Shopping

From the boutiques of King Street and the designer fashion stores of Spinningfields, to the high-street cornucopia of the Manchester Arndale and the hipster shops of the Northern Quarter, Manchester has a cure for every strain of retail fever.

Market Street is the very definition of the modern British high street and a good starting point for any shopping trip. Alongside Market Street is Manchester Arndale, home to over 240 stores with high street favourites such as Next and Topshop. Nearby, St Ann’s Square and neighbouring Deansgate feature British brands such as Molton Brown and Fat Face and also Manchester’s oldest department store, House of Fraser.

On New Cathedral Street and Exchange Square are two of the UK’s biggest premium department stores, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols which offer high-end fashion, beauty and dining across the most exclusive designer brands. In nearby Spinningfields, you’ll find The Avenue’s catwalk of luxury stores, bars and restaurants where footballers are often seen shopping, dining and partying.

The Northern Quarter is the bohemian district which embodies Manchester’s creative diversity, with a labyrinth of quirky shops, bars, independent galleries and eateries. Oklahoma is a great place for finding original gifts and one of the most interesting spots is Manchester Craft and Design Centre, which is set in a converted Victorian fish market and features jewellery, ceramics, textiles and clothing direct from the designers.  Situated on Tib Street is the famous Afflecks Palace, a totem of indie commerce, offering everything from top hats to tattoos.

Just 20 minutes outside Manchester city centre, intu Trafford Centre offers an unrivalled experience for group travel. As well as a fabulous selection of stores and 60 restaurants and cafes, the Centre also provides special offers for group visits. Also located there is Laser Quest, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEALIFE.

Further afield, but still under an hour away is Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet which is the UK’s largest Designer Outlet. It comprises more than 145 boutiques, showcasing a wide range of brands, from athletic labels like Nike and Adidas, to a selection of iconic fashion brands including Burberry, Polo, and Hugo Boss. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes so shoppers can take long leisurely breaks.