Because of the usually cloudy and often lousy weather, the United Kingdom has few places to visit and spend a day outside—however, one of the foolproof places is the shopping malls. Not only are these often bustling with people and entertainment, but they are also perfect to buy everything you need in one place. You can find high-end designer brands and classy home decor here, or explore affordable clothing, accessories and interiors. The biggest UK shopping centres offer everything anyone could need. They could be categorised based on the area and number of shops in each mall. To learn more, continue reading our guide!
Biggest UK Shopping Centres: At A Glance!
| Shopping Mall | Area (sq. m.) | Location | Special Features |
| Westfield | 2,42,000 | Ariel Way, London W12 7GF, United Kingdom | 450+ shops, high-end fashion, lifestyle products, and accessories |
| Metrocentre | 1,92,900 | St. Michaels Wy., Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9YG, United Kingdom | IMAX cinema, bowling alley, indoor theme park |
| Trafford Centre | 1,88,000 | Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8EH, United Kingdom | Exceptional retail experience, delicious eateries, close to Imperial War Museum North and SEA LIFE Manchester |
| Westfield Stratford City | 1,84,100 | Montfichet Rd, London E20 1EJ, United Kingdom | 70+ eateries, restaurants, close to Olympic Park, cinema, bowling alley, casino |
| Bluewater | 1,60,000 | Bluewater Pkwy, Dartford, Greenhithe DA9 9ST, United Kingdom | 330+ shops, beautiful landscape, easy access via public transit |
| Bullring and Grand Central | 1,60,000 | Moor St, Birmingham B5 4BU, United Kingdom | Major shopping hub, connects New Street, High Street, and St. Martin’s Church |
| Liverpool One | 2,34,115 | 5 Wall St, Liverpool L1 8JQ, United Kingdom | Open-air shopping district, 170+ shops, restaurants, bars, cinema, indoor adventure golf |
| Meadowhall | 1,39,355 | Meadowhall Centre, Sheffield S9 1EP, United Kingdom | Affordable shopping, a large array of outlets, boutiques, and restaurants |
| Lakeside | 1,33,200 | W Thurrock Way, West Thurrock, Grays RM20 2ZP, United Kingdom | 245+ stores, 50 restaurants, Italian-designed interiors, entertainment options |
| Duke of York Square | N/A | 80 King’s Rd, London SW3 4LY, United Kingdom | High-end fashion, gourmet food, cultural experiences, Saatchi Gallery, Saturday food market |
Detailed Understanding Of 10 Biggest UK Shopping Centres
The biggest UK shopping centres are bustling hubs of retail and entertainment, offering a diverse range of high-end and affordable stores. They cater to all shopping needs, featuring designer brands, home decor, and various leisure activities. They are popular locations for British people and tourists alike seeking an exciting shopping experience.
#1 Westfield, London
Source: Visit London Website
Area: 2,42,000 sq. m.
Location: Ariel Way, London W12 7GF, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 3371 2300
Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays.
Westfield, London, is often referred to as one of the largest shopping centres in urban Europe owing to its 450+ shops and different services. Inaugurated in 2008, it covers an area of around 2,42,000 square metres. This mall is a must-visit if you love to explore luxurious items and brands. There are more than 35 high-end fashion shops and an impressive range of accessories, lifestyle products, cosmetics, etc.
#2 Metrocentre, Gateshead
Source: BBC
Area: 192,900 sq. m.
Location: St. Michaels Wy., Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9YG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 191 493 0200
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 7 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays
Popular features like the IMAX cinema, a bowling alley, and an indoor theme park make Metrocentre one of the most enjoyable and biggest UK shopping centres. Metrocentre has been a hotspot for shopping, dining, adventure sports, and a fun day out for almost four decades. Moreover, since it is close to the famous landmark, the Angel of the North, you can cover both locations on the same day.
#3 Trafford Centre, Manchester
Source: Wireless Infrastructure Group
Area: 188,000 sq. m.
Location: The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8EH, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 161 749 1717
Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays
Not only is it one of the biggest UK shopping centres, but the Trafford Centre in Manchester is also known for its splendid architecture. Its incredible location is popular for its exceptional retail experience, delicious eateries and dining options, routine events, and overall facilities. It is also located near the Imperial War Museum North and SEA LIFE Manchester, making it the perfect location for an outing.
#4 Westfield Stratford City, Stratford, London
Source: Wikipedia
Area: 184,100 sq. m.
Location: Montfichet Rd, London E20 1EJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8221 7300
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 9 pm on Saturdays, and 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays
Like the Westfield shopping mall in London, this is one of Stratfors’ biggest UK shopping centres. Constructed on three levels in a distinct crescent shape, it is comparatively more compact yet easy to walk around. More than 70 eateries and restaurants offer palatable food and exceptional service. Moreover, you can explore fast food chains and different cuisines as well. It is close to the Olympic Park, and other popular attractions include a cinema, bowling alley, and a casino.
#5 Bluewater, Kent
Source: Bluewater Website
Area: 1,60,000 sq. m.
Location: Bluewater Pkwy, Dartford, Greenhithe DA9 9ST, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1322 475475
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 9 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays
With more than 330 shops and stores, Bluewater is located on an expanse of 1,60,000 square meters, thus adding it to the list of the biggest shopping centres in the UK. It is built on a striking 50-acre landscape of trees, shrubs, lakes, parks and greenery. Thus, its beautiful area is a prime location for locals and tourists. Moreover, the easy access to this mall through public transit makes it a more convenient journey.
#6 Bullring and Grand Central, Birmingham
Source: Hammerson
Area: 1,60,000 sq. m.
Location: Moor St, Birmingham B5 4BU, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 121 632 1526
Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 8 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays
Here, we consider both Bullring Business District and Grand Central together to look at the area. This has been Birmingham’s major mall for several years. Later, in 2003, Bullring opened to the general public and became one of the biggest UK shopping centres. Commendably, it connects the New Street, High Street and St. Martin’s Church to the open-air market. Certainly, one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a long shopping stroll.
#7 Liverpool One, Liverpool
Source: Liverpool One Website
Area: 2,34,115 sq. m
Location: 5 Wall St, Liverpool L1 8JQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 151 232 3100
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 8 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 7 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays
Built on a massive 2,34,115 square metre expanse, Liverpool One is undoubtedly the most impressive and one of the biggest UK shopping Centres. It is essentially an open-air shopping district that resuscitated Liverpool’s city centre. With more than 170 shops, restaurants, pubs, and bars, in addition to a park, cinema and indoor adventure golf, Liverpool One is the perfect tourist spot if you wish to spend a day in the city.
#8 Meadowhall, Sheffield
Source: Sheffield Metropolitan Hotel Site
Area: 1,39,355 sq. m.
Location: Suite 1, Meadowhall Centre The Management, The Oasis, Meadowhall, Sheffield S9 1EP, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 333 313 2000
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 8 pm on Saturdays, 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays
Often, consumers wish to explore affordable shopping options rather than just high-end brands. Moreover, it is generally difficult for international students to shell out a lot of money for clothes, accessories and home decor shopping. Meadowhall, Sheffield, is the perfect location for such affordable shopping. This shopping centre offers an immersive experience with its large outlets, chains, boutiques, restaurants and more. Next time you’re in Sheffield, remember to pay a visit!
#9 Lakeside, Essex
Source: Essex Live Website
Area: 133,200 sq.m.
Location: W Thurrock Way, West Thurrock, Grays RM20 2ZP, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1708 869933
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 9 pm on Saturdays, 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays
As the name suggests, this mall is located by the beautiful Alexandra Lake in Essex. It has over 245 stores, 50 restaurants, and incredible interiors. Lakeside Shopping Centre is designed with an Italian touch of porcelain floors, remarkable lighting, high ceilings, and glass roofs. You can also explore several entertainment options and activities like gold, movies, an indoor trampoline park, etc.
#10 Duke Of York Square, London
Source: AccessAble
Location: 80 King’s Rd, London SW3 4LY, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7823 5577
Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays, 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays
Located near Sloane Square, Duke of York Square features over 30 high-end including prominent brands like Zara, Aesop, and Monica Vinader, alongside unique boutiques. It is an elegant open-air shopping mall that blends high-end fashion, gourmet food, and cultural experiences. Being one of the biggest UK shopping centres, it hosts one of London’s finest open-air food markets every Saturday, featuring fresh, locally sourced produce. The iconic Saatchi Gallery is also situated within the square, making it a culturally significant popular shopping hotspot.
FAQs
Q1. What are the largest shopping centres in the UK?
Ans: Westfield London, Metrocentre, and Trafford Centre are some of the biggest UK shopping centres by size.
Q2. How big is Westfield London?
Ans: Westfield London is approximately 2,42,000 square metres big.
Q3. Which is the most expensive shopping mall in the UK?
Ans: Harrods in London is the most expensive shopping mall in the UK. It is known for its luxury goods and top-notch service.
Q4. Which shopping street is famous in the UK?
Ans: Oxford Street is the most popular shopping street in the UK. It has over 300 stores, designer outlets, popular chains, and landmark shops.
Q5. What is the biggest mall in the world?
Ans: The New South China Mall of China is the largest in the world, with a total area of 6.46 million square feet.
Thank you for reading our guide to the Biggest UK Shopping Centres! Which one would you like to visit? Let us know in the comments section below!
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