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Shopping

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People walking between shops, lit up from inside

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

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

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.

Save room in your suitcase for a trip to some of Britain's brilliant boutiques.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Three women, wearing scarves, walking with shopping bags

Celebrate diversity in flavours, local finds and vintage gems across London's bustling markets.

Photo by: Sean Pollock

People playing mini golf at the Night Market in Canary Wharf

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

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Woman exiting building carrying shopping bags

Where to find the best shopping

Book lovers of the world flock to Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales, for its independent bookshops and famous literary festival.

Plan your visit to Hay-on-Wye

Photo by: VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

Young woman wearing backpack walks past bookshop
Hay-on-Wye, Powys

Explore seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades tucked among the biggest brand names of Cardiff’s high street.

Find out more about Cardiff’s Arcades

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People walking between shops, lit up from inside
Cardiff Arcades

Shop till you drop at the quirky shops and boutiques inside Brighton’s Lanes.

Find shopping heaven in The Lanes

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Brighton

Crowds of people on the streets on a summer's day shopping
The Lanes, Brighton & Hove

Want designer clothes at a discount? Head to Oxfordshire’s Bicester Village, one of Britain’s favourite shopping destinations for luxury bargains.

Visit Bicester Village

Photo by: Bicester Village

Bicester Village
Bicester Village

The vibrant heart of the city, Royal Albert Dock is home to restaurants, museums, bars, shops and the Tate Liverpool art gallery.

Explore the Royal Albert Dock

Photo by: VisitBritain/Kathryn Ramsden

Location: Liverpool

Dog in a life jacket on a stand-up paddle-board
Royal Albert Dock

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

Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

Find out more about visiting the Shambles

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
The Shambles

Visit Bullring & Grand Central for top-notch shopping and dining, with leading fashion brands and restaurants galore.

Shop till you drop at Bullring & Grand Central

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Three young people sat at a dining table with high views
Bullring & Grand Central

This world-famous antiques market spills over with unique and fascinating wares.

Pick up antiques at Portobello Road Market

Photo by: Â? visitlondon/Antoine Buchet

Location: London

Two women walking along Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London
Portobello Road

Fancy some retail therapy? Head to Cambridge's Green Street, which runs between Trinity College and Sidney Sussex College.

Get to know Green Street

Photo by: emily.in.england0

People walking along Green Street
Green Street

From vintage shops to global delis and indie stores of all descriptions, wander down the charming cobbles of Bold Street.

Get to know Bold Street

Photo by: VisitLiverpool

Location: Liverpool, England

Shop in style at Liverpool's indie Bold Street
Bold Street

Filled with craft shops, art galleries, souvenir stalls and more, this is a true shopper’s paradise.

Discover shopping around St Ives

Photo by: St Ives Bid / David Flack

Location: Cornwall

 Shopping in St Ives, Cornwall
Shopping around St Ives

With over 100 artists’ studios, craft workshops and indie shops, it’s worth seeking out this quirky quarter.

Get to know The Hidden Lane

Photo by: Shine-a-light / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Glasgow

Bicycle parked outside jewellery boutique with orange painted wall in the Hidden Lane, Glasgow.
The Hidden Lane

Explore a Great British icon of luxury at Harrods, with more than 330 departments over seven floors.

Learn more about Harrods

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Harrods department store lit up at night. Dark skies
Harrods

This historic quarter is a Newcastle must-visit – and one of the city’s top shopping spots.

Visit Grainger town & Grey Street

Photo by: Ruben Drenth

An outside shot of Grainger Town in Newcastle
Grainger town & Grey Street

A vibrant hub in the heart of the city, tuck into delicious food, hit the shops and explore the bustling entertainment quarter.

Enjoy time in the Cornhill Quarter

Photo by: Visit Lincoln

Two women sat on a bench in Lincoln's Cornhill Quarter
Cornhill Quarter

Head south of Leicester city centre for one of Britain's largest out-of-town shopping parks, complete with a food hall.

Shop till you drop at Fosse Park

Photo by: Visit Leicester/Will Johnston

Location: Leicester, England

The inside of Fosse Park Shopping Centre, Leicester
Fosse Park

An area with bags of charm, discover indie shops, funky coffee houses, pubs and bars alongside beautiful green spaces.

Shop along Sharrow Vale Road

Photo by: "Will

Groups of people sitting outside Handmade Doughnuts in Sheffield
Sharrow Vale Road

Head to Bluewater – Kent’s most famous shopping centre – for stores, restaurants and much, much more.

Shop till you drop at Bluewater

Photo by: Hangloose, Bluewater

Location: Kent

Hangloose Zipline Bluewater
Bluewater Shopping Centre

With over 400 retail and dining brands, this city-centre mall has something for every style.

Visit Bristol Shopping Quarter

Photo by: Jon Craig

A flag on display above the Bristol Shopping Quarter
Bristol Shopping Quarter

From classic vinyl to royal-themed ceramics and second-hand books – you’ll find it all right here.

More about Walcot Artisan Quarter

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

Rows of shops on Walcot Street in Bath
Walcot Artisan Quarter

Visit lovely Lyme Regis and peruse one of the Jurassic Coast seaside resort’s popular bookshops.

Browse the bookshops of Lyme Regis

Photo by: Shutterstock / txakel

Location: Jurassic Coast

Old books on a table at a flea market
Lyme Regis bookshops

Head to Exeter for some serious shopping at its bustling Princesshay Shopping Centre. With over 60 shops from fashion to food, there’s something to suit everybody here.

Plan your shopping trip at Exeter’s Princesshay shopping centre

Photo by: Moments to Media

Location: Devon

Princesshay shopping centre
Princesshay shopping centre

Most of the shops in this historic mall are independently owned, and champion locally made products.

Discover The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

Photo by: Getty Images/Image Source

Location: Dartmoor and Exmoor

Quirky vintage man photographing boyfriend trying on bowler hat in antiques emporium
The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

Browse Primark, Sports Direct, New Look and Next – plus Boots for all your health needs.

Check out Broughton Shopping Park

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Ben’s Yard
Broughton Shopping Park

From jewellery studios to chocolatiers, this north Wales centre showcases some of the region’s finest artisans.

Visit Corris Craft Centre

Photo by: Corris Craft Centre

Two women on a pottery class in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Corris Craft Centre

This boutique mall features fashion, outdoors and beauty stores galore – plus dining options to suit every budget.

Plan your trip to Loch Lomond Shores

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Loch Lomond

Scotsman with glass of whiskey held behind his back
Loch Lomond Shores

The shops on Edinburgh’s famous thoroughfare offer authentic Scotch tweed, kilts, whiskies and local delicacies.

Discover the Royal Mile

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Three muslim women walking outside near stone arches
Royal Mile

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

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

A hub of shopping, dining and entertainment with Portsmouth’s marina on its doorstep.

Shop at Gunwharf Quays

Photo by: Gunwharf Quays

Location: Portsmouth, England

Two people with shopping bags
Gunwharf Quays

This north Wales retail centre features the likes of Pringle, Lambretta, Brook Taverner and Jack Murphy.

Plan your trip to Tweedmill Shopping Outlet

Photo by: Tweedmill Shopping Outlet

Location: Wales

Rows of products on sale in Tweedmill Shopping Outlet
Tweedmill Shopping Outlet

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

Fashion brands include H&M, Next and Superdry, plus the likes of Boots, Pandora and Starbucks.

Explore Eastgate Shopping Centre
inverness-12-1
Eastgate Shopping Centre

With shopping, entertainment and restaurants all under one roof, Union Square is the ideal one stop-shop.

Shop till you drop at Union Square

Photo by: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

People carrying bags of shopping walking around outside of a modern shopping centre.
Union Square

Book lovers of the world flock to Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales, for its independent bookshops and famous literary festival.

Plan your visit to Hay-on-Wye

Photo by: VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

Young woman wearing backpack walks past bookshop
Hay-on-Wye, Powys

Explore seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades tucked among the biggest brand names of Cardiff’s high street.

Find out more about Cardiff’s Arcades

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People walking between shops, lit up from inside
Cardiff Arcades

Shop till you drop at the quirky shops and boutiques inside Brighton’s Lanes.

Find shopping heaven in The Lanes

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Brighton

Crowds of people on the streets on a summer's day shopping
The Lanes, Brighton & Hove

Want designer clothes at a discount? Head to Oxfordshire’s Bicester Village, one of Britain’s favourite shopping destinations for luxury bargains.

Visit Bicester Village

Photo by: Bicester Village

Bicester Village
Bicester Village

The vibrant heart of the city, Royal Albert Dock is home to restaurants, museums, bars, shops and the Tate Liverpool art gallery.

Explore the Royal Albert Dock

Photo by: VisitBritain/Kathryn Ramsden

Location: Liverpool

Dog in a life jacket on a stand-up paddle-board
Royal Albert Dock

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

Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

Find out more about visiting the Shambles

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
The Shambles

Visit Bullring & Grand Central for top-notch shopping and dining, with leading fashion brands and restaurants galore.

Shop till you drop at Bullring & Grand Central

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Three young people sat at a dining table with high views
Bullring & Grand Central

This world-famous antiques market spills over with unique and fascinating wares.

Pick up antiques at Portobello Road Market

Photo by: Â? visitlondon/Antoine Buchet

Location: London

Two women walking along Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London
Portobello Road

Fancy some retail therapy? Head to Cambridge's Green Street, which runs between Trinity College and Sidney Sussex College.

Get to know Green Street

Photo by: emily.in.england0

People walking along Green Street
Green Street

From vintage shops to global delis and indie stores of all descriptions, wander down the charming cobbles of Bold Street.

Get to know Bold Street

Photo by: VisitLiverpool

Location: Liverpool, England

Shop in style at Liverpool's indie Bold Street
Bold Street

Filled with craft shops, art galleries, souvenir stalls and more, this is a true shopper’s paradise.

Discover shopping around St Ives

Photo by: St Ives Bid / David Flack

Location: Cornwall

 Shopping in St Ives, Cornwall
Shopping around St Ives

With over 100 artists’ studios, craft workshops and indie shops, it’s worth seeking out this quirky quarter.

Get to know The Hidden Lane

Photo by: Shine-a-light / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Glasgow

Bicycle parked outside jewellery boutique with orange painted wall in the Hidden Lane, Glasgow.
The Hidden Lane

Explore a Great British icon of luxury at Harrods, with more than 330 departments over seven floors.

Learn more about Harrods

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Harrods department store lit up at night. Dark skies
Harrods

This historic quarter is a Newcastle must-visit – and one of the city’s top shopping spots.

Visit Grainger town & Grey Street

Photo by: Ruben Drenth

An outside shot of Grainger Town in Newcastle
Grainger town & Grey Street

A vibrant hub in the heart of the city, tuck into delicious food, hit the shops and explore the bustling entertainment quarter.

Enjoy time in the Cornhill Quarter

Photo by: Visit Lincoln

Two women sat on a bench in Lincoln's Cornhill Quarter
Cornhill Quarter

Head south of Leicester city centre for one of Britain's largest out-of-town shopping parks, complete with a food hall.

Shop till you drop at Fosse Park

Photo by: Visit Leicester/Will Johnston

Location: Leicester, England

The inside of Fosse Park Shopping Centre, Leicester
Fosse Park

An area with bags of charm, discover indie shops, funky coffee houses, pubs and bars alongside beautiful green spaces.

Shop along Sharrow Vale Road

Photo by: "Will

Groups of people sitting outside Handmade Doughnuts in Sheffield
Sharrow Vale Road

Head to Bluewater – Kent’s most famous shopping centre – for stores, restaurants and much, much more.

Shop till you drop at Bluewater

Photo by: Hangloose, Bluewater

Location: Kent

Hangloose Zipline Bluewater
Bluewater Shopping Centre

With over 400 retail and dining brands, this city-centre mall has something for every style.

Visit Bristol Shopping Quarter

Photo by: Jon Craig

A flag on display above the Bristol Shopping Quarter
Bristol Shopping Quarter

From classic vinyl to royal-themed ceramics and second-hand books – you’ll find it all right here.

More about Walcot Artisan Quarter

Photo by: nicksmithphotography.com/VisitBath

Rows of shops on Walcot Street in Bath
Walcot Artisan Quarter

Visit lovely Lyme Regis and peruse one of the Jurassic Coast seaside resort’s popular bookshops.

Browse the bookshops of Lyme Regis

Photo by: Shutterstock / txakel

Location: Jurassic Coast

Old books on a table at a flea market
Lyme Regis bookshops

Head to Exeter for some serious shopping at its bustling Princesshay Shopping Centre. With over 60 shops from fashion to food, there’s something to suit everybody here.

Plan your shopping trip at Exeter’s Princesshay shopping centre

Photo by: Moments to Media

Location: Devon

Princesshay shopping centre
Princesshay shopping centre

Most of the shops in this historic mall are independently owned, and champion locally made products.

Discover The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

Photo by: Getty Images/Image Source

Location: Dartmoor and Exmoor

Quirky vintage man photographing boyfriend trying on bowler hat in antiques emporium
The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

Browse Primark, Sports Direct, New Look and Next – plus Boots for all your health needs.

Check out Broughton Shopping Park

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Ben’s Yard
Broughton Shopping Park

From jewellery studios to chocolatiers, this north Wales centre showcases some of the region’s finest artisans.

Visit Corris Craft Centre

Photo by: Corris Craft Centre

Two women on a pottery class in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Corris Craft Centre

This boutique mall features fashion, outdoors and beauty stores galore – plus dining options to suit every budget.

Plan your trip to Loch Lomond Shores

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Loch Lomond

Scotsman with glass of whiskey held behind his back
Loch Lomond Shores

The shops on Edinburgh’s famous thoroughfare offer authentic Scotch tweed, kilts, whiskies and local delicacies.

Discover the Royal Mile

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Three muslim women walking outside near stone arches
Royal Mile

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

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

A hub of shopping, dining and entertainment with Portsmouth’s marina on its doorstep.

Shop at Gunwharf Quays

Photo by: Gunwharf Quays

Location: Portsmouth, England

Two people with shopping bags
Gunwharf Quays

This north Wales retail centre features the likes of Pringle, Lambretta, Brook Taverner and Jack Murphy.

Plan your trip to Tweedmill Shopping Outlet

Photo by: Tweedmill Shopping Outlet

Location: Wales

Rows of products on sale in Tweedmill Shopping Outlet
Tweedmill Shopping Outlet

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

Fashion brands include H&M, Next and Superdry, plus the likes of Boots, Pandora and Starbucks.

Explore Eastgate Shopping Centre
inverness-12-1
Eastgate Shopping Centre

With shopping, entertainment and restaurants all under one roof, Union Square is the ideal one stop-shop.

Shop till you drop at Union Square

Photo by: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

People carrying bags of shopping walking around outside of a modern shopping centre.
Union Square

Top shopping destinations

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