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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland had been a dominant power over most part of the world until the past century. Its strong point being the skillful trade that it carries out with the rest of the world, UK holds the global supremacy in terms of export and import of clothing and accessories, food products, paper and other miscellaneous commodities. Situated close to the aesthetic capital of the world; Europe, the United Kingdom has to be a shopper’s paradise if not for the art. So, here is a quick guide to shopping in United Kingdom.

10 Places To Go Shopping In United Kingdom

A vacation always calls for shopping, and when it comes to the UK, you must have an exhaustive list. This covers the best shopping hubs, right from high-end fashion to local street markets.

1. MetroCentre in Gateshead

MetroCentre in Gateshead

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Also known as the intu MetroCentre, the shopping centre sprawling over more than 22,00,000 square feet of land area is situated in Dunston on the southern bank of River Tyne. The shopping cum leisure centre comprises of high-end retail stores as well as over 50 dining options. It also houses a cinema and a bowling alley making it a complete family recreational centre. From the most loved designer brands in the Platinum Mall to top-notch restaurants, the MetroCentre is the largest shopping centre not just in the United Kingdom but the whole of Europe.

Location: intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9YG
What to buy: Unique items from local brands such as The Village and The House of Fraser or fashionable clothes and accessories from Next, Wilco, Coast etc.

Must Read: 10 Top Things To Do In United Kingdom For A Fun-Filled Holiday Experience


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2. The Trafford Centre in Manchester

The Trafford Centre in Manchester

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One of the biggest and busiest malls in the United Kingdom is the Trafford Centre located just a few kilometres outside the Manchester City. The shopping centre also houses a leisure unit consisting of a cinema, an underwater aquarium and a Legoland in its periphery other than the numerous top-end retail stores making it a perfect weekend spot for families.

For some of the best shopping in the United Kingdom, one has to visit the opulent Trafford Centre. Some of the flagship brands such as Selfridges, Pull & Bear are available here along with the other local brands such as Debenhams. It also hosts a number of both food stalls and Michelin star restaurants in its premises. A visit to the shopping centre is definitely going to take up a whole day and leave one exhilarated.

Location: Regent Crescent, Manchester, Lancs, M17 8AA
What to buy: Elegant clothes from the brands like Stradivarius and Khaadi. Ample jewelry options are also available.

3. Portobello Road Market

Road Market

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It is the largest street market in London that sells antique and unique products. From antique clothes to art and furniture, the Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill has it all. It is a perfect day out to those looking for some diversity not just in people but also in terms of food and collectables. The market is open on all days from 8:00 to 18:30 except Sundays. Saturdays are busier with auctions which some may find overwhelming due to the overflowing crowd. On the brighter side, one can bargain in the flea market for vintage clothes and handicrafts. Burgers, muffins and beer are available across many cafes and restaurants in the market.

Location: 73 Lewisham High street, London SE13 5JX, Uk
What to buy: Curios and antique chinaware

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In United Kingdom That’ll Make Your Trip More Classic That You Had Imagined

4. Westfield Stratford City

Westfield Stratford City

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The Westfield Stratford City is the new fashion destination for the elite of East London. Overlooking the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City is an all in one destination for shopping in the United Kingdom suitable for family and friends. A unique feature of this shopping centre is that apart from the bowling alleys, restaurants and bars, it also hosts a magnificent casino called Aspers Casino in its premises. The focal point of the shopping centre is not only the varied number of stores that it houses but also entertainment zones for kids and family.

Location: Olympic Park, Montfichet Road, London E20 1EJ
What to buy: Fashion accessories


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5. Bicester Outlet Village

Bicester Outlet Village

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Located an hour away from Birmingham and London in the town of Bicester, the shopping village s one of the famous outlet shopping centres in the United Kingdom. What can be better than shopping for all the favourite designer brands at a sale price? Bicester Village is a paradise for those looking for a plush experience at a budget. The shopping centre in Oxfordshire also has some interesting and local sightseeing points around the area topped with some fancy cafes and bars. It is often dubbed as the Champs Elysees of London as thousands of people are spotted at any given point of time.

Location: 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester OX26 6WD, UK
What to buy: Designer shoes from Prada, Jimmy Choo and the likes at discounted rates.

Suggested Read: 10 Museums In United Kingdom To Experience The Beauty Of Art, History, And Culture At Its Best!

6. Oxford Street

Oxford Street

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Oxford Street in Westminster has a bit for every kind of shopper. Shopping in London, United Kingdom is never complete without a visit to the busiest shopping street of all times. The street is filled with over 300 shops that sell products from well-known retail stores to local handicrafts. From groceries to home furniture, Oxford Street has it all. The shopping street is open all 7 days of the week from 9.30 to 21:00. It also has quite a few numbers of bars and cafes in the area for shoppers to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink.

Location: Oxford Street, London W18 3AG, UK
What to buy: Electronics and fashion apparel

7. Bluewater Shopping Centre

Bluewater Shopping Centre

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Bluewater Shopping Centre is one of the most visited shopping malls in the United Kingdom. It has a number of theme parks in its premises namely Pirate Cove Adventure Park, Dinotropolis, Gravity Trampoline Park and Sega Activity Zone. It also has an assortment of dining options right from places that specialize in afternoon tea to different kinds of cuisine and confectionaries. It has an ice skating rink and conducts public events frequently.

Location: Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe DA9 9ST, UK
What to buy: Homeware and travel accessories

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8. Cheshire Oak Designer Outlet

Cheshire Oak Designer Outlet

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Located in the Ellesmere Port, one of the busiest outlet shopping centre in the United Kingdom offers up to 60% discount on all the luxury brands all around the year. The shopping outlet is open from 9:00 to 22:00 every day except for Sundays when it closes by 18:00. People can either buy products from brands like Burberry, Dunes, Coach and Pandora or even opt for some personalised gifts from certain brands.

Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK
What to buy: Personalised luxury items

9. The Knightsbridge Estate

The Knightsbridge Estate

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For some of the best shopping in the United Kingdom, one should head to the Knightsbridge Estate. It is an elegant landmark in the Chelsfield Village that still withholds the old charm. Located in the crossroads of Sloane Street and Brompton Road, the Knightsbridge Estate is a sight of beauty just to walk by. It currently hosts seven flagship stores of famous brands such as Tommy Hilfiger. It is the mecca for fashionistas and the estate is open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day.

Location: 51 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW3 1DE
What to buy: Luxury shopping

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10. Brick Lane Market

Brick Lane Market

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Shopping in London, United Kingdom does not always have to be with designer brands and luxury retail stores. This East London market is filled with a variety of food stalls and antique stores. From vintage clothing to second-hand furniture, Brick Lane market excels in selling unique items. It is colourful to stroll through as it is filled with numerous street art. A lot of Bangladeshi and Indian goods are available in the market including vibrantly coloured fabrics, juttis and spices.

Location: 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QR
What to buy: Antique home decor

Further Read: 10 National Parks In United Kingdom That Will Bring You Closer To Nature

Striding through the United Kingdom one can get exhausted seeing the towering palatial structures around. Retail therapy is the perfect antidote for such a holiday. Shopping in the United Kingdom is an experience in itself and is one of the highly recommended activity to do when in the country. So, plan your trip with Travel Triangle and get a dose of shopping therapy on your trip to the United Kingdom.

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Category: Shopping, Things To Do, United Kingdom

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