By Kingfisher Visitor Guides
Serious shopaholics flock to the major shopping hubs in Durham & Tees Valley for large doses of retail therapy. Wear your comfy shoes to pound the store-lined pavements of Durham, Middlesbrough and Stockton.
Durham
Wander Durham’s winding, historic streets and you’ll stumble upon a huge variety of delightful shops. The Market Place hosts Durham City Farmers’ Market on the third Thursday of the month, and you’ll catch the Outdoor Retail Market each Saturday. Built in 1851, the restored Durham Indoor Market offers a stroll through history along with around 70 diverse traders.
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- There’s plenty on offer at Durham’s bustling Market Hall
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- You’ll be spoiled for choice at Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
Get ready to fill your bags to bursting at the open-air Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, with more than 40 leading retailers and boutiques lining the cobbled streets. Another open-air shopper’s paradise, the Riverwalk leisure complex features a cinema and bars for those who’d rather wait while you get your retail fix. You’ll find all things creative at Fowlers Yard on the banks of the River Wear. The artistic hub hosts artists and craftspeople in converted warehouses, where you’ll buy goodies like jewellery and paintings.
Built in 1851, the restored Durham Indoor Market offers a stroll through history along with around 70 diverse traders
If you love nothing more than a unique find, boutique-hop across Durham. The Mugwump is a treasure trove of quirky gifts, clothes and homewares across three floors. Award-winning Moon Jewellery, on Silver Street, showcases handcrafted designer jewellery. For a unique shopping experience, combine a trip to Durham Cathedral with shopping in the vaulted undercroft. The Cathedral Shop is chock-full of theological books and enchanting souvenirs.
Are you a bargain hunter? The North East’s biggest outlet shopping centre is just 10 miles east off the A19 at Dalton Park. Zip into a free park and go for gold among more than 60 outlet stores. You’ll find high street brands like M&S, Gap and Next with up to 50 per cent off. Take a load off at restaurants and a multiplex cinema.
Middlesbrough
Browse the shops at no less than four Middlesbrough shopping centres. Better yet, they’re just a short walk from each other. The Cleveland Centre is the largest, with over 60 stores stocking all your favourite brands. Move onto Hillstreet Shopping Centre, Captain Cook Square and Dundas Shopping Mall.
Discover some top brands when shopping in Middlesbrough
If you prefer to stroll the streets, make a beeline for the pedestrianised Linthorpe and Newport roads, home to flagship stores like House of Fraser. Psyche is an award-winning fashion emporium known for innovation and over 200 designer brands. Want to deck yourself out like a celebrity? Make an appointment at Kate Fearnley’s boutique. The multi-award-winning designer has dressed many a red carpet star. Pick up quirky, cutting-edge fashion at Triads and find the perfect gift at Concept.
Stockton
Stockton High Street is the widest in the UK and the starting point for a fabulous day of shopping. Trading for over 700 years, the region’s biggest street market takes place here on Wednesday, Saturday and Friday. Head north to Wellington Square Shopping Centre for a variety of shops to suit every desire, then check out a great mix of independent and big-name retailers at Castlegate Shopping Centre.
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- There’s something for everyone at Teesside Shopping Park
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- You’ll find JD Sports in the Teesside Shopping Park
But wait, there’s more! Teesside Shopping Park is a complete leisure centre boasting outlets like H&M and M&S. If you’re travelling with the kids or otherwise uninterested shoppers, a multiplex cinema and bowling alley ensure there’s something for everyone. You certainly won’t go hungry, with restaurants that range from Burger King to Hotel Chocolat.
For exquisite trinkets and gifts to remember your trip by, pop into a range of speciality stores. Lu Lu’s Personal Gifts is a wonderland of fairies, books and homewares. Meander down Silver Street to find a range of independent stores, including Drake the Bookshop. Feel free to settle into a comfy chair with a coffee to choose your next holiday read.
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Arts and culture in County Durham
