Mount Street, London; Image by Peregrine Communications, Unsplash
Shopping is a must on any holiday. It comprises 30% of any holiday plan. When it comes to a holiday to the United Kingdom, you must have a complete shopping plan. From high-end boutiques to street markets, these are the best shopping destinations in the UK.
Please Note: Qataris who wish to enter the United Kingdom will have to meet new entry requirements to UK for Qatari citizens recently implanted due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Trafford Centre, Manchester
The Trafford Centre, just a few kilometres outside of Manchester, is one of the country’s largest and busiest shopping malls. With a cinema, an underwater aquarium, and a Legoland in its periphery, the shopping centre is a perfect place to spend a day with family. There is no better place in the UK to do your shopping than the lavish Trafford Centre. Selfridges, Pull & Bear, and other well-known national retailers like Debenhams can all be found here. It also houses several food stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants. A trip to the mall will undoubtedly take the better part of the day, but it will also leave you feeling energised.
What to buy: Clothes from brands like Stradivarius and Khaadi can be found here. There are a wide variety of jewellery options available as well.
Oxford Street, Westminster
Shopping on Oxford Street in Westminster has something for everyone. This is the busiest shopping street in the world, and a must-see in London. Over 300 shops line the street, selling everything from well-known retail chains to locally made crafts. Oxford Street has everything you need, from groceries to home furnishings. The shopping street is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.—seven days a week.
What to buy: fashion accessories, clothing and electronics.
Westfield Stratford City, East London
Westfield Stratford City is East London’s new fashion destination. Westfield Stratford City, which overlooks the Olympic Park, is an all-in-one shopping destination for families and friends in the United Kingdom. Besides the bowling alleys and restaurants, this shopping centre also features a magnificent casino called Aspers Casino. It’s not just the variety of shops that make this shopping mall unique; there are also entertainment zones for kids and families.
What to buy: fashion items
St. James’s, London
Nearby, historic St James’s is known for its high-end fashion and art boutiques, some of which have been approved by the Queen. Fortnum & Mason and Jermyn Street are two of the most British streets in the world, and they’re sure to bring out the gentleman in all of us. Visit Burlington Arcade, the world’s first shopping arcade, the glitzy Piccadilly Arcade to admire the windows, or the Princes Arcade to browse the eclectic shops. Get your hands on the latest best-selling books at Waterstone Piccadilly or the oldest and most venerable London bookshop, Hatchards, which still hosts book signings and literary events today.
What to buy: fashion accessories, art boutiques, and books.
Bond Street and Mayfair, London
When it comes to shopping for high-end fashion, Bond Street and Mayfair are your best bets for splurge and star-spotting, no matter what your budget. Two of London’s most exclusive shopping districts, these locales are home to a slew of well-known designers and labels. The Tiffany & Co. flagship on Old Bond Street is a great place to get a piece of jewellery engraved to make it truly yours. Fenwick, a long-standing department store, is a great place to shop for fashion, beauty, and home goods. You can also try Louis Vuitton’s famous monogrammed goods, which are only a few blocks away. If you’re looking to go all out, or just want a new pair of heels to commemorate a momentous occasion, Mount Street has Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin, and Celine items.
What to buy: designer and brands
Brick Lane Market, London
There are plenty of alternatives to designer brands and high-end retail outlets in London. Food vendors and antique shops line the streets of this East London market. Old-fashioned wares abound at Brick Lane Market in London, including vintage clothing and repurposed furniture. It’s a fun place to walk around because of all the street art. There are many Bangladeshi and Indian products, including brightly coloured fabrics, juttis, and spices.
What to buy: oriental gift items, and antique home décor.
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