Christmas: It’s not when you shop it’s where you shop

If you want to maximise your choice but minimise the price you pay, head to one of the many shopping centres in the UK to do all your Christmas shopping under one roof. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or a specific home ware gift you are guaranteed to find what you’re searching for as well as enjoying some fine dining and leisure activities such as bowling or watching a film at an in- built cinema.

North, South, East or West?

If you dread the thought of shopping and even more the journey to get there don’t worry because there is a shopping centre near you that offers everything you need and all under one roof. So grab your list and head to one of the well known shopping centres that are spread throughout the country in most major cities, which are easy to get to and you are sure to leave with everything you need- you will find something for everyone, even for the trickiest of people to buy for.

Bring the fun back into Christmas shopping with a visit to one of the grand shopping centres around Britain. If you live in the north of the country you should find all your shopping requirements at the Metro Centre in Gateshead, Newcastle. With over 330 stores, 50 restaurants and an Odeon cinema, stocked full of designer brands and constantly new retailers popping up all the time this centre truly lives up to its name of being one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. The centre also boasts several department stores including Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and House of Fraser - you are definitely guaranteed to get all your Christmas shopping done here and even pick up a few treats for yourself.

If you want to quench your shopping thirst you should visit Bluewater shopping centre in London. With over 13,000 car parking spaces and located just 2 miles from the M25, getting there couldn’t be easier. With late opening times staying open till 9pm most days you will have plenty of time to shop till you drop. Bluewater has successfully combined retail and leisure to offer a day out destination, with an average guest spending around 3 hours at the shopping centre, and 98% of whom say their visit was highly enjoyable. 

Be at the centre of style at the Bullring, located in the heart of Birmingham. With over 160 of the most imaginative and desirable shops for you to explore and tick off on your shopping list as you pick up all your Christmas gift items. You are guaranteed to find everything you want with great shops such as Selfridges, which is famous for having everything under one roof, but if you are truly spoilt for choice you could always get a Bullring gift card as a present. All you need to do is select the amount, which can be between £5 and £1000, it even comes gift wrapped so you don’t have to do any wrapping.

The Trafford Centre, Manchester is waiting for you to discover the fashion, beauty, fine dining, home ware and much more hidden within. It’s never too soon to start your Christmas shopping so visit the Trafford centre to pick up some Christmas gift bargains from the end of season sales. You could also opt to take full advantage of the Christmas late night opening times, with the store opening on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day.

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Christmas can be an expensive stressful time of the year but if you plan ahead and decide on your destination, that takes some of the stress out of this frantic festive season. Another useful tip is to do some of your shopping online; it’s convenient, safe and quicker and means you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home- you may even be lucky enough to take advantage on an online special offer, which you wouldn’t expect to get from a high street store.

- K.J.N -