Shopping, a favourite past time for many of us, can only be made better if the area we are shipping in is lovely enough to maintain our interest. Not everyone likes large shopping centres such as Bluewater or the Trafford Centre, hundreds of shops all under one roof might be easier, but the scenery remains the same and for some, its a little drab.

Cheltenham’s Montpellier Quarter

Head over to Cheltenham, about 100 miles (or 2.5 hours on the train) from London and take in the sights and sounds of the Montpellier Quarter. If you have never been to the area, you are sure to be delighted by the special finishing touches added to make the shopping area interesting and unique, such as the female statues (caryatids) dotted between in the shops reminiscent of Ancient Greece.

Here, you can enjoy a wide range of shopping experience from department stores to small independent shops, fashion boutiques, and antique jewellery stores and if you are in need of a rest or refreshment, there are a range of cafes close by where you can sit and people watch, recharge the batteries before getting back to the shops.

London

London has everything you could imagine in the way of shopping and cafe culture, you are bound to be able to find a branch of your favourite store somewhere in the city. The downside to London shopping (If there really is one) is all the tourists, the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Added to that the prices in London are far higher than almost everywhere else in the country, so a quick lunch with friends could be a costly affair. London has many sights and attractions which are also a good reason for visiting the city, making it popular with those who not just here for a day trip, but also those who plan to stay a few days and take in all the museums.