Where in the UK do you think has the best shopping?

[TheTurnOfTheScrew]

12yo DC1 wants a shopping trip for her birthday. We do actually live 15mins drive from the centre of a big city with decent shops, but to make it more of an occasion I'm up for going somewhere different - even doing an overnight trip if I can get a decently priced Premier Inn. Where do you rate?

Oaks

@PhalangeReginaPhalange you think Chester is run down? Seriously? I live there and it certainly isn't - it's booming. So many new cafes and bars, fabulous shops, beautiful to look at. I love it

Manchester or Leeds. Brighton is woeful for shopping but does have the sea in its favour.

Cardiff!! Every mix of shops you can imagine. Cheap hotel.

Chester is OK, especially for eating out, but not particularly good for a 12 year old shopping day . The bigger cities have much bigger branches of the usual high street chains such as Top Shop, New Look etc. Plus other shops that Chester doesn't have such as Hollister, Urban Outfitter etc. Though it does really depend on what sort of shops the op's DD likes.
The same goes for Cheshire Oaks really - Ok if you want special occasion outfits, sports wear or luggage. Not so good if you want this seasons trends

I'd say Leeds, Liverpool or Cardiff. Or Edinburgh/Glasgow. Central London is surprisingly useless, a lot of the shops just aren't there.

Nothing wrong with "dull" chains. At least you know what you are getting. I never shop at an independent unless it's one of those who stock chainstore items (thinking of a shop in Totnes, Devon that has clothes from places like White Stuff).

If you are in Manchester, why not try Leeds or Liverpool? Neither are too far but far enough to make a decent day out.

I’m a fan of Birmingham, plenty of shops from high street to quirky, nice places to eat, good markets and generally I just love the vibe of the city.

I know most of these places, live in Brighton, go to London a lot. DS lives in Manchester, from near Cardiff originally & go back often. A few years ago I went to Leicester for the weekend & was blown away by how lovely it was.

I'd still stay over in Manchester it's more of a treat, could go to a gig or show in evening and get afternoon tea next day. I live in Bolton and still enjoy the odd night staying over in Manchester