Nottingham isn't exactly what many would consider a shopping destination. It's a lovely city near the English countryside and has lots of historic charm, but it's not exactly known for its retail scene. It is worth noting, however, that the city still boasts commendable shopping. Don't count Victoria Centre out, for example, which has its fair share of high-end brands. The Exchange shopping arcade is also a refined mall with many great places to shop and dine. There's also the Flying Horse Walk, another fashionable arcade that's a nice mix of local and international brands. These are some of the best shopping spots in Nottingham.
The Lace Market
Let's start with The Lace Market, the origin of commerce in the city. More than just one of
Nottingham's central neighborhoods, The Lace Market is also where the city's prolific lace industry began. The brick warehouses served as factories, churning out the finest lacework and establishing Nottingham as an integral part of fashion. Today, however, these same historic structures now house indie boutiques, local shops, a few famous brands, cool cafes, trendy restaurants, and more. The entire district itself is now one of the best places to eat, shop, and hang out in Nottingham.
Victoria Centre
Chanel, Fendi, Tom Ford, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, and Coach. These are just some of the famous shops you'll see in the Victoria Centre, one of the best places to shop in Nottingham. For one thing, it's one of the very few that features luxury brands, which is relatively rare in this
English countryside town. Its central location right at the heart of the city makes it easily accessible as well, so it's no surprise that it's popular among locals and tourists alike. If you have the budget for designer pieces, this is where you'll want to spend your money!
Flying Horse Walk
Did you know that Nottingham has a shopping arcade? Such establishments are more common in countries like France and Italy, where these mostly well-preserved centuries-old malls are as much tourist attractions as they are shopping hotspots. However, the one here in Nottingham, Flying Horse Walk, is not that old and is mostly focused on offering a nice mix of local indie shops and famous brands. Here, you'll encounter familiar names like Vivienne Westwood, as well as underrated labels like Openfit and Cathy Stephens. Don't forget the cool bars and cafes, too, such as Bar Gigi and 200 Degrees.
The Exchange
Located on the ever-bustling High Street, The Exchange is one of the more traditional malls in Nottingham. It's the kind of place to take your friends and family to for a nice
day out in Nottingham, shopping and eating to your hearts' content. It helps that the stores here aren't that expensive. While some of the spots mentioned so far famously feature designer brands, the labels here are lesser-known and much more affordable. There's Bubble Vintage, for example, which is a cool womenswear brand. There's also Loake, a men's footwear brand that sells quality pairs any gent should check out.
Riverside Retail Park
Much like The Exchange, Riverside Retail Park is also a typical mall with mid-range brands, affordable restaurants, and more. More fashionable shoppers who are into designer brands might not find anything they'd like here, but it's still a hip hotspot for locals in the area. There are still some familiar brands, though, such as Boots, Argos, Toys R Us, and more. There's always something for the family here, which makes it a great place for everyone to check out on the weekend. In a way, it's almost as if the place was constructed so that residents can have a local hangout!
Castle Marina Retail Park
Convenience reigns supreme in Nottingham's Castle Marina Retail Park. The place is convenient in the sense that it's a mall filled with shops that focus more on what you need instead of just what you want. Dreams, Furniture Village, and Currys are just some of its most prominent shops, two of which sell homeware while the latter offers electronics. As such, Castle Marina Retail Park is where you go when you need to add or replace stuff in your home. Fortunately, the place also has many well-known restaurants for all the others.
Giltbrook Shopping Park
Speaking of homeware, Giltbrook Shopping Park is another where you'll find the best of the best of them. Why? Because this is where Ikea is located. One of the most popular furniture brands on the planet, this is the go-to place for those looking to furnish and decorate their
luxury apartments in Nottingham. The shop is so famous that visitors go here just to browse, not to mention dine in the famous Ikea bistro. Apart from that, the mall has other notable spots like Marks & Spencer, Boots, TK Maxx, and more.
While it may be a city in the English countryside, there's still a lot of shopping to do in Nottingham. You'd be surprised at how many malls, shopping streets, and local boutiques there are in this town!
