Fishergate is the main shopping street in the city

Preston is currently challenging other major cities in the North West when it comes to shopping due to the diverse range of stores.

With many major shopping areas to choose from, and even some independent boutiques, this is your chance to indulge in all that Preston has to offer.

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The city centre is host to two major shopping areas, Fishergate and Friargate, with two very large indoor malls.

Debenhams can be seen to mark the start of the high street, with other popular names to follow, such as River Island, Next, Laura Ashley, Marks and Spencer’s, HMV, Topshop, Topman and Accessorize.  Strolling up Friargate, you arrive at the Flag Market, and get to see a stunning view of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery.

Here you will find traditional and modern drinking venues and even more shops.  Down the quaint side streets of the city’s high street, are a selection of independent boutiques, jewellers and salons.  Take a wander down one in particular, and you will find yourself at the beautiful Avenham Park.  With its mixture of high street fashion and unique boutiques, this is where Preston separates itself from other major shopping destinations.

Fishergate Shopping Centre is situated at one end of Preston’s high street, where you will find all you need under one roof.  Not only are there a range of favourite shops, there are also many places to eat, from McDonalds to Starbucks.  Adjacent to the railway station, this shopping centre could not be easier to reach.  You can find out more information at the Fishergate Shopping Centre website.

St George’s Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Preston’s high street, which is host to a range of around 100 shops, including, jewellers, clothing retailers and health and beauty.   Costa Coffee provides a very spacious area to sit down and relax to take a break from shopping.  You can find out more information at the St George’s Shopping Centre website.

To make your visit to Preston even more worthwhile, or for those residents who just simply do not want to venture to the town centre, there are two retail parks that the city has to offer.

The largest is Deepdale Retail Park, situated towards the North of the city, with over 1000 car park spaces and an array of shops and places to eat.  It hosts favourites such as Argos, Boots and New Look, as well as less well known shops, such as Mamas and Papas and Hobbycraft.  The food court provides something for everyone, from take-out restaurants such as KFC and Subway, to eat in restaurants, such as Nandos and Pizza Hut. You can find out more information at the Deepdale Retail Park website.

Towards the South of the city is the Capital Centre, which is host to a mixture of shopping and leisure.  The shopping area includes home and appliance stores, such as Curry’s and Dunelm Mill; the very popular Vue Cinema, and the newest addition to the retail park, Waitrose.  There are also places to eat, including Frankie and Bennies, and for something different, there is a very popular pub opposite the centre.

Words by Holly Sutton. Images by Tony Worrall.