The city’s shopping districts have grown of late with the re-development of the main shopping centre The St Georges Centre Mall, which features a variety of high street chains and smaller stores. Similarly The Fishergate Centre features the county’s largest Debenhams (if you like that sort of thing) while Fishergate itself, which runs through the spine of the town, houses your HMV, Next and River Island among other top name names.

Preston's famous Outdoor Market at the Flag Market takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year and is a great place to grab a bargain in the week. Further up past the Harris Museum you can check out the few designer boutiques which have opened up in the building on the corner of Church Street and Lancaster Road along with French Connection.

What makes Preston truly unique though is its terrific access to other towns to treat yourself to a spot of retail therapy. Hop on the train and head off to either Southport where you can amble down Lord Street’s long lane of leisurely shops or head into the cities of Manchester and Liverpool. From there you’ll be spoilt for choice in big names shops and desiginer stop-offs.