Shopping in Britain

High Street

Britain's High Street shopping is without a doubt second to none. In any town centre in Britain, you'll find great high street shops selling the latest designer-inspired clothes at affordable prices.

Don't miss:

Oxford Street, London

Europe's largest high street with over 300 shops that mostly include international chain stores. It's also home to lots of department stores, none more famous than Selfridges. You'll also find the world's largest Topshop store here - 4 floors of great high-street clothes, including a line designed by Kate Moss.

Kensington High Street, London

One of West London's most popular shopping streets. It was home to the iconic Biba store in the 1960s and 1970s, and today you can find the best high street stores around. It's also home to Kensington Palace and Kensington Roof Gardens (www.roofgardens.com/home_flash/) - Europe's largest roof gardens, which have fountains, flamingos, a restaurant and over 500 species of plants.

Market Street, Manchester

An entirely pedestrianised high street in Manchester's town centre. Its great high street shops, street traders and entertainers mean it's always busy. On Market Street, you'll also find the Ardale Centre, an indoor shopping centre, Britain's largest city-centre shopping mall.

North Laine, Brighton

Home to over 300 unique boutiques in less than half a square mile. A bohemian bustle of criss-cross streets, this is the cultural quarter of the seaside city. A real mix of the ethnic, exotic and funky, here you can find anything from vintage clothing to vegetarian shoes.

The Rows, Chester

Chester's Rows 21st century shopping takes place in a medieval setting. Behind the historic façades of the black and white buildings, you'll discover over 1,000 shops from high-street brands to designer boutiques. This entirely pedestrianised area of the city is one of the most beautiful shopping spots in Britain.

Designer

If you've got a bit of money to spend, you'll find the perfect place to spend it in our designer stores. Here are a couple of our favourites:

New Bond Street, London

If you like exclusive brands, New Bond Street is for you. Rub shoulders with celebrities while you enjoy the best designer shopping in London. In addition to smart boutiques, you'll find the exclusive Fenwick department store. It's also, a great street for window-shopping if you're on a tighter budget.

King's Road, London

King's Road in West London really mixes it up. Set in the affluent area of Chelsea, it's a great place to celebrity-spot while you shop. You'll find designer stores, independent boutiques, antiques and speciality interior design and home furnishing stores. Kings Road is also the perfect spot to sit in a street side café and watch the world go by.

Westbourne Grove, London

In the heart of Notting Hill, and just 2 minutes from the famous Portobello Road, you'll find Westbourne Grove. It's home to some of London's best designer boutiques selling everything from bags and shoes to maternity wear. There are also art galleries, florists and great food stores.

Department stores

There's something about department stores that transports you right back to the 1950's. The perfume halls, the make-up counters, the music in the lifts… if you're looking for everything under one roof - from haute couture to high street - you'll find it at one of our great department stores.

Don't miss:

Selfridges

The original Selfridges on London's Oxford Street celebrates its 100th birthday this year. There are also stores in Birmingham and Manchester, so you can shop in style wherever you are.

Harrods

You might need to save up your pennies if you plan to shop in Harrods. Situated in Knightsbridge in West London, you'll find everything from the finest cakes to the cutest puppies here. And if you can't afford it, wait for the Harrods January sale.

Harvey Nichols

A stones throw from Harrods, you'll find another great department store. You'll find 8 floors of fashion, beauty, food and homeware at this shopper's heaven. There are also stores in Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

Debenhams

Situated on London's Oxford Street, Debenhams is 5 floors of beauty, fragrance, high street and designer clothing, and homeware. British designers Betty Jackson, Matthew Williamson, Julien Macdonald and FrostFrench have all designed exclusive lines for the store.

Markets

Whether you're looking for that perfect vintage dress or some great hand-made jewellery, there are markets all over Britain where you can find almost anything for a great price. Here are a few of our favourites:

Don't miss:

Portobello Road Market

As well as being home to the world's largest antique market, Portobello Road Market is a haven for all things vintage. Hundreds of stalls selling antiques, fresh food, clothes, art and much more line the road from Notting Hill to Ladbroke Grove in West London. Some stalls are open every day, but the best market day is Saturday.

Camden Market

Situated on the Regents Canal, Camden Market is one of London's top visitor attractions. Home to the city's punk and alternative scene, the market is a great mix of clothes, art, music, gifts and much more. And don't miss the food - there's something from every corner of the world.

Spitalfields Market

You'll find Spitalfields Market just outside the City in London's East End. Art galleries, craft shops, vintage fashion stalls, fashion boutiques, health and beauty stalls and shops, furniture and interior design shops, and market stalls selling antiques of all sorts are open 7 days a week, but Sunday is the best market day. There's also an International Food Village, where dishes range from a Viennese Hungarian to a Lebanese Syrian Organic Café.

Quiggins

This alternative market in Liverpool is one of the city’s shopping institutions. Open 7 days a week, it’s home to around 50 stalls where you’ll find everything from fancy dress costumes and wigs to exquisite vintage period dresses.

Manchester Fashion Market

This Manchester market is the first dedicated fashion market in the North West. The stalls sell a wide variety of unique creations from budding local designers including bespoke jewellery, handbags and purses as well as one-off designer outfits. Whether you want a gift for a friend, a ubiquitous little black dress or a quirky accessory, you'll find it here.