Shopping in and near Stratford-upon-Avon

Shopping in and around Stratford

With the wide and diverse range of shops shopping in Stratford and the surrounding towns and villages is a pure delight. Whether you wish to visit the markets and many individual shops of ... more

Napoleon called England a 'nation of shopkeepers', but they're also a nation of shoppers! The English love to shop, so join in the national pastime and undergo some serious retail therapy in England's finest stores.

Shops range from high-end, luxury boutiques to very affordable, 'cheap 'n cheerful' chain stores. Every town's 'High Street' will have some great quality shops, some offering local specialities, and others displaying international styles and products.

English fashion is edgy and interesting, and top fashion labels like Burberry or Stella McCartney offer the discerning fashionista an opportunity to buy chic, innovative English designer pieces. If you're not quite at that end of the market, you can see how cutting-edge English style is translated from the catwalk to the high street at good-quality chain stores like Topshop or Dorothy Perkins.

If you don't have much shopping time to squeeze in between your hectic sightseeing itinerary, head to one of England's great department stores like Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser or Selfridges, which offer a range of brands under one roof. Fashion, homeware, beauty products and even excellent food can be purchased at these top-quality stores, which have massive, multi-storied branches in major English cities.

When travelling, it's wonderful to buy products that are exclusive to that country, so you can bring home an authentic and good quality souvenir. England offers many well-known high-quality brands manufactured in specific areas in the country, and speciality shops that offer typically English products.

Shopping in Stoke-on-Trent you'll come across The Potteries, the manufacturers of England's sought-after bone china. You can tour factories, and buy fine tea or dinner services from such famous names as Wedgwood, Spode, Royal Doulton and Moorcroft.

The 'Black Country' of the West Midlands is famous for its excellent crystal - you can purchase a gorgeous, sparkling vase or glass ornament at Royal Warrant Holders Royal Brierley, for instance. Shopping in Nottingham? You won't be dissapointed. The city's most famours product is its delicate lacework and you can buy pretty lace pieces all over the city.

England is a perfect place for antique enthusiasts. If you're hunting for a rare piece, head to the smaller villages, where many of the best antique shops are found. Alternatively, make a trip to one of England's world-renowned auction houses.

If you're a shopaholic, shopping in London's various shopping districts will leave you as giddy as 'n kid in a candy store. The city is renowned for its busy, brightly-lit shopping streets, luxury boutiques and huge chainstores.

Always crowded and bustling with tourists and Londoners alike, the city's most famous shopping area is Oxford Street. Situated at the heart of the city's West End, where most of the main clothing and souvenir shops are concentrated, this is what shopping in London is all about.

Vibrant Covent Garden is full of street markets, trendy cafes, and small boutiques while Tottenham Court Road is the best place for electronics. Head to Charing Cross Road if you're a book-lover: not only does it have large mainstream bookshops, it's also the home of amazing rare, second-hand and specialist book shops.

Shopping in London, a stopover at Harrods is non-negotiable. Located in Knightsbridge, this exclusive departement store opened its doors in 1849 and has become world-renowned as a synonym for luxury retail. Even if it's just a small Harrods London bus, or some special Harrods tea, it's great to bring home a souvenir from this famous store.

If you're travelling with children, you won't want to miss the incredible toy shop, Hamleys, on Regent Street. All the latest toy gadgets are available, and kids will be amazed at the variety of games and stuffed toys available.

Many of the other large cities in England have excellent shopping districts and large shopping malls. Manchester has brilliant shopping areas, with everything from interesting record shops to vintage clothing and designer labels. One of the great things about shopping in Manchester is that it's easy to walk everywhere, and if you get tired, you can always stop for a bite at one of the city's top-class restaurants.

You'll find it hard to stay away from England's excellent selection of shops. Put on your most comfortable (yet fashionable) shoes, and shop until you drop!