The dopamine rush spiked by splurging on shiny new things is a thrill we love to chase. Fortunately, among its many wonders, the United Kingdom has plenty to indulge everyone’s inner shopaholic. Beyond the glitzy streets of Central London, the nation’s towns brim with spoiling promise – from designer boutiques to fast fashion malls, thrift stores, flea markets, and antique haunts, there is something that will surely lure you in for the experience. Read on to discover the best shopping towns in the United Kingdom.
1. Brighton
Brighton, a seaside paradise in the county of East Sussex in England, was among the top five shopping towns in a study conducted by WeThrift. The town hosts 254 designer stores, five flea markets, and 90 charity shops. There are also scores of independent shops selling limited edition vinyls, books, rare jewellery, and vintage wardrobe pieces.
The Lanes, North Laine, and London Road are charming cobble-stoned streets peppered with unique boutiques and thrift stores. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself to boujee brands, head to Churchill Square and Brighton Marina. Given that it’s a coastal town, there’s nothing like a cod and chips break between Brighton shopping sprees.
2. Bristol
Bristol is a small town perched on the banks of the River Avon in southwest England. From independent designer stores to big brands and fashionable vintage joints, there’s plenty to explore in Bristol. According to a report by WeThrift, Bristol is an unexpected shopping haven for those with a taste for life’s finer things, given that it is home to 309 designer stores. Clifton Village, in particular, abounds with designer brands and majestic Georgian architecture, making for a memorably lavish shopping extravaganza.
For pre-loved goods, vintage pieces, and one-of-a-kind hidden gems, stores in Stokes Croft, Gloucester Road, Park Street, and Queens Road are the ideal pit stops. For old-school vibes and historic souvenirs, nothing beats the charm of Old Market. For mainstream brands, you may head to the Mall at Cribbs Causeway or the Bristol Shopping Quarter.
3. Arundel
Tucked away in west Sussex, Arundel is a rich tapestry of Roman history and mediaeval architecture. With its historicity and bucolic allure, the town is a breathtaking shopping getaway. Arundel is packed to capacity with hidden gems and rare finds, ensconced in humble independent stores. It has been rising in popularity as its medley of independent stores “has long attracted ahead-of-the-curve boutique shoppers.”.
If antique markets, artisanal food, quality local produce, quirky art galleries, and independent fashion boutiques appeal to you, escape to Arundel. Locals highly recommend exploring the neighbourhood breweries, the antiques-ridden Tarrant Street, and the Farmers’ Market for a holistic spending spree encompassing everything from vintage clothes to custom jewellery and gourmet food.
4. Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks is a picturesque town situated on the fringes of Kent, a county in England. The affluent town has been adjudged one of the best shopping centres in the country as per a report by Newmark Retail – it has held onto this position since 2022. Full of soul and character, the town brims with endless rows of charity shops and independent clothing emporiums. It also proudly hosts an award-winning bookshop. Notwithstanding everything costing a pretty penny, locals and tourists never cease to flock to Sevenoaks with shopping bags in hand.
From the heart of the city centre, shoppers may meander into the Shambles, Dorset Street, Bank Street, or Brewery Lane to explore a whole new enrapturing land of bespoke goodies – one–off jewellery pieces, flower shops, exceptional clothing boutiques, and quaint cafes line these streets. Holly Bush Lane is another neighbourhood with striking period pieces.
For well-established brands and designer wares, a stroll along the High Street or London Road will furnish you with some stellar pieces.
5. Birmingham
Birmingham is a major city in the western midlands of England, renowned for being the world’s first manufacturing town. Furthermore, it boasts Industrial Revolution-era architecture and landmark sites, testifying to its global appeal. The city has many colossal shopping quarters, all vying for the spotlight.
Bullring and Grand Central is Birmingham’s largest shopping centre, equipped with over 200 shops, three major department stores, and the iconic aluminium Selfridges building. From luxury clothing to designer accessories, home decor, electronics, and groceries, shoppers are pampered with everything they need.
The city’s High Street hosts the world’s largest Primark, a popular clothing store in Europe. The building sprawls an impressive 160,100 square feet, packed to capacity with vogueish apparel. If you walk through a monumetal pair of Mickey Mouse ears, you will find yourself in this Primark's eccentric Disney Cafe.
If you’re yearning for designer gear, the Mailbox is your destination – their timeless labels and avant-garde spa should quench your thirst.
6. Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is a county nestled in the southeastern verdure of England. For exclusive brands, visit the famous Bicester Village, which hosts over 150 stores of highly coveted labels such as Mulberry, The White Company, and Bamford.
Renowned for its utterly unique wares, Oxfordshire hosts countless hidden treasures, such as the Lamb Arcade, a 14th-century inn that houses over 40 antique shops. For fresh produce, vintage goodies, and offbeat finds, Burford, Wallingford, and Covered Market offer an eclectic range of shops that leave visitors spoilt for choice.
7. Cobham
Cobham is a village located in the heart of Surrey, perched on the banks of the River Mole. It has been cited as one of Surrey’s top shopping centres in the Newmark Retail report.
The leafy – and immensely posh – town presents a treasure trove of charity shops and bookstores. The High Street is lined with exclusive clothing boutiques, selling bespoke garments for men, women, and children. Number Six, an independent women’s clothing store, is particularly popular among residents and tourists. Established brands, such as Charlotte Tilbury, have started cropping up in the verdant townscape.
For a cerebral escape, visitors may head to the Cobham Bookshop, which has gained notoriety among bibliophiles for its first-edition titles, atypical finds, and rustic charm.
8. Belfast
As the capital of Northern Ireland and the birthplace of the notorious “unsinkable” RMS Titanic that sank in 1912, Belfast is certainly a recognisable city. Besides its pastoral beauty, the city also abounds with collectibles, recherché wares, and thrifted clothing. St. George’s Market has been a weekend shopping haven since 1604 – this Victorian architectural marvel presents artisanal goods, souvenirs, fresh local produce, and free live concerts.
Trademarket is the hub for contemporary retail splurging, while Smithfield Market and Banana Block offer historically themed souvenirs and other quirky merchandise. Towns in the United Kingdom are sublime shopping destinations in their own right. From posh to pre-loved, the country’s miscellany of shopping districts have you covered. It’s time to flock to one of the United Kingdom’s shopping towns and reset.
