介绍:
Europe’s busiest shopping street
London is a shoppers’ paradise, and one of the best places to go to is Oxford Street. Selfridges, one of the world’s first department stores, is here. There are at least four other major stores and Europe’s largest music shop. In December, the Christmas lights are always switched on by a famous person.
Kids’ heaven
Nearby in Regent Street is Hamleys. This is the biggest toy store in the world which was opened in 1881. There are seven floors, so kids can always find something they haven’t got.
All things for all people
A fashionable area for shopping is Kensington High Street. You can buy clothes, cosmetics and accessories here, and there is an organic food supermarket. Harrods in Knightsbridge has 330 different departments and sells absolutely everything, from electronic goods and jewellery to pet food and furniture. The food hall is spectacular. If you feel hungry, you can choose from 32 different restaurants.
Markets
You can’t leave London without visiting a market. One of the oldest markets is Borough market. Walk around, and you will look at the fresh fish, bakeries, and fruit and vegetable sellers. You can also buy specialist food like cheeses, pork pies and chutney. If you like antiques, jewellery or collectors’ items, you can go to Portobello Road on Saturdays. You never know what you will find. If you like browsing for jewellery and gifts, there is nothing better than Covent Garden market. There are lots of cafes here and always some kinds of street entertainment.
Back in time
If you are in the north of England, why not explore York’s picturesque medieval quarter, known as The Shambles. The narrow streets are always filled with shoppers. The old wooden buildings are so close that they almost touch each other.
Outside the city
Tired of city life? Most medium-sized towns in Britain have regular farmers’ markets. Here local producers sell their food, drink and handicrafts. They usually let you try the bread, cakes or wine before you buy. One market town called Totnes even introduced its own currency. Now seventy local businesses accept it.
