The West Country's best shopping destinations named in new UK list

A total of 11 shopping destinations in the South West of England are among the best in Britain, according to new national analysis. The latest Newmark Vitality Rankings include two market towns within an hour's drive from Bristol, as well as a retail centre much closer to home.

Researchers accounted for a number of factors when putting together the Top 100 list for 2024, including retail unit vacancy rate, the change in vacancy rate, space being adapted for other uses, shopper spend per annum, and footfall figures. Bristol city centre was snubbed in the list but Cribbs Causeway and Clifton did make the cut.

Just two South West shopping destinations featured in the Top 25 rankings, with many of the highest-ranking positions being held by locations in the East and South East of England, especially London. Marlborough, the market town in Wiltshire, places at number 16 in the list - and ranks the best in the South West for 2024.

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Marlborough's offering sees independent shops and big name brands 'sprinkled' among and around the historic houses, Tudor buildings and churches of the town. It is said to have a 'reputation for being a serious place to shop', with an array of major fashion brands located here, too.

Another historic destination for shopping, Bath city centre is next in the rankings, placing at number 18 in the list. In among all of the Bath stone buildings and stunning architecture, tourists and locals alike will find independent shops selling books, jewellery, baked goods and more, as well as massive chains and high street brands including Primark and Lush.

Cribbs Causeway, on the outskirts of Bristol, boasts its own Mall and thousands of free parking spaces, as well as surrounding retail parks that cater to those looking for furniture, restaurants, supermarkets and more. Inside The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, shoppers are said to be spoilt for choice with a vast array of designer brands and high street names, a dedicated food court, a landmark John Lewis store and Marks and Spencer, too. It places 35th in the rankings this year.

Clifton in Bristol is famed for its more upmarket and designer labels, as well as an abundance of local independents that offer artisan makes and bakes. From small boutiques among stunning architecture, to the Clifton Arcade full of vintage clothes shops, idyllic cafes, and more, Clifton is the only other Bristol location (besides Cribbs Causeway) to make it into the rankings - placing a respectable 61st.

Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire, placed 65th in the list with a range of shopping venues, that offer those big brands and boutiques. The Visit Cheltenham website features more than 200 shops in the area, and its Promenade was listed by Google as one of the best shopping streets in the UK.

Cirencester, also in Gloucestershire, placed 71st in the rankings and, like many others in the list, features a mix of independent local shops and big-name brands. These include the likes of Marks & Spencer, Waterstones, Joules, Crew Clothing and White Stuff, to name a few.

The pretty Cotswolds market town was named the 'best place to live' in the South West last year and is less than an hour away from Bristol city centre. Judges who gave it that title also praised its "thriving" high street with regular market.

Elsewhere in the South West, locations featured in the rankings of some of the best places to shop include:

• Exeter City Centre (38th)

• St Ives (Cornwall) - 45th

• Truro City Centre (53rd)

• Sherborne (62nd)

• Totnes (75th)

Where else would you recommend for a shopping day trip near Bristol? Let us know in the comments section below