What are some good towns/cities/places to go Christmas shopping?

C_J
C_J Posts: 3,039 Forumite
Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
in Special occasions & other celebrations
Hello everyone!

Every year, my husband and I have a day out together in early December(without the kids) and go off somewhere Christmas shopping. Of course, by that stage I've pretty much finished all *my* shopping, but it's nice to have a day with just-the-two-of-us. We live in central south England and will travel up to two hours in any direction - we like places which have something a bit more interesting than just all the usual big retail stores (well, when you've seen one Boots/Currys/Debenhams/Starbucks, you've seen 'em all, haven't you?!), and prefer places which also have some little independent gift shops or good markets. Also a good coffee stop, for break time!

In the past we've tried Cheltenham, Reading, Southampton, Milton Keynes, Bath, Gloucester and Birmingham.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good shopping location for this year's jaunt? What's your town like? Where do *you* go when you fancy trying somewhere different? All recommendations warmly received :)

Thanks!
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Comments

  • gooismeid
    gooismeid Posts: 283 Forumite
    Try Manchester, 2 hours from London on the train nowadays. The Christmas market there has expanded beyond all recognition in the past few years and the atmosphere is just brilliant. I get my yearly fix of gluhwein and bratwurst there and there are loads of stalls selling interesting food and Christmas decorations and small gifts. Plus there are lots of places in Manchester with interesting shops outside of the normal chains - like oriental knicknacks in Chinatown, or posh designer stuff in King Street and the Triangle (which used to be the Corn Exchange), or crafty stuff in the Northern Quarter, or "alternative" things in Affleck's Palace and around Oldham Street. A good coffee stop is Starbucks in St. Anns Square (sofas in the basement and no pressure to finish off your coffee quickly) or for an independent one, either branch of Love Saves the Day on Deansgate or Thomas St in the Northern Quarter. http://www.lovesavestheday.com/love/?view=menus
    Have fun and a merry Yule to you wherever you decide to go.
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  • haylibo
    haylibo Posts: 1,004 Forumite
    Oxford is my favourite for sheer prettiness. Nice atmosphere too and good train links.

    Hayles
  • wannabe_a_mum
    wannabe_a_mum Posts: 274 Forumite
    Every year, my friend and I meet up to go SALE shopping somewhere. We're both originally from Gloucester, but I now live in Preston.
    We usually go to Birmingham/Bristol/Cardiff/Cheltenham

    I also like Hereford - but granted it's not exactly a "BIG" place........
  • LuciferTDark
    LuciferTDark Posts: 1,525 Forumite
    You could try Peterborough, the Queensgate centre is a good place to spend some time wandering about, loads of shops outside too, a continental market will be back outside next week or so, plus there's a temporary ice rink in the cathedral square for Christmas ( they switch the christmas lights on tomorrow), railway station a short walk away & the bus station is under the centre. Also theres a huge carpark attached to the centre which has quite a reasonable charge £1.10 for the first 2 hours then it goes up by 50p an hour after that.
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  • threesacrowd
    threesacrowd Posts: 91 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    I think it might be too far but i love botany bay its fantastic for extra special craft gifts and if you look on the website you might get a better idea of whats available. also love the days gone by section which is on another sight but is full of antiques.
    another favorite is cheshire oaks outlet which has all the big names, but also has a few specialist stores.
    freeport at fleetwood is ok as well.
    i think you can tell i love shopping:T
  • louidog
    louidog Posts: 517 Forumite
    CJ that is a really nice idea :D
    I am watching this thread now to see what suggestions are made....might just take hubby out on a similar day out shopping too!
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  • financegirl
    financegirl Posts: 265 Forumite
    Winchester!!

    It's lovely, very quaint and worth having a nosey around one of the most expensive places to live in the UK. It's very charming and quaint.

    They also have a fab Xmas market - www.winchesterchristmasmarket.co.uk

    It takes me about an hour and half to drive there from Luton.
  • kitchpoo
    kitchpoo Posts: 1,255 Forumite
    Norwich! 2 Malls and a riverside shopping area and an oldy worldy bit......granted, it is a bit of a drive but good shopping!
    Praying at the church of MSE should be compulsory!

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  • poppett
    poppett Posts: 897 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    If you can get away for the day and possibly the evening how about trying Worcester between the 29th Nov - 2 Dec as they are holding their annual Victorian Christmas Fayre. I come from Worcester and miss popping down there now I've moved away.
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  • thrifty_sue
    thrifty_sue Posts: 59 Forumite
    What about Brighton? We have the lanes here, which have lots of interesting shops.
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