Whether you’re refreshing your style, hunting for a unique antique, or searching for a special gift, the UK is brimming with some of the best shopping in Europe. From sleek shopping centres to charming, cobbled streets, many cities promise hours of retail therapy. Catch a train with CrossCountry and explore the best cities for shopping in the UK.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is not only delightfully picturesque but also a haven for shopaholics. You can easily get lost in the cobbled streets, finding local businesses, designer brands, and high-street favourites along the way. From the award-winning Golden Hare Books to Jenner, one of the world's oldest department stores, Edinburgh makes shopping a delight.
For a boutique day out, head to Stockbridge, a gorgeous little neighbourhood just a short walk from the city centre. Known for its independent shops, artisan delis, and vintage clothing, it’s one of the best things to do in Edinburgh for free. It’s especially worth a visit on a Sunday when you can browse Stockbridge Market for fresh produce and crafts.
Edinburgh Waverley is located in the middle of the city, close to the shops and restaurants, making it perfect to visit by train. With CrossCountry, you can reach Edinburgh from some of the UK’s biggest towns and cities, including Newcastle and Durham.
Manchester
Shopping in Manchester will keep you busy all day. If you're looking for some high street brands, it's best to head to one of the many shopping centres; the Manchester Arndale or The Trafford Centre will supply all your purchasing needs under one roof. If you're looking to buy vintage or from independent retailers, the Northern Quarter is home to some of our favourite small businesses in Manchester.
One of the Northern Quarter’s gems is Afflecks, a legendary indoor market bursting with independent traders, alternative fashion, and unique finds. A treasure trove of the retro, handmade, quirky, and collectable, small businesses like Thunder Egg and Vinyl Resting Place have made Afflecks one of the best shopping destinations in Manchester for decades.
The best train station to access the city centre is Manchester Piccadilly, and with CrossCountry, you can visit with ease. Just hop on a train from key locations, such as Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford.
Birmingham
As the second most populous city in England, Birmingham is a hub for eager shoppers all over the country. Packed with department stores, historic markets, and independent retailers, you have everything you need in easy walking distance from Birmingham New Street.
One of the city’s biggest draws is the Bullring, offering everything from high-street staples to luxury brands. Or, if you feel like treating yourself or a loved one to something that sparkles, the Jewellery Quarter is home to some of the UK’s finest jewellers and artisans.
Birmingham’s local and independent shops are plenty, tucked away in arcades and flourishing on the high streets. Wander through the beautifully designed Great Western Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade, where you'll find clothes, coffee, and gift shops galore. The city is the perfect destination to get your hands on handcrafted goods, stylish fashion, or one-of-a-kind gifts - why not explore the best of Birmingham’s small businesses?
Leeds
No matter your style, shopping in Leeds will provide fantastic retail therapy for all. For a journey into the past, take a trip to Kirkgate Quarter, home to the first ever Marks and Spencer. A lot has changed since the doors first opened in 1857, but the market is still home to over 800 bustling stalls ready for business. Another unique shopping experience is the Corn Exchange, Yorkshire's answer to the Colosseum, offering trendy stores and awe-inspiring architecture.
If you’re looking to spend a day here, take a look at our full guide to shopping in Leeds for information on the best shopping centres, markets, and food pitstops within walking distance from Leeds station.
Glasgow
The hub for shopping in Glasgow is within 'style mile', where you'll find an array of different shops. If you are planning a trip to Glasgow and want a real feel for the city, head to the West End for streets of independents, vintage stores, and more. If bookstores are your thing, we highly recommend visiting Caledonia Books and Voltaire & Rousseau, which both offer a unique a range of second-hand and antique treasures.
The city centre and West End of Glasgow are both very walkable, making it a perfect place for a day trip. They have cycle hire schemes, as well as a subway system that covers much of the city. To reach Glasgow with CrossCountry, head to Glasgow Central from locations such as Edinburgh Waverley and Motherwell.
Winchester
Winchester in Hampshire was once the ancient capital of England and today boasts layers upon layers of culture and history. Visitors are greeted with a fulfilling shopping experience punctuated more by friendly customer service, quaint streets, and unique finds than by the packed streets you might find in bigger cities. Winchester is one of the smaller cities in the UK so there’s a definite community vibe here.
Twice a month, the city Farmers Market takes place, a splendid offering of all the best produce from around the county. Once your tote bag is stuffed with fresh goodies, wander through the streets, popping into boutique shops, big-name stores, and cosy cafés along the way.
Winchester is a fantastic spot to support small businesses, with over 200 independent shops in the city and surrounding areas. A must-visit is Kingsgate Village, a hidden gem near the historic Kingsgate Arch. Here, you'll find everything from books and prints to artisan gifts, all wrapped up in a charming, historic atmosphere.
Much of Winchester’s shopping options are within easy walking distance of Winchester station, making it a great destination to by train. Catch a train with CrossCountry from a range of locations, including Basingstoke and Southampton Central.
York
Shopping in York is as enchanting as the city itself. Its medieval streets have seen centuries of footfall, and today, they hum with the same lively chatter of a thriving city, with people from all over the world popping in and out of boutique shops, cafes, bookshops, and record stores.
You haven’t properly experienced York without visiting the Shambles, a narrow lane with the facades of Tudor buildings jutting out into the street. The whole experience feels like stepping back in time and there’s so much to discover within its quaint, rickety buildings. One great spot to visit is the York Ghost Merchants, a welcoming collective of craftspeople honouring the spooky history of York by hand-making hundreds of keepsake ghosts for you to take home.
Another favourite, a few streets up, is The Portal Bookshop. This literary haven specialises in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and LGBTQIA literature from all over the world. Throughout the year, they have plenty of bookish events, including talks, poetry clubs, and philosophy lessons.
York station is about ten minutes walking distance from the city centre. If you’re travelling by train, you can catch a CrossCountry service from locations such as Sheffield and Leeds.
Cardiff
Cardiff city centre is nicely compact and walkable, making it an ideal destination for a day of shopping. It’s home to some great hotspots, like St Davids, one of the largest and best shopping centres in the UK, where you’ll find many of your favourite high street brands and some luxurious labels too. Cardiff Market is the place to go if you’re on the hunt for something a little more unique. The vast Victorian building hosts hundreds of independent vendors, selling everything from candles to prime rib to vintage streetwear – and even a glimpse into your future!
Cardiff has many ornate arcades, one of which is the Royal Arcade, home to Wally’s Delicatessen. Wally’s Deli and Coffee House has been a beloved mainstay in Cardiff since 1981 and its incredible selection of international food and drink, enticing herbs and spices, and beautifully curated hampers make it a magnet for any shopper. It’s also a great place to enjoy a coffee and meet with friends.
Cardiff Central is located right in the city centre, making it a convenient place to travel by train. CrossCountry services routes to Cardiff from key locations, like Birmingham New Street, Nottingham, and, with our Three Nations Connect Service, as far as Edinburgh Waverley.
London
Shopping in London needs no introduction, it’s not just one of the best cities for shopping in the UK, but one of the best in the world. Visiting all the retail spots in London will take a while, so if you’re short on time, it’s best to plan your trip. We recommend visiting Portobello Road, the site of the world’s most famous market with hundreds of vendors selling an array of collectables.
Alternatively, head to Shoreditch in East London, a vibrant part of the city and home to Brick Lane, a paradise for the fashionistas and bargain hunters. For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Oxford Street, where thousands flock daily to browse the flagship stores of their favourite brands. Whether you’re searching for luxury in Harrod’s or embracing your inner child in Hamley’s, you’re guaranteed to love shopping in London.
If you’re planning a trip to any of these good shopping cities, whether for a spontaneous day out or for your Christmas shopping, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
- Author:
- Julia
- Category:
- Days Out UK
- Tags: