Shopping around Leicestershire

Leicestershire provides a wide range of different shopping experiences. From antiques, books and crafts to designer boutiques and specialist stores, here are a few tips on places to visit...

Market Harborough
Market Harborough is great for shopping and has a whole range of exclusive shops and boutiques. Small antiques, interior and gift shops, like Edward Jones, Anna Karina and Azzura, sit alongside traditional butchers and cosy tea rooms. Market Harborough boasts a growing number of fashion outlets, selling designer names and unusual accessories for both men and women. Joules, Jaques, Esse and Josiah are just some of the places to look out for. There are several galleries in the town too including Croft Wingate in the town centre, and Frank Haynes Gallery in nearby Great Bowden.

Melton Mowbray
Melton is the food capital of Leicestershire, famous for its pork pies, Stilton cheese and lively markets. This pleasant country town is bustling with life, particularly on Tuesday, which is market day. In addition to the traditional market in the Market Place, a farmer's market and an antiques fair are also held at Scalford Road. Specialist shops in Melton include Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, the place to buy pork pies, Stilton and Melton Hunt Cake, several gift and book shops, and Harvey, a stylish boutique recently featured on Channel 4.

Ashby de la Zouch & Staunton Harold
The main shopping area of Ashby centres around Market Street, which has several small lanes and courtyards branching off it. Discover many specialist shops, boutiques and gift shops in this area, including Ashby Bears, Woodlander and Amonite. Just to the north of Ashby, it is worth visiting the Ferrers Centre at Staunton Harold Hall. This collection of seventeen contemporary arts and crafts workshops are set within a pleasant Georgian courtyard and include paintings, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and a working smithy.

Market Bosworth
Market Bosworth is the perfect place to browse, with its fine selection of galleries, antique and gift shops and other specialist retailers. The majority of the shops can be found in the Market Place and along the Main Street - it is worth taking the time just to wander around and browse. Try the excellent delicatessen Peppercorn Cottage for tasty foods and Michaelmas for furniture and gifts for the home. The town's weekly market is held every Wednesday in the Market Place, a tradition since 1285 when the royal charter was granted.

Oakham & Uppingham
Oakham's stylish boutiques, interior design shops and exclusive little gift shops will delight both shopaholics and those who are simply content to browse. The High Street is the heart of the shopping area, where you will discover chic designer clothing, handmade jewellery and classic original furniture. Meanwhile, Uppingham is well known for its bookshops, antique shops and fine art galleries - all perfect to while away a Saturday afternoon. Many businesses are still family owned, and take pride in offering a friendly personal service.