While there are plenty of fabulous shops in the Algarve, with Thomsonfly.com it is now easy to grab a low fare flight from Faro to either Coventry, Bournemouth or Doncaster, and enjoy some Christmas shopping in some of the UK’s best shopping hotspots. With the old familiar names of Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Top Shop, The Disney Store, Toys R Us and Harvey Nichols on offer, it’s difficult to resist a quick trip over to buy those special gifts for your nearest and dearest.
Northern lights…
A short drive from Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield is Meadowhall, which is not just a shopping mall but a total leisure experience. Attracting millions of visitors every year, Meadowhall offers more than 270 stores, a wide selection of eateries, a weekly calendar of entertainment, including fashion shows and book signings, plus an 11-screen cinema complex.
For those of you in search of some designer heaven, you should head straight for Leeds. Mixing the funky and functional, trendy and traditional, there are so many things to tempt you that a restorative drink in one of the city’s bars and restaurants will be high on the agenda! With the stylish Victorian Quarter, the Corn Exchange and the ever-popular Harvey Nichols on offer, Christmas shopping in Leeds is sure to put you in a festive mood.
Fly into Coventry and the only problem you will have is where to go first. For city lovers, Birmingham is the place to be. Recently revived as a great shopping destination, Birmingham is now home to the stunning new Selfridges store in the Bullring. With more than 26 football pitches worth of shops on offer in the Bullring alone, your Christmas shopping list should be complete in no time.
Alternatively, visit the trendy new Mailbox development, with its absolutely fabulous designer shops, sophisticated café bars and restaurants, and, in case you need a bit of a break from all that retail therapy, a Nicky Clarke salon and the sumptuous Obsession salon and spa.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, Royal Leamington Spa, with its regency splendour, offers a great range of independently run shops. Providing a unique choice of unusual and exciting goods as well as designer boutiques, this elegant town is a great place to slowly browse and enjoy.
Best buys in Bournemouth…
Thomsonfly.com’s other route from Faro takes you into Bournemouth. With its new-look Square, well known national and regional brands, including the famous Beales, plus small, individual boutiques, Bournemouth is ideal for a major shopping extravaganza.
Alternatively, the bustling atmosphere of nearby Poole Quay is also a popular choice. With its great mix of attractions, restaurants, bars and shops, some really unusual gifts can be found. Or, for the more traditional offering, visit the Dolphin Shopping Centre in the heart of Poole, which, with nearly 100 shops, ensures there’s plenty of choice for everyone.
So, why not pack the plastic, put on those comfy shoes and take a trip back for a real Christmas shopping shindig? Flights can be booked at www.thomsonfly.com. To obtain the best fares make sure you use the new ‘Farefinder’ facility – a quick and easy way to find the cheap fares available, enabling the flexible traveller to fly for less. Those without internet access can book by calling 214 159 122.
