Nottingham: Shop, Shop, Shop
Shopping enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Nottingham, rated in the top five UK shopping cities above Manchester and Liverpool its reputation is due to the likes of bustling markets, top shopping malls, some of the biggest department stores in the UK and hand crafted art products. Fashion guru Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Hugo Boss and Kurt Geiger all have stores in the city and any retail addict will be spoilt for choice.
Nottingham has climbed up there as one of the top shopping destinations only in the past few years and is now seen as a capital for fashion. The leading names in haut couture are located in Bridlesmith Gate with a notable assortment of designer outlets alongside exclusive and independent boutiques selling a variety of unusual clothes, gifts and tasteful furnishings.
The multi-ethnic and fairly Bohemian district of Hockley contains an interesting blend of independent retailers and cafes, together with the nearby Lace Market and Sneinton Market. Nottingham's largest shopping centre is Victoria Centre, one of the main indoor shopping centers located just off Shakespeare Street. The Victoria Centre is home to over 100 different shops, including John Lewis and the House of Fraser, and other fashionable shopping destinations in the city comprise of Derby Road and Canning Circus, the Exchange Arcade, Flying Horse Walk, and 80+ stores at the Broadmarsh shopping centre, close to the railway station.
Nottingham is renown for its traditional markets and you can easily pickup a few bargains without trying too hard. In the heart of the city, The Victoria Market is a indoor treasure trove of eclectic items, flowers, lace and clothing, books and specialist food stalls, look out for the delicious local culinary favourite of mushy peas with mint sauce. Food lovers should head to the newly redeveloped Old Market Square on the third Friday and Saturday of every month for the Nottingham Regional Food Market. East Midlands Fine Foods have teamed up with Nottingham City Council to bring specially selected food and drink from local producers to the monthly markets.
A little further out of town is Newark, one of Nottinghamshire's most famous market towns with a traditional street market every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Held in the marketplace overlooked by the impressive Georgian Town Hall you can find an interesting selection of antiques, craft and bric-a-brac markets.
Farmers' markets are held once a month across the county from Nottingham to Mansfield, Newark, Southwell, Wollaton and West Bridgford. You can find all kinds of freshly grown local produce, free range beef, lamb, pork, organic produce, home cured bacon and hams, poultry and eggs, local fruit, vegetables, cheeses, jams and honey, even ice cream and home made cakes.
Nottingham is ideal for those looking for a short break, visiting for the weekend or just staying overnight, experience a trendy city apartment, a tranquil rural retreat, a traditional county cottage or a high quality hostel in the city. Or choose something extra special for your family holiday by travelling around Nottinghamshire on a lavish narrowboat or hire a canalboat to explore the waterways. You could even get a unique taste of real country living by booking a short break at a Farm Stay cottage or country B&B.
