5 Of the Best Retail and Entertainment Areas in the UK

Trafford Centre in Mancester. Photos supplied

If you want to shop, but also enjoy yourself, then you might have noticed what's happened to retail and entertainment areas in the last few years. While shopping centres used to be stale and formal, that's not the case any more. You can find the right area for you and your whole family to enjoy yourself over many hours. You don't have to stick together either, as there'll be something for everyone and all ages. And not just shopping!

The best retail areas these days have fun and more mixed up with them.

What makes the best retail zones today?

Shops

This goes without saying, shopping is still the core activity in any retail space. But it isn't the ONLY thing to be doing any more. And let's face it, not everyone likes shopping. So what else is there?

Food

Food options on offer in good retail spaces have improved massively in the last few years. Grabbing a bite to eat or sitting down for a longer meal isn't the chore it used to be, and competition has meant there really is something for everyone. Whether you want some international street food, a fast food option or a more traditional meal, you should be able to find it. For many, finding somewhere to eat is the most fun part when it comes to visiting a shopping area.

Entertainment

If you want to keep the kids entertained, or even the adults, then there should be something for everyone. From laser tag to cinema multiplexes and more. You don't just have to shop in shopping areas

Gambling 

One type of entertainment that's certainly seen growth in recent years is gambling. Many shopping areas now have their own casinos so the older members of your party can enjoy betting and more. There aren't just casinos either as betting shops are also a good option if you like this sort of thing. Many of them are seeing a boost in interest thanks to the growth in gambling both in retail space and online. The good thing about online casinos is that they offer many bonuses such as tipico casino bonus code for example. You can also get reviews, guides and tips on most popular casino games.

But you might be wondering what the best shopping and entertainment areas in the UK are? Let's have a look...

WestField Stratford 

WestField recently made a number of moves into the UK market including building two massive shopping centres. One of these, and perhaps the most famous is in Stratford. There's also one in Shepherd's Bush as well as plans for more like a smaller one in Croydon. These offer everything from bowling, gambling, shopping, eating and more.

Trafford Centre

This is arguably Manchester's busiest shopping area, although there are lots of other places to spend money and have fun in that city. The Trafford Centre has been around for a while and offers all sorts of shopping and eating options, and much, much more.

Birmingham's Bullring

The core of Birmingham's shopping and entertainment area recently underwent a multi-million pound regeneration project. And it has made a big difference. This is one of the most popular shopping and entertainment areas in the country, let alone the midlands. It offers all the high-end shops you might want as well as much more.

Bluewater

Bluewater might have become less important since WestField opened, but it is still one of the most popular shopping and entertainment areas in the South East.

Oxford Street

This list wouldn't be complete without one of the most iconic streets in the world, London's Oxford Street. It has something for absolutely anyone and is still one of the best shopping areas in the world.