5 Incredible Shopping Centres in The UK

Planning your next shopping trip? How exciting! And what’s especially thrilling is how many amazing shopping centres we have scattered across the UK, each serving up the very best of British retail in physical form. 

Whether you’re based in the Scottish highlands or lively cities across England, you’re never too far from shopping centres that satisfy retail display cravings. 

Below, we have taken a closer look at just five of the very best. 

Westfield, London

Since 2008, the Westfield Shopping Centre in London has proudly served as the capital’s largest retail space.

At the heart of this centre is John Lewis, Mark & Spencer and House of Fraser – iconic British brands that provide the foundation for the ultimate quality shopping experience.

Shoppers can also explore a luxury retail space, with the likes of Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Versace just some of the extravagant brands available. 

Upon opening, around two million people paid a visit within the first few weeks, and in 2011, the Westfield brand opened another London-based centre at Stratford, just in time for the Olympic games taking place the following year. 

Metrocentre, Gateshead

Boasting almost four decades worth of heritage, the Metrocentre in the North East has become the second largest retail space in the UK, with more than 300 different shops. 

Property Manager, Sir John Hall, was the chief pioneer for this centre, who originally purchased the land for £100,000 during the 1970s, and during 1986, the very first developments took place. 

There are five primary malls which make up this centre, and much like Westfield, some of the stores help anchor the building, which here includes the likes of TK Maxx, Primark and Next. 

Bluewater Shopping Centre, London 

Just before the new millennium landed, shopaholics were treated to the grandiose shopping centre, Bluewater. 

Its architectural majesty was realised by Eric Kuhne, who helped formulate plans for a triangle of malls, named Thames Walk, Guildhall and Rose Gallery, with curved glass forming the basis for their roofs, giving the centre consistent streams of natural light. 

Now that both Westfield Centres have risen the retail ranks, Bluewater is constantly going through expansion and re-developments to enhance customer experience and to ensure contemporary offerings are available to every type of customer.

Trafford Centre, Manchester

Easily accessible for most of the country, the Trafford Centre in Manchester welcomes upwards of 35 million visitors every single year. 

Away from retail, the centre is also known for housing the most profitable Cinema in the country, as well as the largest food court in Europe, offering 31 bars, restaurants and cafes. 

St James Quarter, Edinburgh 

In more recent times, the St James Quarter Centre was opened in Edinburgh, Scotland during 2021. 

Based on 850,00 square feet, this retail space occupies 80 units, along with a food hall, W Hotel and Everyman Cinema. 

Harness The Power of Retail With Impulse 

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