Top Rated Shopping in Leeds

This shop boasts a superb collection of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses for sizes 6 to 30. There is lots to choose from, with something to suit all pockets. Prices start at around GBP100 and go up to GBP2000. If you'd prefer to have a dress that's a bit more individual, you can always take advantage of the shop's dress design service. As well as dresses, Angel Brides has an excellent collection of accessories; including jewelery, shoes, gloves and tiaras.

Established in 1948, E.J. Freeborn & Son sell gifts and furniture using a variety of wood. Large items such as tables are made to personal specification, and also offered is a complete renovation service. Gifts include droughts and chess sets, picture frames, recorders and bowls. Trinket boxes in red and green are particularly pretty and more unusual items such as sculptures of pears, dolphins and mushrooms complete the range. A good range of wood treatment is also available, as is a selection of period brass fittings.

In business since 1976, the Japanese Print Gallery specializes in Japanese woodblock prints. However, where most similar galleries feature 17th- and 18th-century work, the Japanese Print Gallery goes for later periods, from 1868 onward. There's a strong selection, mostly prints, but also some artwork. There are also a fine number of Russian paintings, which have been a feature since 1990. It's a small place with just a single room; but packs in a lot with reasonable prices, and proprietor Percy Barkes is an acknowledged expert in his fields, more than happy to chat and answer questions. It's an eye-opening experience of the Sino-Japanese worldview.

A family-run shop that was established in 1993, Lucius Books specializes in modern first editions, especially for crime fiction and children's literature, but covers the entire gamut, including poetry and military history. Lucius Books is actually more than books, though, also offering original artwork for sale, mostly book-related, and there's also a strong selection of music memorabilia, including rare and collectible vinyl, as well as posters in all genres. The bookshop aims squarely at the collector market, rather than the general buyer, and the prices reflect that. With a strong online presence to back up the shop, visitors can return to purchase even after they've left York.

Sahara mixes the weaving craftsmanship of the East with Western style to create fashions for women that go far beyond the High Street. The York store opened in 2009, selling clothing made from many natural fibers that are complemented by the work of several European designers. It’s a boutique, but a beautiful one, and the staff (known as style advisers) are happy to help customers put together a perfect outfit – or two – that will really stand out. Add to that a full range of accessories, bags, belts and jewelry, and there’s everything needed in a clothing store.

Unlike most other jewelery shops that sell items that have been brought in, TCJ Designs specializes in the design and creation of custom jewelery. It’s an easy place to miss, with just a small medieval frontage on Stonegate, York’s busiest shopping street. The designers will help a customer realize their dreams into a piece of jewelery for any occasion and with the materials they desire. The shop also offers full restoration of pieces, as well as remodeling old jewelery and the shaping of unique wedding bands. It’s jewelery, yes, but not quite like any other shop around. Independent jewelery at its best.