Enjoy the finest in festive shopping!
Need to get your Christmas shopping sorted?
Katie Rowe suggests some of the best places to bag those all-important gifts while soaking up a good dose of festive cheer.
LEEDS
Leeds city centre takes on a Bavarian feel in the run-up to Christmas, when the traditional wooden chalets of the Christkindelmarkt fill Millennium square until december 18. The city’s compact shopping area makes it easy to walk between the designer shops located in the arcades of the Victoria Quarter and the vintage and independent stores in the Corn exchange. And you’ll be spoilt for choice as you stroll around Trinity Leeds shopping centre. There are 120 shops, cafes and restaurants spread over three floors and they’re open in the evening too for any late-night Christmas shoppers.
EXETER
Work your way through the famous brands and independent boutiques of exeter, shopping in the shadow of the medieval cathedral at Princesshay Quarter, which is home to a wide range of high-street favourites. Make time for a mooch along Gandy street, a charming lane just off the High street lined with bijou gift shops such as Moko, independent jewellers like silver Lion, and a selection of wine bars and restaurants, including Hatt’s and John Gandy’s. Continue your retail rambling at the Christmas Market, held on the Cathedral Green until december 18.
NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE is a city gleaming with grand architecture lining its main thoroughfares. Come Christmas time, these handsome icons are given a festive makeover as Grey street and Grainger Town, a distinct shopping quarter famed for both its sweeping Georgian buildings and swish department stores, sparkle with Christmas lights. More yuletide fun comes in the form of the annual Christmas Market, also located in Grainger Town, from december 12 to 18. Browse everything from craft beer to hand-made leather bags and indulge in plenty of festive
CHESTER
THIS historic city dates from the roman period and is home to a charming row of shops with medieval facades. The covered walkways are filled with high street stores and quality boutiques. Along the upper galleries in Watergate street and Bridge street is where you’ll find the independent shops, or try Chester market for some festive bargains. After you’ve purchased presents, treat yourself to a Have someone who’s awkward to buy for? Peel Hotels has plenty of unique gift experiences to enjoy over the Christmas period, including festive afternoon tea at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Leeds and Willy Wonkathemed Christmas party nights at The Caledonian Hotel in Newcastle. For more ideas, go to visitengland.com/xmas.