Christmas shopping, It’s December already! Don’t you think that the weeks and months just fly by and before you know it we are almost upon Christmas again?
Are you worried that you still have so much Christmas shopping to do and only a few weeks left to do it?
Why not combine a Christmas shopping trip with a motorhome holiday? You can enjoy a nice relaxing break in a motorhome and while you were away pop to get your Christmas shopping done. Your first reaction may be that how on earth am I going to park a motorhome in a city near to Christmas? The answer is that the sites that we recommend are all selected because they have either a bus, train or reasonably priced taxi ride in to the city you are visiting. You park the motorhome on the campsite and don’t need to move it again until you go home, unless you want to of course.
If you like the sound of this take a look at the motorhomes that we have available for hire.
We have several cities that we would recommend for shopping:
Bristol
Bristol has a newly developed shopping area called Cabot Circus. Cabot Circus has over 90 stylish shops for you to explore including Apple, Harvey Nichols, Joules, and Zara.
You will find plenty of shops there to complete your Christmas shopping.
Also in Bristol you will find other shopping areas that are well worth a visit. These include, Clifton Village, Old Market, Park Street and the Triangle, Broadmead and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.
While you are there why not explore the city as well as shop? Bristol is the city of bridges, balloons, boats, bikes and Banksy.
There is lots to do in Bristol whether you are looking to entertain the whole family, or just enjoy a romantic break for two.
Famous things to do in Bristol include:
Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, Bristol Balloon Fiesta (a Summer event, not for while you are Christmas shopping), and Banksy street art tours.
More ideas of what you can do in Bristol when you’re not shopping ’til you drop.
http://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do
Motorhome Hire UK
Manchester
If you choose to do your Christmas shopping in Manchester you will not be disappointed. There are countless shops all waiting to be expolred. You could shop in Manchester Arndale, which is the city centre main shopping area.
Or you may wish to visit the UK’s first and largest designer outlet, Cheshire Oaks, allow plenty of time for this, I have been there and it is absolutely huge.
So, when you’re not shopping in Manchester what is there to do?
There are plenty of bars, clubs and nightlife to sample.
You could decide to visit the curry mile in Rusholme, well worth a visit.
In Manchester the weekend atmosphere starts on a Thursday, with at least five different areas in the city for drinking. The Northern Quarter is renowned for music.
Birmingham
Birmingham is shopping heaven!
You can visit Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, a welcoming mix of centres, markets and the world famous Jewellery Quarter. The shops of Birmingham offer you everything you could ever ask for. All in a compact space with plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to keep you going.
What else is there to do in Birmingham?
If you have children with you and you think they deserve a day away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping you may want to consider driving to Cadbury World. This is a famous chocolate factory where you can order a liquid pot of chocolate, the challenge is to eat it without licking your lips-impossible!
Enjoy the architecture, visit Birmingham’s Central Library, a futuristic building, also take a look at the Bull Ring. These are two ultra modern buildings that shouldn’t be missed.
Birmingham is also known for its dining. The restaurants are hugely varied from the flavoursome places of the Balti Triangle to its Michelin star restaurants.
Take a stroll along Birmingham’s canals, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice. There is plenty of lovely scenery to take in.
A visit to the Jewellery Quarter is also recommended. Around forty per cent of Britain’s jewellery is made theree.
If you want to escape the city you may want to consider a trip to historic Stratford upon Avon. We can recommend a campsite there that is walking distance from the centre. Alternatively there is a water taxi along the river from the campsite. There are also a number of good shops in Stratford Upon Avon for christmas shopping.
Edinburgh
Shopping in Edinburgh is a fantastic experience, and caters for all tastes and budgets. You will find luxury brands, high street stores and beautiful boutiques.
Shop in Prince’s Street, here you will enjoy the shops with a view of Edinburgh castle, fairly unusual for a main shopping street. The shops only line one side of the street allowing breath taking views of the old cityscape. Prince’s Street is home to huge stores such as Debenhams, House of Fraser, Zara, Primark, M&S and the historic Jenners. Princes Street is the place to keep up with high street fashion.
Parallel to Prince’s Street you will find George Street, here you will find many upmarket retailk stores and several hotels. George Street is a fasion hub with stylish brands including, Anthropologie, Hollister, Jack Wills, Karen Millen, Jigsaw and LK Bennett. You will also find fashionable bars and restaurants such as All Bar One, Le Monde and Jamie’s Italian.
Shop in Multrees walk if you want luxury shopping, here you will find, Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton and Nespresso along with many other exclusive fashion brands.
Other things to do in Edinburgh are visit the Castle, walk the Royal mile, visit a whiskey distillery, Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Old Town, National Museum of Scotland and Camera Obscura, World of Illusions.
For more about Edinburgh see the links below
https://www.motorhometravelagency.com/motorhome-hire/highland-delights-2/
https://www.motorhometravelagency.com/motorhome-hire/activity-holiday-golf-scotland/
London
As you may expect London has a wide variety of places in which to shop.
Oxford Street
Here you will find more than 300 shops, this is where you will experience some of the best shopping in London.
Regent Street
Regent street is both impressive and elegant. Here are a good range of mid price fashion stores as well as some of the city’s oldest and most famous shops including Hamley’s.
Bond Street
Bond Street is the place to go if you’re looking for extravagant retail therapy. The street is filled with the very best in designer clothes.
Westfield
Westfild is home to high street favourites, Debenhams, M&S, House of Fraser, as well as a mix of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo.
Carnaby
Carnaby is a mix of independent boutiques and new designer names. There are also 50 independent restaurants and bars.
Covent Garden
In Covent Garden you will discover hip fashion, unique gifts and one off hand made jewellery. It is London’s most distinctive shopping area.
Kings Road
Kings Road is found in Chelsea, there are chic boutiques, unique labels, designer shops and a vast number of cafes and restaurants.
Life after Christmas shopping?
Being in our capital city you have endless things that you could do when you are taking a break from the shops.
We can recommend a walking tour, where you follow your own map and walk to see some of London’s most popular landmarks.
Other recommendations are:
The London Eye
Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
Buckingham Palace
Tower of London
Madame Tussauds
Sea Life Centre- London Aquarium
Westminster Abbey
Tower Bridge
Shrek’s Adventure
London Zoo
London Dungeon
Warner \bros Studio Tour
More information on the above attractions in London
If you would like to know more about booking a Christmas shopping break in one of our motorhomes please contact us, we would also be more than happy to arrange a shopping trip for you in a city of your choice. Contact us today for more details.