— By Toby Patrick —
Shopping centers have been undergoing a makeover in the U.K., attempting to change their direction by incorporating more entertainment than retail stores for a range of audiences — especially families. These alterations have made shopping centers more appealing to a wider audience, as they’re not just made for customers who want to splash their cash on the latest clothing trends. Rather, they’re becoming places where people can also socialize and enjoy their day.
The U.K. has experienced a notable decline in the popularity of shopping centers over the past decade. However, these more entertainment-focused shopping centers are helping the industry get back on its feet and bring families in for more than just a window shop. There are several attributes that make certain U.K. shopping centers better than the rest, and you’ll quickly see why these picks stand out.
The sudden regrowth in the popularity of shopping centers will likely continue, so let’s take a look at the top five best shopping centers in the U.K.
Victoria Leeds
Victoria Leeds / Photo by abdullah ali on Unsplash
Visiting this shopping center in Leeds is always a delight if you are looking to engage in retail therapy or enjoy a bite to eat. As one of the best shopping destinations in the U.K., they offer everything you’ll need with a convenient location for a hassle-free and productive shopping experience.
Discover their inviting family room on Level 1 of Victoria Gate — simply turn right after exiting the lifts. This dedicated space provides a fully equipped kitchen for all your bottle-warming and changing needs, a comfortable chair for nursing, kid-friendly toilet facilities, a practical area for nappy changes, and an entertainment zone to keep your little ones entertained.
Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE / Photo by Gavin Allanwood on Unsplash
Combining shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, Liverpool ONE has become one of the main attractions of Liverpool’s city center. There are plenty of bars and restaurants dotted around the complex for customers to enjoy a hearty meal in between their shopping sessions, with several family-friendly options located in the center of Liverpool ONE or a quick little stroll to the docks. Have a cocktail at the rooftop bar, play ping pong during a pizza party, and munch on popcorn while indulging in a movie — all to say, there is plenty to do.
Kid-friendly activities include anything from go-karting and the Lego store to Kenji, augmented reality bowling, little gardens, and sit-down spots for the family to relax between activities. There is truly something for everyone in Liverpool ONE.
The Liverpool City Region Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is staffed by a friendly and knowledgeable team. They can assist you with all types of visitor enquiries. Making the most of your Liverpool city experience is very important to the employees of Liverpool ONE, so you will be guaranteed a hassle-free trip.
Manchester Arndale
Manchester Arndale / Photo by staffstudent on Flickr
There are plenty of amenities in the Manchester Arndale, with unique retail stores, gaming centers, and food courts. The Menkind, Build-a-Bear, and Miniso stores offer customers of different ages a large variety of things to buy. New experiences, like Immersive Gamebox and King Pins, give customers the most fun experiences while browsing the shopping center. Each offers customers a break from the retail stores, instead offering a moment of fun and reprieve with friends or family.
On top of this, there are three types of food courts in the Arndale: fast food, independent market stalls, and higher-end restaurants.
The Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre / Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Located not far from Manchester Arndale, The Trafford Centre is known for its stunning interior that leaves people in awe. It caters for a range of needs, with luxury, high-end stores like Selfridges to basic essential stores like Boots and Primark. The Trafford Centre is a great spot for families with several amenities and activities to enjoy.
Attached to the shopping centre are both Sea Life and Legoland, which are easily accessible through the shopping center — or you can park right outside. In addition, there is a Lego store, Build-A-Bear, a children’s play area in the food court, and several baby changing and accessible areas to make maneuvering around the center easy with little ones.
Just a short 10-to-15-minute walk from the Trafford Centre car park is the Dino Mini Golf, which is a lot of fun for both the parents and children. And you’ll also find the Chill Factor a short five-minute drive from here, which has rock climbing and skiing available to a range of ages.
Bullring & Grand Central
Bullring & Grand Central / Photo by Elliot Brown on Flickr
One of the more sustainable shopping centers in the U.K., the Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham is the perfect place for eco-conscious shoppers, recycling 51% of their waste. There are also plenty of shopping options in this center, with technology, jewelry, homewares, beauty products, and more available. Great leisure and entertainment venues are included in the Bullring, including Lane 7, TOCA Social, and Treetop Adventure Golf.
Bullring & Grand Central aims to make the shopping experience enjoyable for all ages. They offer a plethora of options to make life a little bit easier for you and your family, and shopping for children is a little bit more fun as opposed to being mundane.
Westfield London
Westfield London / Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
With over 300 stores, this is the largest shopping centre in the U.K. From the New Balance store to Samsung, there are plenty of different types of retail stores throughout Westfield London to give shoppers the ultimate shopping experience. You can dine well at this shopping center, as there are options for every culinary craving. There are so many choices, such as burgers, sushi, breakfast, and more. You can also go to the cinema, play bowling and enjoy mini golf during your shopping expedition, which the whole family will love.
Family Shopping in the U.K.
While even leisurely activities like shopping can feel challenging as a family, these U.K. shopping centers make it easy. If you feel like treating yourself to some new things during your stay in the United Kingdom, these spots won’t disappoint.
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About the Author: Toby Patrick is a freelance writer who loves to combine his passion for travel with his love of creative writing. Many of his articles focus on revealing the many hidden gems across the U.K. and Europe, and he also occasionally covers fitness, men’s health, and lifestyle topics.
