Top Rated Shopping in Plymouth

The Plymouth City Centre is a pedestrianized area at the very heart of the city. As a shopping destination, the Plymouth City Centre could easily rival some of Devon and Cornwall's most cherished offerings. From independent boutiques and specialty stores offering one-of-a-kind pieces, to high street brands, designer boutiques and shopping centers like the Drake Circus, the Plymouth City Centre has something to suit every taste and budget. As you stroll down the streets of this iconic neighborhood, you will find yourself in the midst of some excellent examples of post-war architecture, including several buildings that are considered local historic landmarks. A walking architectural tour of the Plymouth City Centre can be found online. With its dazzling big screen, the Piazza is the Plymouth City Centre's crown jewel and is often the venue for festivals and outdoor events. With so many cafes, restaurants, boutiques and historic sites to explore, the Plymouth City Centre is an attraction that is much-loved by locals and tourists alike.

Drake Circus is a 425,000 square foot (39,484 square meters) shopping center in the center of Plymouth. The modern “circus,” which was originally a roundabout built at the junction of four main roads, opened in 2006 and is notable for its contentious frontage structure, which resembles giant arms of an ocher-colored fan. The center has dozens of eateries and shops typical of a modern shopping mall, and first-rate amenities including children’s rides, phone charging stations, photo booths, and baby changing stations.

This market is a shopping mecca for many Plymothians. Goods on sale within the market range from antique woodworking tools to fruit and vegetables and clothes, and almost everything in between. Many of the stalls are long-standing businesses and there is a very real sense of community within the market. Alongside a fruit and vegetable stall there may be one selling clothes or bric-a-brac. There are also some fine stalls selling cheeses, shellfish and a superb wet fish market. A visit to the market is always a very rewarding experience and you might well find some delightful treasure. When you get tired of shopping there is a large cafe on the balcony.

The three level Armada Centre is at the top end of Plymouth City Centre, near the Copthorne Hotel. The top level has an open-air car park and Sainsbury's supermarket. The second level is a covered car park and the ground floor contains other shops and cafes. The shops within the center range from the Armada Gallery, selling fine art, to Marlane's Patisserie. There are also stores selling sports goods, luggage, kitchenware, computers, toys, gifts and clothes. Look out for craft markets in the central area. The crafts on sale have all been made by the vendors, and represent some of the best work in Devon and Cornwall.

Next caters for the more mature customer rather than the teenager. They sell clothes for all occasions, from casual to evening wear and work clothes. They also sell shoes and accessories, such as bags, and have a small jewelry range. The prices are reasonable and Next are renowned for their large seasonal sales. The home furnishing department sells bed linens, wallpaper and accessories such as lamps and cushions. These may be slightly more expensive than the average home furnishing stores, but the quality is high and they have the style so evident in Next clothes.