Shopping is one of the great experiences in the UK. However, on the whole prices aren't cheap. Fortunately, discount sales are frequent, virtually a British institution. And if you're from outside the EU, you can get a VAT refund more easily in the UK than any other EU country.

Shopping In London

London is full of stylish shops and grand department stores but for real shopping pleasure, you can't beat the city's many street and flea markets. They're noisy, crowded and you have to bargain hard, but you can't beat them for sheer shopping fun. Here are some of the most famous.

Covent Garden is the grand dame of them all. With a long and colourful past, this West End mainstay is now made up of several markets. Apple Market sells collectible nostalgia including ceramics, leather goods, toys, clothes, hats, and jewelry. Jubilee Market specialises in antiques market on Mondays; the rest of the week it offers budget garments and books.

Coming in close second in the fame stakes is Portobello Market in Notting Hill. Mainly a Saturday event, it comprises three main sections for antiques, fruit and vegetables, and a flea market where locals hawk bric-a-brac and secondhand goods.

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Shopping In Manchester

Shopping capital of the North West of England, Manchester is second only to London in the UK shopping charts. And in one way, shopping in Manchester actually outdoes the capital - most of the larger shopping areas are pedestrian-only.

Manchester's main shopping zone lies west of Piccadilly Gardens with traditional shopping outlets, including Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, clustered around Market Street and the Arndale Centre on Corporation Street. Trendy boutiques and designer outlets abound in posh King Street and St Ann's Square.

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Shopping In Leicester

Leicester's shopping scene has acquired a new spirit in recent years. The famous Leicester Market with seven hundred years of trading history has been joined by walking streets and vibrant shopping centers.

You have a great choice for shopping in Leicester. Leicester's two major indoor shopping centres - the Haymarket and Shires Centre - are home to the major brand name outlets. Pedestrianised Gallowtree Gate houses the major chain stores while the nearby The Lanes mainly features small independent retailers.

Leicester is also home to Europe's largest covered market. Open from Monday to Saturday, Leicester Market features over 270 stalls. A market has been held on this site since the 14th Century.

For more ethnic wares, head to bustling Belgrave Road, where you'll find Leicester's Golden Mile. This area is thronged with shops, stalls and hawkers selling food, clothes and ornaments from the Subcontinent. Get your fill of spices, silks and saris here.

Check the internet for cheap Leicester hotels.