Shopping is practically a national pastime for us at this point, with retail therapy being a key part of our weekly comings-and-goings. Though much of our shopping habits have moved online in recent years, there’s still a huge appetite for high-street retail and the simple pleasure of a shopping day out. If you’re feeling a little bored by your local arcade, though, you might be on the look-out for some fresh shopping excitement – why not try one of these four amazing destinations for shopping in Britain?
Oxford Street & Regent Street, London
In a surprise to absolutely no one, London’s Oxford Street & Regent Street are of course two of the most well-renowned shopping streets in the western world. London has more than its fair share of shopping potential, from the eclectic depths of Camden Market to the bustle of Borough Market, but none come close to the sheer consumerist majesty of Oxford Street & Regent Street.
Oxford Street is home to over 300 shops, from flagship stores of international brands to smaller independent boutiques. Granted, in recent years the street has gotten a negative reputation for its domination by dubious American candy shops, but these days are at last behind them, bringing Oxford Street back to its world-class status as a shopping destination. Regent Street is home to more higher end retailers.
The Northern Quarter, Manchester
Manchester is a sprawling northern metropolis of its own, with several major high streets for quality shopping and a number ofhigh-profile shopping centres to boot. From the Arndale Centre to Market Street to Piccadilly Gardens, and with plenty of places to take a leisurely coffee break, there’s no shortage of retail therapy opportunities of which to partake. However, there’s another region of Manchester which has earned its place on this list, above and beyond the high streets: the Northern Quarter.
As well as being a northern capital of industry and retail, Manchester is a cultural capital with a rich seam of creativity running through it still. On the retail front, this seam is represented by the Northern Quarter; this cultural mecca boasts independent boutiques and alternative arcades, allowing you to pick up esoteric items and one-off products from local artisans. You can finish your day with a drink at the world-famous Night and Day, too!
Princes Street & George Street, Edinburgh
North of the border, we come to Edinburgh – and the bountiful possibilities extended by its one-two retail punch of Princes Street and George Street. These parallel streets, connected by three beautiful and vibrant side-streets, contain multitudes themselves. Princes Street is the place to be for name-brand shopping, while George Street has an altogether more boutique shopping experience to offer.
Liverpool ONE, Liverpool
Lastly, we wing our way over to Liverpool, and the grandeur of Liverpool ONE – a giant open-air shopping and leisure centre built across 42 acres of urban land. This is truly an everything centre, with food, leisure and retail all sharing space; this is a non-negotiable visit if you find yourself in the North-West!
Main Image – Photo by Mariusz: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-concrete-buildings-near-the-street-at-night-8303994/