Despite the rise of online shopping and the trend for working from home, many of Britain’s high streets remain the beating heart of their communities, as well as being a magnet for visitors bored by the chain store experience.
Buzzing with activity thanks to quirky independent stores, coffee shops and restaurants, as well as an overall sense of community, they also attract home buyers from far and wide.
We’ve spoken to property experts and estate agents across the country to find Britain’s top 32 high streets.
Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Set in the heart of south Pembrokeshire, Narbeth’s high street is lined with rainbow-coloured Edwardian and Georgian buildings housing artisan stores selling the best of Welsh-made jewellery, art and food. ‘This has to be the most delightful high street I have ever been to,’ says Carol Peett, of estate agents West Wales Property Finders. ‘It is always bustling and busy with beautiful shop displays and charming individual stores.’ Ultracomida deli and restaurant, which sells Welsh and European cheeses, is well worth a stop for lunch.
Manningtree, Essex
Thought to be the smallest town in England, Manningtree’s high street runs parallel to the pretty River Stour. It’s lined with pretty Georgian-fronted timber framed buildings. ‘Here you’ll discover a host of local independent shops and businesses, along with tempting venues to meet friends for drinks or dinner, sample local tapas or celebrate a special occasion,’ Says Edward Heaton, founder and managing partner of buying agents, Heaton & Partners. Estuary wine bar is hugely popular with locals.
Clovelly, Devon
Cobbled streets, flower-strewn cottages and resident donkeys have led to Clovelly being named the ‘Most Instagrammable Village’ in 2020 by property experts Bankrate. The privately-owned fishing village also has one of Britain’s shortest and steepest high streets, running downhill past the town’s lime-washed cottages and shops to its harbour. The best spot for a view of the cottages and returning fishermen is the Cottage Tea Rooms, which serves Devon cream tea, crab sandwiches and pasties.
Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester
This colourful, tree-lined street is renowned for its mix of gift shops, independent stores, restaurants, pubs and homeware shops. One standout outlet is Barbakan Delicatessen & Bakery, an award-winning artisan bakery and delicatessen which specialise in continental loaves, such as German Norlander, French Campagrain, Italian Contadina – and, not forgetting their famous Chorlton Sourdough.
Lymington, Hampshire
Grand architecture meets seaside souvenir shops and the smell of the ocean on Lymington’s high street. ‘It’s a captivating fusion of historical elegance and coastal charm,’ says Saddat Abid, senior property buyer at Property Saviour. ‘The high street meanders down to the serene Lymington River, where the fresh sea breeze enhances the vibrant atmosphere of quaint seaside shops.’ Markets are still held on the high street every Saturday from 8am to 3pm.
Chipping Campden, Cotswolds
This high street romantically follows the curve of a river and is lined with buildings made from charming Cotswold Stone. Campden, as it’s known by locals, is laid out in what’s known as ‘burgage’ style (narrow plots of land, usually with a house at the street end and a yard in the back) which was first introduced in the 12th century by Hugh De Gondeville, a close friend of King Henry II. ‘It’s the kind of place that feels like stepping back in time, yet it’s bustling with modern life,’ says Jon McCrory, CEO of property investment firm Boardwalk Investments. The Attic, a beautiful second-hand designer clothes store, is hidden away in a little nook off the high street beside Lisa Drinkwater flowers, which is also well worth a visit. Michael’s Mediterranean Restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists.
Guildford, Surrey
With its bumpy cobbles, historic buildings and landmark 17th-century Guildhall clock which overlooks the town, Guildford High Street has to be one of the most attractive in the country, says Trevor Kearney, founder of The Private Office: Real Estate in Surrey. ‘The high street offers a glut of shops, and eateries as well as a community space for food fairs and busking,’ he adds. ‘It is also easy to navigate as it is completely pedestrianised.’
North Berwick, East Lothian
This coastal town, an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, benefited from a 2022 ‘Town Centre First’ project – a policy aimed at giving towns the tools and resources they need to become more viable and attractive places in which to live. Among the outlets on the high street is Barker and Bone, a designer boutique for the discerning dog (and cat) owner. There are also several art galleries and the beach is a ten-minute walk away.
Hastings, East Sussex
Arty and bohemian, this narrow high street links the old town with Hastings’ sea front. You won’t find large department stores and big brand names here – it’s all about antique and vintage stores, upmarket homeware and flower shops and artisan bakeries housed in Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Bunting and fairy lights adorn many of the colourful shop fronts throughout the year. At the south end of the High Street, you’ll find the remains of the old town wall.
Shambles, York, North Yorkshire
The historical and contemporary blend together on York’s Shambles – a high street where medieval architecture meets modern boutiques and restaurants. Its cobbles and overhanging buildings are believed to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series. Quirky outlet ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named’ specialises in officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise.
Totnes, Devon
The high street in the popular market town of Totnes is built into a steep hillside that threads its way upward from the River Dart. It’s home to an eclectic range of independent shops housed in Tudor buildings including Salago, a family-run store offering everything from fashion and footwear to toys and games. ‘This town has a vibrant high street filled with independent shops, organic food markets, and a strong sense of community. It’s got a bit of a bohemian vibe which attracts a lot of creative types,’ says Jon McCrory of property firm Boardwalk Investments.
Saffron Walden, Essex
‘The historic market town of Saffron Walden has an incredibly attractive high street with independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants all nestled amongst quaint historic property,’ says Bruce King of Cheffins estate agents in Saffron Walden. Jolly markets are held twice-weekly. The Tuesday market is more traditional, selling fresh seafood, flowers, fruit and vegetables, while the Saturday is more cosmopolitan, offering designer clothing and home goods. Jamie Oliver was brought up nearby and is often seen perusing the market stalls. Chater’s, just off the high street, is a hugely popular deli and bar serving specialty coffee, fresh pasta and natural wine.
Meanwood, Leeds
Meanwood’s small but bustling high street in the northwest of Leeds has seen much change in recent years thanks to the opening of several independent coffee shops and restaurants. The leafy street has a particularly good bar offering, including Terminus Tap Room, known for its craft beers, and Alfred, a small, retro bar serving deli platters. ‘There are also several brilliant places to get coffee, including Tandem and Opposite, and Zucco, a popular restaurant serving Italian small plates, which is always fully booked,’ says Mark Manning, managing director of Leeds-based estate agent, Manning Stainton.
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
This charming village is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, thanks to the picturesque River Windrush which runs through its high street. Union Jack bunting and colourful flowers often adorn the quaint shops on the high street during the summer, including the suitably named `Quirky` gift shop. Mrs Rolt’s Tea Rooms is worth a pitstop for afternoon tea.
Market Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire
Set in the heart of Staffordshire, Lichfield’s charming high street features Georgian and Victorian architecture with brick facades, tall windows, and traditional shopfronts. Here you’ll find a mix of chain and independent stores including the Kitchen Shop, where a vast selection of cookware, tableware and gifts is spread over two floors.
Cranleigh, Surrey
Surrounded by stunning countryside yet bustling with amenities, Cranleigh’s high street offers something for every resident. ‘It truly has a community feel yet still full of traditional services like a butcher, baker and fishmonger,’ says Trevor Kearney, founder of The Private Office: Real Estate in Surrey. Brown’s Surrey Gin & Tea Bar is popular with both locals and visitors.
Lavenham, Suffolk
Considered to be Britain’s best preserved medieval village, Lavenham’s colourful high street features wonky, film-set style timber-framed buildings, unique shops, and a sense of stepping back in time. This is particularly true at the eye-catching 15th century ‘Crooked House’ antiques shop and tearooms which is located, as the name suggests, in a crooked orange-timbered building.
Greenwich, London
Visitors from across the world are drawn to Greenwich’s high street thanks to its view of the Cutty Sark ship and the River Thames, as well as its famous market, which is found at its north end. The high street also offers Regency-fronted shops including antique stores, fashion and homeware retailers as well as a selection of gastropubs, restaurants and cafés.
Marlborough, Wiltshire
A twice-weekly market is held on Marlborough’s high street- one of the widest in the UK. It’s lined on both sides with a charming mix of Georgian buildings housing independent clothing stores, coffee shops, high-end restaurants including Rick Stein’s fish restaurant, and what must be Britain’s most attractive Waitrose. The prestigious Marlborough College, where Kate Middleton went to school, is found at the west end of the high street.
Belper, Derbyshire
A former powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, this former mill town is the only place in the country to have won the Great British High Street’s ‘High Street of the Year’ award twice (most recently in 2019). The bustling road, which is framed by the Derbyshire countryside, offers friendly coffee shops, artisan bakeries, and unique stores such as Nordicana, a quirky, one-of-a-kind homewares and gift shop.
Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire
This steep, narrow high street sits in the heart of Nidderdale Reserve, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. ‘It’s crammed with independent shops selling everything from fashion accessories to antiques, as well as being home to the world’s oldest sweet shop and two award-winning butchers’ shops,’ says estate agent Alison Reilly, who heads Dacre, Son & Hartley Pateley Bridge office. Little courtyards and ginnels – narrow passages between buildings – leading off the high street add to its charm.
Corsham, Wiltshire
Coffee shops spill out onto the pedestrianised stretches of this Wiltshire town’s high street, contributing to its warm, neighbourly feeling. ‘There are ample cut-throughs and often dog walkers will disappear and reappear on the high street as they amble to and from Corsham Court [stately home],’ says Francesca Watson, Co-Founder of Otters Home Search. ‘From Woody’s Deli to The Corsham Bookshop, there’s whimsy and charm to be found around every corner.’
Corbidge, Northumberland
The high street of this postcard-pretty Northumberland town is a cluster of boutique craft shops, farm shops, traditional sweetshops and an award-winning bookshop. Step back in time by browsing Vintage at the Tower, a quirky Aladdin’s cave selling one-off nostalgic items that date from the Victorian and Edwardian eras through to the roaring 20s and groovy 60s. The high street plays host to numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
Stamford, Lincolnshire
This thriving high street is made up of listed honey-coloured Georgian buildings, cobbled streets and quaint passageways. ‘It is buzzy and pedestrianised, and full of award-winning local butchers, exceptional bakers, and plenty of independent boutiques, as well as a number of popular antique shops,’ says Edward Brassey, Senior Associate Director, Strutt & Parker Stamford.
Wigtown, Scotland
Famous as Scotland’s National Book Town, Wigtown’s high street splits into North and South Main Street which are home to many themed bookshops. Foggie Toddle, which specialises in books and toys for children, is well worth a visit. Away from books, the street offers bustling cafes and antique stores including Faodail which sells jewellery, glassware, ceramics, paintings and furniture.
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
Surrounded by rolling hills, this West Yorkshire town’s high street, known as Market Street, is a hive of artisan shops, independent cafés and galleries. The Afghan Rug Shop is the only shop outside Afghanistan that solely sells Afghan rugs, while Mooch Cafe-Bar is popular with both locals and visitors. Much of Sally Wainwright’s BBC drama, Happy Valley, is set in Hebden Bridge.
Cardigan, Ceredigion
This West Wales town on the Teifi Estuary has a long history as a cultural and commercial centre. The high street itself is lined with independent cafés, craft shops and galleries. Its spirit is described as part old-fashioned Welsh market town, part hippy, arty enclave – both of which work in harmony. It’s worth diving off one of the high street’s tiny streets and stopping at Bara Menyn (which translates to Bread Butter), a bakery selling delicious loafs, croissants and focaccia.
Keswick, Cumbria
Nestled in the Lake District, Keswick’s high street is home to an array of outdoor gear shops, charming cafés and bustling restaurants. Grape Tree Keswick offers health foods including nuts, seeds and dried fruits – all at great value. Surrounded by breathtaking countryside, the town’s twice-weekly market spills across the centre of the town.
Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Dating back to the medieval period, Wallingford’s high street has a rich history. Its cobbled streets are lined with a number of antique stores housed in a mix of medieval, Georgian and Victorian buildings. ‘The central marketplace dating back to the 12th century, is home to a weekly market – championing produce from local farmers, artisan cheese-makers and bakers,’ says David Pratt, Director, Residential Sales, at Thomas Merrifield.
Skipton, Yorkshire
Set in the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton’s cobbled high Street is set against a medieval castle that dates back more than 900 years. In 2008, it beat London’s High Street Kensington and Portobello Road to win the title of ‘Best Street of the Year’. ‘It’s lined with pubs, restaurants, cafes and a huge array of shops that include national names through to long-standing independents, making it the perfect spot to while away an afternoon,’ says estate agent Mark Kane, of Dacre, Son & Hartley Skipton office.
Crickhowell, Wales
This cute little Welsh town won ‘Best High Street of the Year’ in 2018. Framed by the Brecon Beacons, locals have staunchly resisted chains. Instead, Crickhowell high street is one of the few shopping streets left in the country where local businesses sell local produce and local products. Alongside two butchers, a baker and a florist is the HJ and D Webb and Sons furniture store, whose motto is ‘everything for your home and garden’ and has been trading in the market town since 1936. The town oozes old-world charm and has changed little since Tolkien holidayed here (rumour is the town inspired Crickhollow in The Hobbit).
St Ives, Cornwall
This winding cobbled street in St Ives lies just behind the popular town’s charming harbour. There is a wonderful tightly-packed mix of shops, from delis and independent shops to bigger brands, including Fat Face and Sea Salt. Queues often form outside St Ives Bakery thanks to its popular handmade Cornish pasties.
