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Shopping

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People walking between shops, lit up from inside

From Harrods to The ShamblesBorough Market to Bicester Village, Britain is home to some of the most famous stores, streets and markets in the world. Boasting an eclectic mix of home-grown and international labels, luxurious department stores, mammoth shopping centres and unmissable shops, it’s 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 Maltby Street Market or have a feast for the eyes at Columbia Road Flower Market. You’ll find everything you never knew you needed and some of the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted. 

From royal warrant holders to pre-loved books in converted churches, London’s famous luxury department stores to our renowned outlet villages, Britain has bags full of unique shopping experiences. So you can 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.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

London, England

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

From flagships to firsts, British heritage labels to boutique bizarres, and emporiums to bespoke - Britain’s shopping experiences are unmissable.

VisitBritain/Bethany Opler

Young woman walking in front of a shop with pink signage

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

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.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Three young people sat at a dining table with high views

Get a taste for luxury shopping filled with high-quality craftsmanship and brilliantly bold designers.

VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Woman exiting building carrying shopping bags

Top shopping destinations

Where to find the best shopping

The Roman town of Cirencester is the best place to go shopping in the Cotswolds. The pretty streets are lined with independent shops for every taste.

Find out more about your trip to Cirencester
Awaiting image
Cirencester, Cotswolds

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

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

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People walking between shops, lit up from inside
Cardiff Arcades

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

Find shopping heaven in The Lanes

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

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 bargains.

Visit to Bicester Village

Bicester Village

Bicester Village
Bicester Village

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

Explore the Royal Albert Dock

VisitBritain/Kathryn Ramsden

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

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

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 til you drop at Bullring & Grand Central

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

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

Find the world-famous antiques market spilling over with fascinating wares.

Pick up antiques at Portobello Road Market

Â? visitlondon/Antoine Buchet

London

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

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

Get to know Green Street

emily.in.england0

People walking along Green Street
Green Street

The Roman town of Cirencester is the best place to go shopping in the Cotswolds. The pretty streets are lined with independent shops for every taste.

Find out more about your trip to Cirencester
Awaiting image
Cirencester, Cotswolds

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

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

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

People walking between shops, lit up from inside
Cardiff Arcades

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

Find shopping heaven in The Lanes

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

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 bargains.

Visit to Bicester Village

Bicester Village

Bicester Village
Bicester Village

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

Explore the Royal Albert Dock

VisitBritain/Kathryn Ramsden

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

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

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 til you drop at Bullring & Grand Central

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

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

Find the world-famous antiques market spilling over with fascinating wares.

Pick up antiques at Portobello Road Market

Â? visitlondon/Antoine Buchet

London

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

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

Get to know Green Street

emily.in.england0

People walking along Green Street
Green Street