Christmas can be a stressful time, especially if you have left your Christmas shopping to the last minute. These days the post can be unreliable and waiting for an on-line delivery can sometimes take weeks. To help you with your shopping here are the best towns in the united kingdom (whether you are just visiting or a local) to head out to this year. If you get there early you might even bag yourself a few bargains!
1. Manchester - The cool Northern city of Manchester is a fantastic shopping destination. It's network of streets are crammed full of small niche retailers, vintage boutiques and shabby chic/boho stores - many with an original Mancunian style. The Arndale Centre is great for mainstream shops, the Northern Quarter offers more bohemian shops and shoppers head for the Castlefield area for more sleek and stylish offerings. Perfect if you're stuck for Christmas shopping ideas - just remember to pack the umbrella!
2. Brighton - The small seaside city of Brighton and Hove is another shoppers paradise. The wide range of shops offer everything from chic boutiques and contemporary unique fashions to antiques, original art and stylish jewellery. Head for the famous North and South Laines for more trendier offerings, vegetarian food outlets and vintage kitsch. Designer outlet store bargains can be found in Brighton Marina and the big high street name stores are located in Churchill Square shopping centre.
3. Bath - The enchanting Roman spa city of Bath is the quintessential Christmas shopping destination. Bath is well known for its Georgian streets, Roman baths and historical abbey, and here even the most discerning shopper is well catered for. Bath offers all the usual high street retailers, a great selection of independent stores, trendy boutiques and a very popular seasonal market.
4. Cardiff - The friendly city of Cardiff is now one of the best shopping locations in the country thanks to the new St. David's shopping centre 675million extension. Every major store is represented in the impressive 'St.David's 2' development but if it's more intimate shopping you are after try the charming Morgan and Castle shopping arcades, still with their Victorian and Edwardian features.
5. Newcastle - The northern town of Newcastle is home to one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. The popular 'Metrocentre' is a fantastic place to shop especially during the week so you avoid the large crowds! Home to numerous independent stores and high street stores you will have plenty to choose from. For more unusual gift ideas try Newcastle's art and craft market held every weekend.
1. Manchester - The cool Northern city of Manchester is a fantastic shopping destination. It's network of streets are crammed full of small niche retailers, vintage boutiques and shabby chic/boho stores - many with an original Mancunian style. The Arndale Centre is great for mainstream shops, the Northern Quarter offers more bohemian shops and shoppers head for the Castlefield area for more sleek and stylish offerings. Perfect if you're stuck for Christmas shopping ideas - just remember to pack the umbrella!
2. Brighton - The small seaside city of Brighton and Hove is another shoppers paradise. The wide range of shops offer everything from chic boutiques and contemporary unique fashions to antiques, original art and stylish jewellery. Head for the famous North and South Laines for more trendier offerings, vegetarian food outlets and vintage kitsch. Designer outlet store bargains can be found in Brighton Marina and the big high street name stores are located in Churchill Square shopping centre.
3. Bath - The enchanting Roman spa city of Bath is the quintessential Christmas shopping destination. Bath is well known for its Georgian streets, Roman baths and historical abbey, and here even the most discerning shopper is well catered for. Bath offers all the usual high street retailers, a great selection of independent stores, trendy boutiques and a very popular seasonal market.
4. Cardiff - The friendly city of Cardiff is now one of the best shopping locations in the country thanks to the new St. David's shopping centre 675million extension. Every major store is represented in the impressive 'St.David's 2' development but if it's more intimate shopping you are after try the charming Morgan and Castle shopping arcades, still with their Victorian and Edwardian features.
5. Newcastle - The northern town of Newcastle is home to one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. The popular 'Metrocentre' is a fantastic place to shop especially during the week so you avoid the large crowds! Home to numerous independent stores and high street stores you will have plenty to choose from. For more unusual gift ideas try Newcastle's art and craft market held every weekend.
About the Author:
Take a look at Becky Padmore's Uk travel breaks website for more tips on holidays in the Peak District, and a shopping guide to Buxton.
