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From flagships to firsts, British heritage labels to boutique bizarres, emporiums to bespoke and big brands with intentional clout, Britain’s shopping experiences offer something ubiquitously unmissable.

VisitBritain/Getty Images/Sturti

Adult browsing records in a vintage shop

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.

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

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

worldofwedgwood

Wedgwood fine china
World of Wedgewood 

Manchester’s largest independent gift store, Oklahoma is packed with all things handmade, fair trade and ethical.

Discover more about Oklahoma

zebraknits

A woman standing outside the Oklahoma boutique shop in the Northern Quarter of Manchester
Oklahoma

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

Discover more about Beyond Retro

isabellabowden

Beyond Retro vintage clothing retailer
Beyond Retro

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

Find out more about Cotswolds Christmas Shop

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

Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

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

livinloomwoven

The Trefriw Woollen Mills
Trefriw Woollen Mill

Home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside of Asia, Leicester’s multi-cultural society shines bright along this street.

Take a walk down the Golden Mile

Beth Walsh Photography

Leicester, England

Golden Mile.JPG
The Golden Mile

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

Shop unique treats at Jarrolds department store

VisitNorwich

Norwich, England

An outside view of Jarrolds Independent Department Store in Norwich
Jarrolds

Discover an Aladdin's cave of bold and colourful trinkets and furnishings hailing from South Asia, housed in a restored Victorian roller skating rink.

Unique shopping at South Asia Collection Museum & Shop

South Asia Museum and Shop

Norwich, England

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

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

Discover more about Leakey’s Bookshop

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

worldofwedgwood

Wedgwood fine china
World of Wedgewood 

Manchester’s largest independent gift store, Oklahoma is packed with all things handmade, fair trade and ethical.

Discover more about Oklahoma

zebraknits

A woman standing outside the Oklahoma boutique shop in the Northern Quarter of Manchester
Oklahoma

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

Discover more about Beyond Retro

isabellabowden

Beyond Retro vintage clothing retailer
Beyond Retro

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

Find out more about Cotswolds Christmas Shop

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

Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

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

livinloomwoven

The Trefriw Woollen Mills
Trefriw Woollen Mill

Home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside of Asia, Leicester’s multi-cultural society shines bright along this street.

Take a walk down the Golden Mile

Beth Walsh Photography

Leicester, England

Golden Mile.JPG
The Golden Mile

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

Shop unique treats at Jarrolds department store

VisitNorwich

Norwich, England

An outside view of Jarrolds Independent Department Store in Norwich
Jarrolds

Discover an Aladdin's cave of bold and colourful trinkets and furnishings hailing from South Asia, housed in a restored Victorian roller skating rink.

Unique shopping at South Asia Collection Museum & Shop

South Asia Museum and Shop

Norwich, England

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

Explore other shopping locations in Britain

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.

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

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.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Three young people sat at a dining table with high views

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