What jingles to mind when you think of Christmas time? Peace and goodwill. Sleigh bells and mistletoe. Turkey and stuffing sandwiches. Or, is it the thousands-strong crowds of shoppers desperately searching for bargains in shopping centres, antiques stores, and late-night petrol stations? Avoid that last-minute scramble for Christmas goodies with the Christmas retail cheat sheet from Leonardo Hotels, showing you what’s where and how to get there.
Scotland & Northern Ireland | |
There’s no excuse for missing out on a day of Christmas shopping on your wintery getaway in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Retail centres like Victoria Square in Belfast are perfect for a shopping break, where you can pick up oddments and oversized garments from high-street hipster haven Urban Outfitters to or grab the coveted iPhone X from Apple. | |
Ocean Terminal | Just a 20-minute drive from Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh |
Style Mile | Just a 9-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Glasgow |
Eastgate Shopping Centre | Just a 6-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Inverness |
Victoria Square | Just a 12-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Belfast |
North West | |
The North West is one of the best regions for shopping in the UK, with retail landmarks like the one and only Liverpool ONE bustling right up until Christmas Day. Brave the notorious crowds at one of the most popular Zara stores in Britain or relax with a smooth espresso at Liverpool’s brand-new Nespresso boutique. | |
Arndale | Just an 8-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central |
Liverpool ONE | Just a 12-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Liverpool |
The Trafford Centre | Just a 15-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central |
Chester | An hour train journey from Leonardo Hotel Liverpool |
North East | |
Wrap up warm and head out into the bitter winds of the North East for a comprehensive shopping experience in Newcastle, with upmarket boutiques and quirky flea markets like Grainger Market where you can find unique gifts for everyone. There’re independent stores and acclaimed street food stalls like Sloppy Joe’s, hailed as the best street food in all Newcastle. | |
Grainger Market | Just a 7-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Gateshead |
MetroCentre | Just a 10-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Newcastle |
Midlands & Wales | |
Quality shopping centres are ten for a penny in the Midlands and Wales, with plenty of ultra-popular centres like Meadowhall in Sheffield. World-renowned retailers like All Saints share the streets with cosy Christmas markets, so you can pick up a glitzy New Year’s Eve outfit and a few handmade decorations in one trip. | |
St. David’s | Just a 1-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Cardiff |
The Cornerhouse | Just a 7-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Nottingham |
Meadowhall | An 18-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Sheffield |
London | |
The City can be a daunting place to shop, whether you’re navigating its busy streets or a dynamic shopping centre like Westfield. At this booming retail hub you can kit yourself out for your New Year’s resolution at Adidas or search for some Christmas sparkle at Beaverbrooks. | |
Oxford Street | A 42-minute Train Journey from Leonardo Hotel London Watford |
Regent Street | A 44-minute train journey from Leonardo Hotel London Watford |
Westfield | A 40-minute train journey from Leonardo Hotel London Croydon |
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