| Forget the antidote
to bright lights of tacky malls and large retail parks,
try doing your shopping in Bristol’s Clifton
shopping quarter, a haven of beautiful historical
buildings.
The Georgian grandeur of the terraces and crescents
of Clifton attracts those in search of that extra special
gift, or those hoping to find a unique item for their
own home.
The area plays host to many unusual and independent
shops selling jewellery, art, wine, furniture and fashion.
There’s also a number of galleries, boutiques
and antique dealers, where you can pick up crafts made
by local artists. In addition, there are plenty of refreshment
stops available for when you run out of steam.
Amongst the Georgian splendour you’ll also find
a small piece of Victoriana. The Clifton Arcade [map] on Boyce Avenue is a galleried arcade that has a number
of small gift and fashion shops. If you’re looking
for jewellery you’ll find a good range of unusual
silver items here, and there’s also the delightful Primrose Café [map],
which is the perfect place to get a sandwich and watch
the world go by.
Close to Clifton is Whiteladies Road [map],
a bustling street which extends from the RWA Gallery
to the Downs scenic parkland. Here you’ll find
a wide variety of independent and national shops selling
clothes, gifts, antiques, books, home furnishings and
fine foods. Again, you’ll be able to relax in
one of the many coffee shops or have a glass of wine
in one of the traditional little pubs located here.
If you find yourself hankering after some of the bigger
high street names there’s always the Clifton
Down Shopping Centre. The refurbished centre is
located halfway along Whiteladies Road. There are well
known shops including Sainsbury's, Boots, WH Smith,
Orange, and a number of independent shops, including Potters [map],
with an interesting range of pottery by local artists.
There’s also the convenience of a car parking
facility here.
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