. Rummage through Alfies Antique Market, chomp your way around Borough Market and Maltby Street Market or have a feast for the eyes at Columbia Road Flower Market. For zero-waste eateries and conscious fashion choices, browse London’s most sustainable shops.
Treat yourself at royal warrant holders or browse pre-loved books in converted churches. Get lost in London’s famous luxury department stores like Harrods or make a day of it at our renowned outlet centres such as Bicester Village. Wherever you choose, you’ll find Britain has bags full of unique shopping experiences. Do your groceries like a royal at Fortnum & Mason, walk beneath the iconic Carnaby Street arch or have yourself a Jane Austen moment on Milsom Street in Bath, any time of the year.
Top shopping experiences
Where to find the best shopping
Featured things to do
Market madness
London’s markets are a must-visit. Treasure hunt at the Brick Lane Vintage Market, embrace your inner punk at Camden Market or taste the best street eats at Borough Market.
Explore London's markets
Outlet finds
Bicester Village boasts designer shopping, high-end goodies and tasty eateries. Explore the shopping outlet for more than 150 luxury boutiques.
Find a luxury bargain at Bicester Village (opens in a new tab)
Amazing arcades
Cardiff's shopping scene offers a labyrinth of shopping arcades full of quirky gems. Whether you visit one of the world's oldest record stores, or pick up local produce at an indoor market, visit this Welsh city for a unique shopping experience.
Shop till you drop in Cardiff (opens in a new tab)
Festive London
London is a shopper’s dream year-round, but it becomes extra magical around Christmas time. Oxford Street and Covent Garden feature some of the most impressive Christmas lights, but be sure to check the window displays of the city’s high-end stores around Knightsbridge and Bond Street too.
Hit London's shops (opens in a new tab)
