January Sales destinations by train

The top 5 cites for grabbing a bargain

If you’re planning to hit the January Sales, why not bag a bargain even before you get there. By booking your train tickets in advance you can save you an average of 39%, so check out our
Best Fare Finder now to make sure you snap up those cheap tickets before they go!

The UK is home to some fabulous shopping destinations, so we’ve listed our top five to help you snap up some fantastic deals in style. If you are planning on hitting the shops in January, it’s advisable to go by train as traffic volumes will be high and parking costs can really rack up the price of a good day’s shopping. To help you on your way, we’ve listed the nearest train station for each of our top-notch shopping spots and made sure they are in walking distance from the stores. Happy shopping!

High-Street Glamour: London West End

Recently named as Europe’s leading shopping destination by Experian, London West End is a hub for big brand flagship stores, exclusive boutiques and stylish department stores. From high-street fashion in Oxford Street and street entertainment in Covent Garden, to luxury shopping in Bond Street and the beautiful architecture of Regent Street – London West End is the ultimate London shopping experience.

Best for: Undeniably glamorous, cosmopolitan shopping with something for everyone

Also famous for: Top-notch theatre and musical productions in Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square

Must-see shop: Liberty in Great Marlborough Street is housed in one of the most prominent Tudor revival Arts and Crafts buildings in London and is one of the city’s most legendary department stores.

Getting there: The nearest train station is Charing Cross from where you can reach the whole area on foot or by tube.

Bohemian Bliss: The Brighton Lanes

Referred to by the locals as the South and North Lanes, this bohemian shopping area in the UK's favourite seaside town is a must on any shopper’s destination wish-list. From the hip and quirky shops in the North Lanes to the more elegant boutiques, antiques and jewellers of the South Lanes, there’s something different around every corner. With a wide choice of organic cafes, juice bars and funky restaurants to re-charge, The North and South Brighton Lanes provide the perfect location for a vibrant shopping trip as well as the prefect opportunity to explore the tiny intertwining lanes. And if it rains, the nearby Churchill Square shopping centre provides a great weather-proof alternative with many of the popular high-street brands.

Best for: People-watching and snapping up jewellery, antiques and unusual items from independent retailers.

Also famous for: The nearby seaside with cockles and mussels and all that jazz …

Must-see shop: Snoopers’ Paradise in Kensington Garden’s is the most renowned flea market in the South of England with over 90 different stalls offering a wide range of antiques, collectables, jewelry vintage clothing and retro.

Getting there: The nearest train station is Brighton Station from where it’s a short walk to the North Lane area.

Brand New: West Field Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush, London

This newly opened shopping centre is the largest in-town shopping and leisure destination in Europe, so if you’re looking to grab lots of sales bargains, you might just find them all here under one convenient roof. A great selection of luxury, premium and high-street retailers nestle stylishly in the organically curved building that features lots of glass and shiny surfaces. Great effort has gone into the interior design of the stores themselves, giving them a more opulent outlook than their high-street brothers and sisters. The other great thing about this shopping centre is that the shops stay open until 9pm on weekdays, 8pm on Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays; so you have loads of time to browse what’s on offer and make an informed shopping decision! When you’re finally done, you can wine and dine in one of nearly 50 restaurants and bars that all stay open until midnight. Bliss …

Best for: Convenient, chain-store shopping in VIP surroundings.

Also famous for: The Village: A boutique style area housing luxury brands, designed by the famous architect team Michael Gabellini and Kimberly Sheppard who designed the award-winning 'Top of the Rock' observation deck atop New York's Rockefeller Centre.

Must-see shop: Spanish fashion retailer Desigua’s interior is a sensory overload, with a trendy mish-mash of graffiti-style graphics, blue and turquoise tiling, low-level lighting, mock-clothes lines and video screens.

Getting there: The nearest train station is the new Shepherds Bush Station from where it’s a short walk to the shopping centre.

Princes Street in Edinburgh

The mile-long Princes Street is Edinburgh’s main shopping street and divides the city’s Old Town and New Town, with panoramic views of the historical landmarks that are dotted throughout. The North end of the street has a great selection of leading luxury department stores and UK high street brands. As you walk along the street you’ll see spectacular monuments, statues and landmarks huddled amongst the shops, adding a historical feel to this scenic shopping experience. The South side is virtually building-free, so that the magnificent Edinburgh Castle is clearly visible, providing a majestic back drop. The Princes Street Gardens are situated here too, and provide the perfect escape from the centre’s hustle and bustle, as well as some great views over the Old Town. And if you’re not quite done shopping yet, there’s the whole Princes Mall to discover at this end of the street too.

Best for: Relaxed high-street shopping in historical, charming surroundings

Also famous for: The Balmoral hotel, a famous 5-star luxury landmark located on Princes Street

Must-see shop: The classy Jenners department store is to Edinburgh what Harrods is to London. It’s an Edinburgh institution.

Getting there: The nearest train station is Waverly Station located at the South end of Princes Street, next to the Princes Mall.

Upmarket Chic: Victoria Quarter in Leeds

Labelled as 'The Knightsbridge of the North' and described as one of the most beautiful shopping centers in Europe, the lavishly upmarket Victoria Quarter consists of three blocks dotted with 75 of the world’s leading designer brands, including Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Hugo boss to name a few. The setting is as spectacular as the A-list brands that populate it, with picturesque Victorian and Edwardian architecture and graceful arcades adorned in rich marbles, gilded mosaics, handsome cast and wrought iron and carved and polished mahogany. With a vast, modern stained glass roof to finish off the décor in style, it is hardly surprising that many shops have chosen Victoria Quarter for their out of London debut. So whether you’re looking for exclusive items, or just want to soak up the continental atmosphere, Victoria Quarter will not disappoint!

Best for: A day of luxury shopping in exquisite surroundings.

Also famous for: Anthony’s Patisserie of the award-winning chef Anthony Flinn

Must-see shop: Harvey Nichols, winner of the 2008 VQ Store of the Year Award

Getting there: The nearest train station is Leeds Station from where it’s a 10 minute walk to Victoria Quarter. Buses and taxis are also available.


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