Top 10 best Christmas Shopping places in the UK
See the top 10 places to head this festive period to do your Christmas shopping!
By Chloe Martell
Updated on Nov 19th, 2021
Christmas is just around the corner and whilst we can almost smell the mince pies and Christmas turkey, we need to get that Christmas shopping out of the way. Now last year, we most likely did most of our Christmas shopping online, but this year shops are back and you can really make the most of it. Here are our top 10 picks for the best places to go Christmas shopping!
1 Oxford Street, London
It almost wouldn’t be Christmas if you didn’t head to the infamous Oxford street to pick up a gift or two. Oxford Street in London is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the world, with over 40 million shoppers making the trip there every Christmas. People from all over come to do their Christmas shopping although the two-mile stretch of Oxford Street which is home to over 300 stores! A top tip for Oxford street shopping? Try to get to them as soon as they open, so you miss the mad afternoon rush!
2 Manchester
If you’re stuck for gifts to get for your friends and family, you can almost guarantee that Manchester has the answer. Small niche retailers, vintage boutiques, and shabby boho stores run alongside those high street names we all know and love. Manchester is a shoppers paradise, and will see you ticking off that Christmas gift list in no time!
3 Brighton
Whilst Brighton is one of the smaller cities on this list, you will find an incredible range of diverse shops to suit your Christmas shopping needs. You’ll find the trendier shops in Brighton’s North & South Laines where you can get everything from retro and vintage gifts to lifestyle products and even furniture! Pst - there’s also plenty of independent food places to stop for lunch whilst you’re shopping!
4 Edinburgh
Not just a beautiful city, but a wonderful shopping location too! People all over the country brave the cold each Christmas and head to Edinburgh to see the sights, soak up the atmosphere and of course, do their Christmas shopping! You’ll find all the usual high street shops as well as plenty of designer names like Prada and Louis Vuitton, as well as small boutiques and interesting gift shops.
5 Birmingham
Birmingham is a brilliant place to do your Christmas shopping, and we’re not just saying that because of the £40 million futuristic looking Selfridges building (although, that alone is worth the trip!) Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city and it does shopping right - plus, it’s much easier to find your way around than you might think. The newly developed Bull Ring shopping centre or New Street will see you shopping til’ you drop!
6 Spitalfields Market, London
Looking for an alternative to high street shopping? Well, Spitalfields in London may just be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s one of London’s oldest and most beloved markets, and is filled with an eclectic range of stalls and pop-up shops largely from independent sellers. Head to Spitalfields and get a unique Christmas gift for your loved ones this Christmas!
7 Newcastle
If you want to take your Christmas shopping experience to the next level, Newcastle is the place to do it! Newcastle is home to the largest shopping mall in the UK, the Metrocentre! It has everything you could possibly need for thos extra special gifts for loved ones this Christmas. Plus, there’s other great places around Newscastle to shop too - like Eldon Square Shopping Centre, Trinity Square and Grainger Market where you will find some hidden gems!
8 Bath
Did someone say they’re looking for a quintessentially British shopping Christmas experience? Ah great, then we have the perfect destination for you! Bath in Somerset offers a wide range of independent shops, quaint boutiques, cosy homeware stores and of course, their popular Christmas market! You can find everything you want in Bath, whilst taking in the sights of the gorgeous and well-preserved historic buildings it has to offer.
9 Cardiff
Don’t overlook Cardiff when it comes to deciding where to do your Christmas shopping. Thanks to a £675 million extension to St. David’s shopping centre, you can find every Christmas gift you’ll need and more in the heart of Cardiff. And guess what - it’s not just big brands either! If you’re after something a bit more unique, head to Morgan and Castle shopping arcades - you won’t be disappointed!
10 York
If you’re looking for independent stores and quaint boutiques mixed with high end fashion and designer outlets then York is the place for you! Head to Parliament and Coney street for high street favourites, Gillygate and Petergate for independent stores and Shambles Market to shop at over 85 stalls offering a wide range of goods!
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