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From markets to artisan makers’ hotspots, here are the best places to buy and browse around the UK
Looking for a designer bargain? Or perhaps you’re in search of the perfect vintage chair to sit in the corner of your living room? The UK’s marketplaces and bustling cathedral quarters make retail therapy a pleasure in city, town and country.
With over 120 stores and 30 or so eating and drinking outlets, Leeds’s White Rose Shopping Centre has everything you need to shop till you drop in comfort. There’s plenty of free parking and a multi-screen cinema, too.
White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury Rd, Leeds, LS11 8LU. www.white-rose.co.uk
Premier Inn Leeds South (Birstall), Wakefield Rd, Drighlington, Leeds, West Yorkshire, BD11 1EA. 5.7 miles.
Who needs modern shopping malls when it rains? Nestling among the cobbled streets and quirky lanes of Chester is a unique shopping experience – The Rows. Set at the first floor level, The Rows are covered walkways above the street level shops. You’ll find specialist food shops and art galleries, jewellers and chic independent boutiques along the elegantly covered walkways. There are also plenty of pit-stops to refuel with lunch, afternoon tea or a reviving cocktail.
The Rows, Bridge St/Watergate St/Eastgate St/Northgate St, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1NG.
Premier Inn Chester City Centre, City Rd, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3AE. 0.5 miles
There are more than 300 stalls at this famous market, or rather markets, housed both indoors and outdoors in the town centre. As well as the main food market and typical stalls, there’s a specialist antiques market on Tuesdays, and a giant car boot sale on Sundays.
Barnsley Market, Metropolitan Centre, May Day Green, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 1SX. www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/markets/barnsley-market
Premier Inn Barnsley Central (M1 J37) The Shambles, Gateway Plaza, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2SB. 0.6 miles
A hidden treasure with an historic mix of architecture, the Old Town is a warren of quaint old streets with pubs, museums and independent shops. Look out for Hepworth Arcade where a certain Mr Marks and Mr Spencer opened one of their first penny bazaars.
The Old Town, 25 High St, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU1 1PS. www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/hull
Premier Inn Hull City Centre, Tower St, Citadel Way, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU9 1TQ. 0.6 miles
With its beautiful fifteenth-century architecture, Beverley is one of those places that’s just great to wander around. If you enjoy a browse, head to the North Bar for lanes busy with boutiques, gift shops and a bustling café culture.
North Bar, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU17 8DL. www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/beverley
Premier Inn Beverley Town Centre, Flemingate Centre, Flemingate, HU17 0NQ. 5.2 miles
Explore the rich history – dating back to Roman times – of the streets around York Minster, then head to Stonegate, Petergate and Goodramgate for boutique shopping and Gillygate for funky design and vintage stores. The area is great for cafés, too.
Minster Quarter, York, YO1 7HH. www.minsterquarter.com
Premier Inn York North West, White Rose Close, York Business Park, Nether Poppleton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 6RL. 4.7 miles
Meadowhall Centre, Sheffield, S9 1EP. www.meadowhall.co.uk
Premier Inn Sheffield (Meadowhall), Sheffield Rd, Meadowhall, Sheffield, S9 2YL. 650 metres
This fine three-storey Victorian building, once a tea and coffee warehouse, is now a fantastic department store offering an eclectic mix of vintage, retro and antique wares. With everything from handmade jewellery to a salvage yard, if you want something different, you’ll find it here.
Nichols Building, Shalesmoor, Sheffield, S3 8UL. www.thenicholsbuilding.co.uk
Premier Inn Sheffield City Centre (Angel St), Angel St, Sheffield, S3 8LN. 0.7 miles
This fabulous example of a Victorian arcade is one of several in Leeds. Opened in 1878, the three-storey structure houses a mix of familiar chain stores and independent shops. Listen out for the unique clock with full-size figures that strikes every 15 minutes.
Thornton’s Arcade, 30 Lands Lane, Leeds, LS1 6LB. www.visitleeds.co.uk
Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena), Hepworth Point, Claypit Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BQ. 600 metres
Inspired by London’s Burlington Arcade, this beautiful 1899 building was Preston’s first indoor shopping facility and, after some years of neglect, is now attracting bigger brands to revive its fortunes. Architecturally, it’s hugely impressive, its tiled floors and glass roof hinting at former glory and illuminating its potential for investment.
Miller Arcade, Lancaster Rd, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2QY. www.prestonguildcity.co.uk
Premier Inn Preston East, Bluebell Way, Preston East Link Rd, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5PZ. 1.7 miles
This yard, the original home of the Kendal Mint Cake factories, now houses quaint shops selling all manner of things, from glassware and fine art to shoes and pottery. The Retro Circus vintage clothing store and the toys at Grandma’s Puppet Shop are great fun, and there’s even an owl sanctuary.
Blackhall Yard, Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4LU. www.blackhallyard.co.uk
Premier Inn Kendal Central, Maude St, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4QD. 300 metres
This lively open-air market has been trading for over 800 years. Take in the sights, smells and sounds as you browse its quirky stalls and seasonal produce. Watch out for the weekly flea market and monthly farmers and artisan markets, too.
Chesterfield Market, Market Place, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1PB. www.visitchesterfield.info
Premier Inn Chesterfield North, Tapton Lock Hill, off Rotherway, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7NJ. 1.9 miles
Browse over 80 eclectic stalls selling a unique mixture of stock at this attractive market spread over two levels. With everything from furniture to kitchen knick-knacks, there’s something to suit all.
Station Mill Antiques Centre, Station Rd, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5HX. www.stationmill.com
Premier Inn Chipping Norton, Spring St, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5LM. 0.7 miles
Just north of Southampton city centre, this shopping street harks back to a bygone era, with its quaint, old-fashioned storefronts and independent businesses. Many of the shops are health-related, including a chemist, osteopath, chiropractor and acupuncturist.
Bedford Place, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2DF. www.lovebedfordplace.com
Premier Inn Southampton (Cumberland Place), Cumberland Place, Southampton, SO15 2WY. 300 metres
For the dedicated bargain hunter, this outlet retail park boasts 160 boutiques selling famous brands at discounted prices. Shop till you drop, or take a break at one of its many restaurants, cafés and pop-ups.
Bicester Village, 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6WD. www.bicestervillage.com
Premier Inn Bicester, Oxford Rd, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 1BT. 600 metres
Chill out at one of the best bars and restaurants in the south of England.
A relaxed place to rock up and see what’s going down, Merton Abbey Mills is a mix of workshop spaces and market stalls selling artisan food and crafts. There are regular events, too.
Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, Merton, London, SW19 2RD. www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk
Premier Inn London Wimbledon South, 27 Chapter Way, Merton, London, SW19 2RF. 350 metres
Staying true to its heritage – St Paul’s Square has hosted a market since the 1500s – Bedford is home to myriad markets. The twice-weekly Charter Market is buzzing with the traditional mix of fashion, food and household items. There’s also a slew of specialist markets dealing in gourmet food, farm-fresh produce, and home and garden products. The monthly Handmade in Bedford Market, which showcases local craftwork, is a particular highlight.
Bedford markets, Harpur Square/St Paul’s Square/Midland Rd, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1SL. www.lovebedford.co.uk
Premier Inn Bedford Town Centre (Riverside), Riverside North, Waterfront, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3TD. 1 mile
The younger sibling of Shoreditch’s highly successful Boxpark, this stack of refitted shipping containers-cum-retail units houses 30 or so food outlets, regular club nights, and craft beer from the local Cronx Brewery. It’s instantly become Croydon’s go-to good-time spot.
Boxpark Croydon, 99 George St, Croydon, CR0 1LD. www.boxpark.co.uk/croydon
Premier Inn London Croydon Town Centre, Phillips House, Lansdowne Rd, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 2BX. 650 metres
Brighton’s famous tangle of narrow old streets provides rich territory for shopping, especially designer boutiques, antiques and jewellery, not to mention cake artists Choccywoccydoodah. For a more indie and vintage vibe, head to the lively North Laine neighbourhood towards the station.
The Lanes, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1HB.
Premier Inn Brighton City Centre, 144 North St, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1RE. 200 metres
Bank Street is one of Maidstone’s most charming shopping streets, and also its most historic and best preserved. Many of the structures are medieval timber-framed buildings, and their façades feature ornate plasterwork and wood carvings from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The colourfully painted pargetting on the building at No 78 is particularly fine.
Bank St, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1SJ. www.visitmaidstone.com
Premier Inn Maidstone (Sandling), Allington Lock, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AS. 2.1 miles
The seductive aromas of cuisines from around the world make it impossible to leave Brixton Market without indulging your taste buds. Electric Avenue, Pope’s Road and Brixton Station Road have a vibrant vibe, but there are also rich pickings to be had in the neighbouring Brixton Village and Market Row arcades – perfect for shoppers who like perusing in search of the unusual and unique.
Brixton Market, Brixton Station Rd, Brixton, London, SW9 8PD. www.brixtonmarket.net
Premier Inn London Brixton, 457-461 Brixton Rd, Brixton, SW9 8HH. 150 metres
If you enjoy browsing in quaint boutiques, pay a visit to this shopping village in the Essex countryside. With an eclectic mix of antiques, jewellery, collectables and small independent retailers, it’s a charming spot to shop.
Gosfield Shopping Village, Petersfield Lane, Gosfield, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1PU. www.gosfieldshoppingvillage.co
Premier Inn Braintre (A120), Cressing Rd, Galley’s Corner, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8GG. 4.6 miles
With over 85 stores, even the keenest bargain hunter will be spoilt for choice at this discount shopping centre. Set in a tranquil village environment with cafés and restaurants, and with easy access and free parking, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours browsing or treating yourself.
Freeport Braintree, Charter Way, Chapel Hill, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8YH. www.freeport-braintree.com
Premier Inn Braintree (Freeport Village), Fowlers Farm, Cressing Rd, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8DH. 0.8 miles
Trinity Street is a true Colchester gem. Soak up the character of its beautiful old buildings as you wander its eclectic mix of independent shops. Afterwards, stop for refreshment in one of its historic cafés or restaurants, such as Tymperleys.
Trinity St, Colchester, Essex, CO1 IJN. www.tymperleys.co.uk
Premier Inn Colchester (Cowdray Avenue/A133), Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UT. 0.9 miles
This historic area is home to a huge array of quirky shops, bars, cafés and restaurants to browse and enjoy. Roam the medieval alleyways and courtyards, which often feature street entertainment at weekends, and pop into great little shops such as Lisa Angel and the Good Earth Clothing Company.
Norwich Lanes, 8A Guildhall Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1SN. www.norwichlanes.co.uk
Premier Inn Norwich Nelson City Centre, Prince of Wales Rd, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1DX. 0.6 miles
Situated between Lincoln’s cathedral and castle, the quarter’s historic cobbled streets are home to smart independent shops and weekly markets. There’s the regular Maker’s Market on Cornhill, farmers’ markets on the High Street and Lower High Street, and the antiques market on Castle Hill. The annual Christmas market is a major highlight too, with stalls and live entertainment.
Cathedral Quarter, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3AA. www.visitlincoln.com
Premier Inn Lincoln (Canwick), Lincoln Rd, Canwick Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN4 2RF. 2.1 miles
Steep Hill rewards those prepared for the climb with an eclectic mix of antique, retro and vintage shops, plus restaurants, bars and cafés for relaxing and watching the world go by.
Steep Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 1LU. www.shoplincoln.co.uk/steep-hill-the-strait
Premier Inn Lincoln City Centre, Lincoln, Broadgate, Lincolnshire, LN2 5AQ. 500 metres
A veritable booklover’s heaven. Browse the rows upon and rows of secondhand and antiquarian volumes of fiction and nonfiction, as well as old prints, maps and postcards. All clean and neatly categorised.
Ross Old Books, 51 High St, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5HH.
Premier Inn Ross-on Wye, Ledbury Rd, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7QJ. 1.6 miles
The Shambles has been a market site for centuries – John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, preached here in 1742 – and some ancient market benches have been conserved for posterity. Nowadays, every Friday and Saturday, you can browse stalls selling crafts, clothes, street food, books, music and more.
Stroud Shambles Market, The Shambles, High St, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1AP. www.shamblesmarketstroud.co.uk
Premier Inn Stroud, Stratford Lodge, Stratford Rd, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AF. 1 mile
With its smart, fashionable shops, Black Jack Street has been nicknamed ‘the Notting Hill of Cirencester’. It also boasts some top foodie haunts: try Keith’s for freshly ground coffee, family-run traditional butcher Jesse Smith, and the Golden Cross Inn, which serves modern British cuisine.
Black Jack St, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2AA. www.cirencestershopping.co.uk/blackjackstreet
Premier Inn Cirencester Town Centre, Kings Meadow, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1NP. 1.7 miles
By the historic city docks, this outlet shopping centre boasts big-name brands in fashion, beauty, sport and homeware. There’s also a multi-screen cinema and numerous bars, cafés and restaurants – pretty much everything you need in one place.
Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 5SF. www.gloucesterquays.co.uk
Premier Inn Gloucester (Longford), Tewkesbury Rd, Longford, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 9BE. 1.9 miles
You can’t help but feel like a person who lunches strolling along the tree-lined Regency streets of Cheltenham’s Montpellier Quarter, with its smart shops, restaurants and wine bars. During its three annual festivals – covering literature, jazz and science – the area becomes even more vibrant.
Montpellier Quarter, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 2DY. www.montpellier-cheltenham.com
Premier Inn Cheltenham (West A40), 374 Gloucester Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 7AY. 2.1 miles
A decade in the making and now a decade old, Bristol’s cathedral of consumerism is the place to shop till you drop. From Harvey Nichols to a swanky cinema complex, it boasts the best in fashion, beauty, home, technology, food and drink.
Cabot Circus, Glass House, Bristol, BS1 3BX. SatNav BS2 9AB. www.cabotcircus.com
Premier Inn Bristol City Centre, Haymarket, The Haymarket, Bristol, Avon, BS1 3LR. 500 metres
The Jenkins family don’t just pass on genes – at least eight generations of them have been crafting hand-thrown glazed earthenware at this pottery, which dates back to 1610. Marvel at the masters at work, before picking up some new tea mugs. Free to visit.
Ewenny Pottery, Ewenny Rd, Ewenny, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, CF35 5AP. www.ewennypottery.co.uk
Premier Inn Bridgend Central, The Derwen, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, CF32 9ST. 3.5 miles
Not just one, but half-a-dozen markets peddle their multifarious wares under the banner of the popular Abergavenny Market. The thrice-weekly general market sells typical fare, from food and fashion to flowers and plants, while regular specialist markets deal in arts, crafts, antiques, bric-a-brac and other curiosities. Foodie aficionados in search of the freshest local products and delicious delicacies will love the monthly farmers’ market.
Abergavenny Market, 61 Cross St, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5EH. www.abergavennynow.com
Premier Inn Abergavenny, Westgate, Llanfoist, Abergavenny, NP7 9LH. 1 mile
This rural lifestyle village offers visitors a shopping and dining experience plus fun things to do for kids. The emphasis is on the craft side of things, from fashion to furniture, while the Barn restaurant and the Pear Tree Crêperie are a cut above average. Little ones will love the Green Fairy woodland trail.
Heart of the Country Shopping Village, A38 South, Swinfen, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9QR. www.heartofthecountryvillage.com
Premier Inn Cannock South, Watling St, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SJ. 10.3 miles
Within the historic streets and arcades of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, you’ll find bars, cafés, art galleries, designer and vintage shops as well as Bennetts, the city’s independent department store, which dates back to 1734. The area also hosts folk and beer festivals and regular farmers markets.
Cathedral Quarter, Derby, DE1 3AF. www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk
Premier Inn Derby City Centre (Cathedral Quarter), Full St, Derby, Derbyshire,
From Apple to Zara with mothership John Lewis in between, Highcross Leicester boasts 100-plus stores for you to splash the cash in. Wind down with a flick at the 12-screen cinema, before ending your day in one of its numerous restaurants, including Bill’s, Carluccio’s and Wagamama.
Highcross Leicester, 5 Shires Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 4AN. www.highcrossleicester.com
Premier Inn Leicester South (Oadby), Glen Rise, Oadby, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 4RG. 5.5 miles
Make sure you give yourself lots of time to visit this unusual shopping centre. Its selection of over 140 independent shops, stalls, cafés and even a brewery provides plenty to explore and buy.
Emporium of Christchurch, Avon Works, 1B Bridge St, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1DY. www.emporiumofchristchurch.co.uk
Premier Inn Christchurch West, Barrack Rd, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2BN. 1 mile
Just a 30-minute drive from Newquay, Padstow is often referred to as Padstein because of chef Rick Stein’s numerous eateries here. The quaint fishing port is the start and end of the Camel cycle trail, but it’s also one of the loveliest places for independent shopping in the south-west, with small galleries and boutiques around Duke Street.
Padstow, PL28 8AB, Cornwall. www.padstowlive.com
Premier Inn Newquay (A30/Fraddon), Penhale Fraddon, St Columb Major, Newquay, Cornwall, TR9 6NA. 13 miles
Frome is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, as this steep, cobbled street packed with quirky indie shops demonstrates. You’ll find vintage clothes and furniture, fashion and interiors, jewellery, sewing and knitting shops, herbalists, florists, cafés and even a vinyl record store.
Catherine Hill, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BZ. www.stcatherines-frome.co.uk
Premier Inn Frome, Commerce Park, Jenson Avenue, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2LD. 2.5 miles
If the quaint cobblestone streets seem a little familiar, that’s because Gandy Street served as JK Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley (she spent three years as a student at Exeter University). While it does not, alas, boast a Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop, there’s still a hint of magic about the treasure-trove of independent boutiques selling jewellery, apparel, accessories, gifts and more. Chocolate maker Chococo (No 22) is definitely worth a pit stop.
Gandy Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS. gandystreetexeter.com/shops
Premier Inn Exeter Central (St David’s), Bonhay Rd, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4BG. 0.7 miles
From the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, from vibrant cities to the wilds of Wales, find what you’re looking for in Premier Inn’s brand new UK One Great Thing guide. Whatever your idea of the perfect weekend away is, you’ll find it here.
