Shopping and fashion
Shopping holidays combine the exhilaration of a city break with the thrill of splashing out on bits and pieces that take your fancy. In other words, they’re brilliant. England’s cities possess a tempting mix of posh department stores, quirky vintage and independent shops and high-street fashion brands that lead the world. Shopping breaks also mean some sightseeing, lunching in fine style and recuperating with a cocktail. Don’t forget to look up: often a city’s shopping district is based in its historic centre where the buildings are as beautiful and awe-inspiring as the shiny goods they house.
Explore the city delights of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter
Meander through Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, with arcades and hidden entrances, luxury hotel, specialist stores and independent retailers.
Location: Derby, Derbyshire
Go shopping medieval-style along The Shambles
Travel back in time along one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets, with cheerful cafés and quirky shops in timber-framed buildings.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Pick up a bargain at Camden's Stables Market
Visit the Stables Market in Camden and pick up affordable vintage fashion, cheap street food and quirky souvenirs – all without breaking the bank.
Location: Camden, Greater London
Saris and jewellery to spices and dining on the Golden Mile
A trip to Leicester isn’t complete without a visit to the Golden Mile.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Uncover hidden treasures in the historic Jewellery Quarter
Explore this creative industrial hub in Birmingham and admire Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Splash your cash in Victoria Leeds
A haven for designer brands, Victoria Leeds is the destination for luxury shopping.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Uncover Newcastle Highbridge Street
A cobbled hideaway off the Georgian grandeur of Grey Street, High Bridge is a must visit to uncover independent shopping and the city’s oldest pub!
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Discover the Lanes and North Laine
The Lanes were originally the centre of the sleepy fishing village of Brighthelmstone.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Seek out special seasonal gifts at historic Greenwich Market
Visit Greenwich Market, at the heart of a World Heritage Site, for stalls selling delightful art, craft, fashion, jewellery, vintage and collectibles.
Location: Greenwich, London
A shopping weekend in Birmingham
Enjoy great shopping and cutting edge art on a break to this buzzing city.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Explore Manchester's markets
Manchester's varied markets are buzzing with independent traders and great bargains.
Location: Manchester
Shop at a market that dates back to Saxon times
The first written record of a market in Norwich is in the 1086 Domesday Book - that’s quite a history of wheeling and dealing.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Rummage for antiques in an old railway station
Those with a passion for all-things vintage will feel at home in Bath, a chic Georgian city bursting with vintage markets and retro shops.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Indulge in all things vintage in York
‘York Does Vintage’ better than anyone else as the city’s affordable vintage fair in Merchant Adventurers’ Hall transports you to bygone eras.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Enjoy a vintage day out browsing Sheffield’s Antiques Quarter
A flea market with 70 stalls of Retro, Vintage, Arts & Crafts (but no fleas) add even more to Sheffield's Antiques Quarter,
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Birmingham's Bullring, books and boutiques
Enjoy contemporary architectural and cultural gems as well as its shopping and nightlife.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Food, fashion and fantastic ales in Leeds
Explore Leeds city centre stopping off along the way to sample the finest local and independent breweries offerings.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Discover Manchester’s bohemian Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter offers a truly alternative experience with its array of unique independent retailers, retro boutiques, cafés and bars.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Enjoy shopping and culture on a city break by the sea
Whether you’re looking for top notch restaurants or bohemian independent shopping, Brighton offers urban glamour by the bucket load.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Shop in style in the beautiful Victoria Quarter
Marvel at this collection of beautifully restored Victorian shopping arcades in Leeds and browse the luxury shops within them.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Enjoy a festive day out to one of Europe's biggest Christmas markets
Wrap up warm and head down to the Manchester Christmas markets this winter to experience a festive array of sights, smells and sounds.
Location: Manchester