An exclusive club - comprised of Bath, Brighton, Durham Chester, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and York - Britain's Heritage Cities are united by the very things which, individually, make them stand out from the crowd: two thousand years of history; top class hotels and spas; world class festivals and culture; and some of the very best food and drink in the country.
And in 2007, Britain's Heritage Cities will be highlighting yet another common theme which holds so much attraction to the US visitor who might like to expand their horizons to include anything from a second to a seventh UK city in their travel plans.
This particular shared theme is 'unique shopping'. Part of the appeal of all seven cities is that they are easily 'walkable', with many of their most interesting shops hidden away in historic little side streets and alleyways. Possibly the best known are 'The Lanes' in Brighton - a series of twisting alleyways offering an extraordinary mix of antiques, jewellery, interior design and famous labels. North Laine is home to over 300 unique shops in less than half a square mile.
Bath, home of a "campaign for real shops", boasts more independently owned shops per head of population than most other cities in Britain. Five out of 10 shops are privately owned and it is the sheer variety and quality of shopping on offer that acts as a magnet to this historic town.
Books, new and second-hand, are big in Oxford. The Norrington Room in Blackwell's Bookshop extends under neighbouring Trinity College and has 5km of shelving - making it the biggest single room of books for sale in England. Nearby, the Covered Market offers a lively collection of small shops and stalls selling clothes, gifts and specialist foods such as Oxford Sausages, Oxford Blue Cheese and live lobsters.
Similarly, Stratford-upon-Avon has a big reputation for shops selling specialty English products. And, as befits a market town, the weekly market in Rother Street is the place to head for, to mix with the local shoppers and enjoy the centuries-old atmosphere.
Another city famous for its weekly market, Durham's overall appeal as a historic city is partly based on the opportunity to spend some time (and a few pounds sterling) in the fascinating shops which punctuate its narrow streets.
Chester's two-tier shopping galleries, called The Rows, were created 700 years ago, and today offer those seeking retail therapy 'two high streets-in-one'. These mediaeval marvels, whose exact origins are shrouded in mystery, feature historic treasures within 21st century stores, and are best explored on a Rows Tour that takes you in-and-out of premises and up-and-down stairs in search of hidden secrets, and a bargain or two.
York has always attracted affluent and stylish shoppers, and is renowned for its array of antique and second hand book dealers, independent boutiques and fashionable interior designers. The Tourism Bureau has produced five walking trails for visitors to explore, from designer labels to antiques - ask for the leaflet Five Routes To Shopping Heaven.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Suzanne Lockhart
Tel: +44 (0)1865-252406
E-mail: slockhart@oxford.gov.uk