OK, so here’s the thing. Whilst we highly recommend you do your Christmas shopping in Braintree and Chelmsford Quadrant (Everything you need under one roof! Contributions made to local good causes and charities! Earn divi at the same time!), we know that shopping locally at that time of year isn’t fun. You can’t even get near Lakeside or Freeport due to traffic… So why not escape Essex altogether, and combine your Christmas shopping with a wonderful little UK city break?

Here’s our favourite 5 UK cities for Christmas shopping (and London doesn’t make the cut):

1. Brighton

It gets a little overlooked outside of the summer months, but Brighton easily offers the best Christmas shopping on the south coast. The Lanes are well-known for showcasing small independent businesses (which we love), and for finding something a little different and quirky.
Great for vintage fashions, antiques and jewellery.

2. York

Perfect any time of year, York is friendly and compact, allowing you to see some of the sights whilst getting your shop on. Everything you may want will be covered, with big brands, designer names, niche boutiques and a discount Outlet just outside the city. There’s even a year-round Christmas shop!
Great for combined shopping and sight-seeing.

3. Manchester

Not only the ‘home’ of the co-operative movement, you’ll also find all the essential chain stores and an outdoor Christmas market in Manchester centre. The Trafford Centre is huge and worthy of a full day of shopping in itself, there’s countless bars and coffee-shops, and you can pop to the Imax for a well deserved bit of me-time when you’re done.
Great for mixing entertainment with your shopping.

4. Birmingham

The ‘second city’ of the UK, Birmingham is home to two fantastic shopping centres that will ensure everything is crossed off your list in the quickest time possible. Head to the famous Bullring for a shopping experience quite unlike any other, or – if you want it a little quieter – The Mailbox offers a wonderful alternative.
Great for getting it all done quickly.

5. Edinburgh

An ideal destination for every Christmas Shopper, Edinburgh has some of the best and most beloved shopping streets in the UK. Cockburn Street for unique and alternative gifts, Princes Street for fashion and department stores, Georges Street for bars and restaurants. A fabulous city to visit in its own right, you’ll have plenty of ways to make your Christmas shopping getaway unforgettable.
Great for a quality city break in its own right.

Willing to head overseas for your Christmas shopping? Then why not try…

Paris

OK, so Paris is just as crowded as London, but you can’t deny it offers something a little special, especially in the run up to Christmas. Full of big names and little boutiques, you’ll have all sorts of unique extra-special gifts for loved ones at your finger-tips. Plus, it’ll be a perfect treat for you too! Just imagine, wrapped up in your cosiest coat, breathing in the crisp winter air as you stroll with a loved one down the boulevards… bliss.
Great for posh labels, and a gift to yourself.

Contact us now and tell us your ideal Christmas city-break, and we’ll make it happen!