The United Kingdom is the fashion capital of the globe and home to some of the world’s best shopping malls.
Many retail malls are designed to accommodate one million customers from all over the world. Moreover, according to the recent status as in December 2023, around 3646 shopping malls are present in the UK.
Every year, shoppers from all over the world flock to the world’s shopping meccas in search of rare and unique items that will make them the envy of their friends. Westfield is till now the biggest in London. Let me take you on an exciting ride to identify the top 9 shopping malls.
1. Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush, London:
It is a 235,900-square-meter shopping mall with 270 stores and parking for 4,500 automobiles, and it is located in Shepherd’s Bush, near the famous London hotel Hilton Kensington.
It was opened in 2008 as the third-largest shopping mall in the UK and featured five stories. This mall replaced a massive brownfield site where the White City’s Franco-British Exhibition had been.
The Village, a more upscale mall section, is home to luxury labels like De Beers, Versace, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co.
2. Metrocentre, Gateshead, Tyne, and Wear:
Intu Metrocentre, commonly referred to as MetroCentre, is London’s most visited biggest shopping center in the UK. The first portion of the shopping mall opened in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England, on April 28, 1986. Several alternatives for public transportation make it simple to get to the mall, formerly known as the Metrocentre.
The Intu Metrocentre, with a gross internal area of 190,00 square meters, is among the largest shopping malls in the United Kingdom.
There are many different types of stores at this shopping center, including those selling clothing for men, women, and children and health and beauty aids, household goods, and gardening supplies.
Intu Metrocentre’s closeness to renowned lodging options like the Holiday Inn Express and Marriott and the mall’s array of weekend-enriching amenities (including a multiplex theatre, food court, and several prominent eateries) are total selling points.
3. Trafford Centre, Trafford, Greater Manchester:
The English city of Intu Trafford Centre is one of the largest retail malls in the United Kingdom. One of the largest retail centers in the UK can be found in Greater Manchester, next to the Trafford Park Industrial area, and it has warmly welcomed customers since 1998.
This massive indoor best shopping centre in the UK is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with an ornate facade and a flowing interior.
The Intu Trafford Centre, decorated with asymmetric patterns and soft colors, is the largest retail mall in the northern part of the United Kingdom.
The shopping center, created by the well-known Peel company, is styled after the elegant design of a steamship and bears an eerie similarity to the Manchester Ship Canal. Many of your favorite retailers, from Adidas to Zara, are conveniently located here.
The Intu Trafford Centre boasts the busiest movie theatre in the United Kingdom and the largest food court in Europe, bringing in a massive crowd weekly.
One of the best shopping centers in the UK welcomes you to enjoy the best UK shopping with 11,500 parking spaces.
4. Westfield Stratford City, Stratford, London:
Regarding retail malls in the United Kingdom, Westfield Stratford City, located in Stratford, London, is the third largest. The mall has a total of 177,030.6 square meters of shop space. September 13, 2011, saw its grand opening.
The Westfield Group, the ABP Pension Fund, and the CPP Investment Board each own a portion of the biggest shopping center in London.
John Lewis, a Waitrose supermarket, and a Marks & Spencer department store serve as the shopping centre’s pillars at Westfield Stratford City. In addition to being a place to shop and have fun, the complex also serves as a theatre with 17 screens, and a casino opens around the clock.
There are 280 shops and 70 dining options here. The property has two hotels: the 100-room Premier Inn and a more prominent hotel with 350 rooms.
5. Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent:
In 1999, Bluewater began welcoming customers. Lakes, woods, and parklands cover 50 acres (20 hectares) around the shopping center in Kent County, England. The mall has over 50 different food and drinks vendors and 300 various retailers that are all easily accessible by public transportation.
There are also a massive 13,000 parking spots there. Primark is a great place to find cheap and high-end things, but there are many other famous brands and stores, such as Superdry, Cath Kidston, and Gap.
Bluewater is committed to positively impacting its local community and the world by employing technology to lessen its environmental footprint.
6. Bullring Estate, Birmingham:
The Bullring Westfield shopping center is located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It is close to several significant attractions, including the National Sea Life Centre and the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum.
It has two main sections, the East Mall and the West Mall, and both of them are covered by a 7000m2 glass ceiling called the SkyPlane, which seems to need to be supported by something.
Several unique sculptures, such as “The Bull,” can be found dotted around the center; these pieces, along with others, are popular subjects for tourists’ cameras. There are more than 200 stores to choose from, including one of only four locations of Selfridges, the fourth-largest location of Debenhams, and John Lewis.
When your feet start hurting from shopping, stop at one of the many restaurants, bars, or cafes, or grab a quick snack at one of the many concession stalls, where you may have bubble tea or frozen yogurt from Mee Cha.
7. Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock, Essex
Lakeside Shopping Centre is a precious gem of West Thurrock, Essex. It is an out-of-the-town grand structure granting you the leisure to shop as much as you want. Therefore, it is the epitome of luxury shopping, crossing Greater London’s eastern boundary.
You can get any fancy item in this shopping mall. The overall area of the shopping center is 160,000 square meters. In Britain, it ranks eleventh as per the total area. The picturesque views of the mall, along a former chalk quarry, are genuinely compelling. It has one of the largest spaces for shopping in the entire Europe, stretching for 200 acres. The authorities are planning to build a road linking the shopping mall to Lakeside Basin.
Thurrock Council also intends to redevelop the region and transform the mall into a regional town center. Such future endeavors will definitely benefit hundreds of people staying in London or coming to the city for a vacation.
Moreover, it is the home of various top brands like Levi’s, Flannels, Yours Clothing, H&M Home, and many more. Your dining experience is also going to be fabulous here by visiting Love Churros or Casco Lounge. Since winter is here, do not miss out on the grand Winter Sales at Thomas Sabo or the Christmas treats at Café Giardino.
8. St James Quarter, New Town, Edinburgh:
The most outstanding construction in Scotland’s capital, with a four-story shopping complex, has opened, giving the city center a much-needed boost as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
The New St. Andrews House and the St. James Centre, two office buildings built in the 1960s, were demolished to make way for the £1 billion St. James Quarter, located at the eastern end of Princes Street.
The glass-roofed shopping gallery will be home to Edinburgh’s first Lego store, a variety of locally owned restaurants, and Scotland’s first W Hotel by year’s end. Over the next few weeks, forty new stores will open there, including a beauty boutique from Harrods.
Three separate sections of the center’s hotel and apartment complex will open between now and 2022. According to Retail Gazette, Martin Perry, director of development for St. James Quarter, COVID-19 regulations like social separation and mask-wearing are in effect as of the center’s opening amid Level Two in Scotland.
9. Manchester Arndale
Located in the North West of London, this shopping center is an incredible point of shopping in Manchester. M& G Real Estate is the present owner of this mall with three floors. However, initially, it was under the banner of Arndale Property Trust. As per recent reports, more than 41 million people visit this place every year.
The building came into existence in the between 1960s and 1970s. However, the development was a long-drawn process continuing in two phases. It started in 1972 and finally completed in 1979.
Manchester Arndale stretches for around 120,000 square meters, thus spreading over a massive retail floor space. There are about 1450 parking spaces on the ground level of the mall. Get into your eclectic ethnic style here. From shoes, fragrances, and clothing, you can shop anything to tech games, and books. Furthermore, you can grab a bit at the best restaurants like Chopstix Noodle Bar, Bagel Factory, Costa, Churros Locos, Pizza Hut, Five Guys, etc. Purchase only fresh items if you wish to buy some raw veggies for your home. Therefore, it gives you opportunities to select your favorite merchandise from a huge collection. It may take more than one day to complete all of your loved shops in the mall.
FAQs
Q: What are the biggest shopping centers in the UK in 2024?
A: According to recent data, the 7 biggest shopping centres in the UK in 2024 are: Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Intu Lakeside, Manchester Arndale, Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham, Liverpool ONE, and Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Q: What kind of stores can I find in these shopping centers?
A: These shopping centers offer a wide variety of stores, including fashion retailers, technology and electronics stores, beauty and cosmetics stores, home goods stores, and department stores. Many of them also feature dining and entertainment options, such as restaurants, cinemas, and arcades.
Q: Are these shopping centers accessible by public transportation?
A: Yes, all of these shopping centers are located in major cities and are easily accessible by public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subway/metro systems.
Q: Which is the largest shopping mall in Greater Manchester?
A: In Greater Manchester, Trafford Centre is one of the largest retail malls. On the other hand, you can also visit Manchester Arndale, the largest shopping mall, where you can get amazing food, stylish garments, and a lot more.
Conclusion
The UK is home to some of the largest and most impressive shopping centers in the world, offering shoppers an unparalleled experience.
From the bustling streets of London to the charming towns of the countryside, the shopping centers in the UK cater to every shopper’s needs and desires. Whether you’re looking for luxury designer boutiques, high-street fashion, or unique local finds, there’s something for everyone.
When visiting the United Kingdom, you must come prepared with a long list of things you want to buy. The top shopping malls will never betray you. Visit the spacious shopping malls and you will get everything you want. Moreover, they are excellent places to provide you a great dining experience. So, hurry and check out your favorite stores.