'UK towns and cities are all unique, each with its own identity. There are plenty of things to keep you busy while you are about town, from shops and bars to cafés and delis.'
In the UK you're never more than a short bus or train ride away from a town centre. You may live quite centrally or in the countryside, but at some point you'll explore your nearby town or city. Here you'll find shops, restaurants, bars and cafés – plenty of things to keep you busy for an afternoon.
Shopping in the UK
Shopping areas and districts are found throughout the UK, offering everything from budget clothes to high-end luxury items. In large cities, such as London, Cardiff, Manchester, Belfast or Edinburgh you'll find exclusive shopping areas (such as Central London's famous Oxford Street) as well as plenty of other shopping districts, many of which are pedestrianised.
Big central shopping streets usually have a mix of famous high-street brands, like Topshop and H&M, as well as more expensive designer stores. Shopping centres (sometimes known as shopping malls) usually have mainly high-street shops. There are many located across the UK, sometimes on the outskirts of town.
Food and drink
The UK has a vast range of restaurants, offering everything from fine dining to quick snacks. Many restaurants are located around the town centre, so if you live in a rural area and have a meal out planned, you'll probably head into town.
UK restaurants vary hugely in price. You can find out more about UK cuisine in the Education UK food section.
Many towns or cities with a large student population are often geared towards the student market and many restaurants offer student discounts. These could range from 20 percent of your food bill, to a free drink with a meal or a two-for-one offer.
Café culture
Having a coffee with friends, curling up with a hot chocolate and a good book or just people watching – UK café culture is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Most town and city centres have several, or even dozens, of cafés. Some are popular chains known around the world, while others are small independent businesses. Cafés usually serve hot drinks and light snacks (such as sandwiches) and are a great place to rest after a busy afternoon sightseeing or shopping.
In student areas you will often find small, cosy cafés, usually run by students, for students. Serving an array of food and drink - from cakes to milkshakes - these popular spots are ideal for a post-exam treat! There are also plenty of cafés in musuems, galleries and tourist areas so you can combine a culture trip with a quick meal out.
You can find out more about cities and regions of the UK using the Education UK interactive map.
Shopping in the UK
Shopping areas and districts are found throughout the UK, offering everything from budget clothes to high-end luxury items. In large cities, such as London, Cardiff, Manchester, Belfast or Edinburgh you'll find exclusive shopping areas (such as Central London's famous Oxford Street) as well as plenty of other shopping districts, many of which are pedestrianised.
Big central shopping streets usually have a mix of famous high-street brands, like Topshop and H&M, as well as more expensive designer stores. Shopping centres (sometimes known as shopping malls) usually have mainly high-street shops. There are many located across the UK, sometimes on the outskirts of town.
Food and drink
The UK has a vast range of restaurants, offering everything from fine dining to quick snacks. Many restaurants are located around the town centre, so if you live in a rural area and have a meal out planned, you'll probably head into town.
UK restaurants vary hugely in price. You can find out more about UK cuisine in the Education UK food section.
Many towns or cities with a large student population are often geared towards the student market and many restaurants offer student discounts. These could range from 20 percent of your food bill, to a free drink with a meal or a two-for-one offer.
Café culture
Having a coffee with friends, curling up with a hot chocolate and a good book or just people watching – UK café culture is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Most town and city centres have several, or even dozens, of cafés. Some are popular chains known around the world, while others are small independent businesses. Cafés usually serve hot drinks and light snacks (such as sandwiches) and are a great place to rest after a busy afternoon sightseeing or shopping.
In student areas you will often find small, cosy cafés, usually run by students, for students. Serving an array of food and drink - from cakes to milkshakes - these popular spots are ideal for a post-exam treat! There are also plenty of cafés in musuems, galleries and tourist areas so you can combine a culture trip with a quick meal out.
You can find out more about cities and regions of the UK using the Education UK interactive map.
