Brighton
Brighton is the epitome of a modern European city, with diversity and creativity flowing through its very core. Ask any local and they will tell you about its many festivals and museums, as well as its rich nightlife, comedy and theatre venues. Away from that however, lies a hotbed of independent shops featuring a selection of high-street and designer options that will keep you coming back for more.
The historic Brighton Lanes are a shopper’s paradise of independent shops and boutiques, all set amongst a maze of twisting alleyways. Lose yourself in the many quaint shops and discover antiques, jewellery and specialist contemporary and designer boutique fashion.
If your taste is more traditional, you can find big-name stores in Churchill Square. This modern shopping centre offers the very best in high-street shopping, making this the go-to destination for those serious shoppers who don’t have time to mess around!
For a weekend shopping break in Brighton there’s no more suitable option than the Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel. Make the most of the seaside town with a stay in this beautiful Grade II listed Victorian hotel – book a room with a view and sink into a comfortable bed after a busy day on your feet.
Newcastle
The North East city of Newcastle upon Tyne is an absolute shopper’s paradise and home to two of the largest shopping centres in the UK. For international brands, designer labels and high-street favourites, Newcastle’s offering is unparalleled.
The intu Eldon Square is one of the UK’s largest city-centre shopping destinations which, similarly to its Mancunian counterpart, boasts a huge variation of tempting restaurants and cafés, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when the time comes to take a load off. It’s also home to over 150 high-street names and department stores, so you’re more than likely to find just what you’re looking for.
On the bank of the River Tyne lies Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure centre, the intu Metrocentre. This is a must-visit destination for serious and seasonal shoppers alike; the blend of unbeatable exceptional shopping and dining surpass expectations. Alongside retail favourites, the intu Metrocentre benefits from an exclusive aspirational retail experience – Platinum Mall, where designer brands can be found in a designer setting.
With so much on offer, you might want to consider extending your shopping break in Newcastle to last a little longer; the Mercure Newcastle George Washington Hotel serves as the perfect base. Combine retail-therapy with luxurious spa treatments or even a round of golf – this hotel is home to an 18-hole championship course.
Manchester
The red-bricked streets of Manchester’s industrial roots are host to a multitude of retail districts and shopping centres. Founded in 1998, the intu Trafford Centre has been changing the landscape of shopping, offering visitors designer and high-street brand deals in addition to plenty of dining options, a cinema, arcade and even a miniature golf course. Moreover, the intu Trafford Centre is home to Barton Square, a dream destination for interior design enthusiasts.
If your taste is more eclectic, you can find a myriad of independent shops in the boutique districts around King Street, Spinningfields and New Cathedral Street. If you’re looking for something completely unique, Manchester’s alternative and creative heart, The Northern Quarter, is home to countless vintage and independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.
If your shopping trip to Manchester warrants a full weekend break, you’ll want to find a relaxing hotel for retreat at the end of the day. The Novotel Manchester Centre is conveniently located among the bustling streets of the city. Alternatively, the ibis Manchester Centre on Portland Street has a fantastic restaurant, Chill #96, which serves speciality cocktails, artisan tea and coffee and locally sourced produce in a fashionable environment.
Wherever you choose for your weekend shopping break, with so much on offer in the UK you’re unlikely to leave feeling disappointed. For hotel options in major cities all across Britain, look no further than Accor Hotels, your one-stop-shop for destinations across the UK.
