Shopping centres and high streets in Somerset

Street

Built in 1993, Clarks Village is the UK’s first outlet village. Still going strong 30 years on, the centre boasts over 90 designer brands with whopping discounts of up to 60%. As you might have guessed from the name, you’re able to get your hands on bargain Clarks shoes here (the Village has the biggest Clarks store in the world), as well as other fashion favourites like Barbour, Calvin Klein, Mint Velvet and Levi’s.

But it’s not just fashion. Within its 200,000 square feet you’ll also find your fill of beauty, homeware and outdoor gear at irresistible prices. When you’re all shopped out, grab a coffee at one of the cafés or head over to the restaurant terrace for a meal. There’s plentiful parking, plus some rather lovely gardens with covered walkways and oodles of outdoor seating.

Built in 1993, Clarks Village is the UK’s first outlet village. Still going strong 30 years on, the centre boasts over 90 designer brands with whopping discounts of up to 60%

If the restaurants in Clarks Village are looking a little busy, you might be better trying your luck on Street High Street just around the corner. The family-friendly Fondo Lounge is a particular favourite with its quirky decor and tapas dishes. Cosy Crispin Hall Café is all about lovely local light bites and all profits support the Crispin Hall Trust. Once you’ve refuelled, extend your shopping spree around the town centre’s charity and fashion chains.

Taunton

If it’s big-name retail shopping you’re after, head for the county seat of Taunton. As Somerset’s largest town, it’s well served by retail parks and shopping malls. Orchard Shopping Centre, open seven days a week, is home to over 40 well-known fashion, beauty and gift shops, plus a sprinkling of independents. Factor in a cheeky spree after exploring the unspoilt landscapes of Quantock and Blackdown Hills nearby.

You’ll be spoiled for choice at Orchard Shopping Centre

A mix of businesses can be found off Taunton High Street and along cobbled St James Street. But the real jewel in Taunton’s shopping crown is Bath Place. An appealing little lane jam-packed with indie boutiques and galleries, you’re bound to stumble upon a few great finds. Nearby, Rocket and Bird gift shop is a haven of hand-made products from Somerset makers.

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Every Thursday between 9am and 3pm, Taunton High Street comes alive with a superb farmers’ market. Follow your nose to find mouthwatering produce, including Somerset’s famed cheeses and ciders. In fact, you can fill your cupboards to the brim with the range of freshly-baked breads, local preserves, seasonal veggies and tempting cakes on offer. Chat to the makers and get a flavour for why these friendly regional markets trump the supermarket every time.

Shepton Mallet

Some 12 miles away in Shepton Mallet is a small discount outlet that displays Somerset’s knack for blending retail opportunity with rural idyll. Kilver Court Designer Village is built on the site of an old textile mill, complete with a limestone viaduct and three and a half acres of landscaped gardens. The three upper crust stores, Mulberry, Toast and Yves Delorme, are just the cherry on top of this most delightful outside oasis.

Shepton Mallet High Street has its fair share of shops too. Rather than household names, the low-key lanes are dotted with eclectic indies like Somerset Antiques, Art Bank Cafe and Shelton Community Bookshop.

Shopaholics can engage in a bit of retail therapy at Kilver Court Designer Village

However, for a unique shopping experience and a great day out, you won’t want to miss the annual Royal Bath & West Show. Held at the Bath & West Showground outside Shepton Mallet in early June, this humongous three-day event puts on a spread of activities to showcase rural life at its finest. There’s farming displays, live bands, fairgrounds, competitions and, of course, loads of local goodies to purchase. With more than 600 stands and 125 food producers, there’s no excuse not to find a treat or two to take home with you.

Yeovil

Yeovil, a town on the southern border of Somerset, boasts the distinctive West Country blend of conventional high street stores and independent retailers. The busy market town includes Quedam Shopping Centre, an open-air collection of over 35 high street stores. Fully pedestrianised and designed in a village-style, browse the likes of Boots, Primark, Dunelm, Holland & Barrett and many more.

Somerset has a wide range of high street shops to browse

The Emporium on Princes Street is also well worth a gander. More than 60 hand-picked artisans and traders rub shoulders across three floors of knick-knacks, antiques and furnishings. As well as being a sheer delight for curious shoppers, The Emporium Café serves a knockout lunch. If you’re not feeling peckish, you’d still be wise to grab a pre-emptive slice from their cake counter to take with you.

Yeovil, a town on the southern border of Somerset, boasts the distinctive West Country blend of conventional high street stores and independent retailers

Outside of the town centre, Babylon Retail Park to the east and Houndstone Retail Park to the west offer whopping outlets and fast food joints for shoppers on the go. Babylon is slightly smaller with an Argos, TK Maxx and Matalan, while Houndstone features Hobbycraft, Poundland and The Range among others.

Weston-super-Mare

Somerset has its fair share of traditional seaside towns. One of the best-known, Weston-super-Mare, was famously put on the map with the arrival of Banksy’s Dismaland in 2015. The crowd-drawing art exhibit may now be gone, but the boost to the local economy put it on the front foot for regeneration. Dolphin Square is one of a few new additions to the town’s landscape, a multi-million leisure complex spanning chain restaurants, a state-of-the-art-cinema and leisure activities.

It’s easy to keep up with the latest trends and fashions in this county

Buzzy Grove Village is your go-to for unique boutiques and cafés, while the indie shopping area of Orchard Meadows allows you to support local traders specialising in everything from crystals to collectibles. Both are a stone’s throw from Weston-super-Mare High Street, home to all the big brand shops you’d expect.

It’s here you’ll also find Sovereign Shopping Centre. Overlooking the seafront, this small retail destination currently contains around 30 established brands and a choice of casual eateries. But, changes are on the way. A £1.7million funding boost was recently awarded to the centre and there are some pretty exciting plans afoot. Keep your eyes peeled!

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