A round up of some of Britain’s best high street locations (according to The Great British High Street awards) and what there is for groups to do nearby.
Derby
Derby’s high street provides a variety of shops and brands for visitors to indulge in.
A trip to Derby with your group can include touring the city on bus or by foot. There are many tours including: a Real Ale Bus tour, for groups who enjoy learning about the heritage of ale; and a Derby Arena Tour, which take guests around the sports and entertainment arena.
Private group tours can also be arranged at Derby Roundhouse.
Local sights include Derby Cathedral, Chatsworth estate, Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood, and Calke Abbey.
Blackburn
Blackburn’s high street is located in the town centre and has been undergoing improvements over recent years to restore its heritage.
There is plenty to do on a trip to Blackburn including a visit to Blackburn Museum where visitors can learn about a range of topics, from history and wildlife to technology.
Blackburn has three theatres that groups can visit, including King George’s Hall, which showcases philharmonic orchestras, ballets and comedy. Other theatres include Thwaites Empire Theatre and Darwen Library Theatre.
Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth is a large market town in Shropshire, offering a vast array of shops and stalls.
A venture to Brignorth could see your group heading to see the Brignorth Cliff Railway, thought to be one of the oldest and steepest inland cliff railways in the country.
Meanwhile, groups who enjoy the countryside can take on a number of walking and cycling trails suitable for a variety of abilities.
Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge is a small market town situated in Yorkshire, and offers plnty for every kind of shopper, from antiques and books to food and fashion.
Surrounded by woodland and hills, and close to the Rochdale Canal, the town is a strong contender for a destination for groups of ramblers.
In addition, nearby Hardcastle Crags, a wooded valley and mill, offers guided walks and tours throughout the year via the National Trust.
www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/tourist-info
Pictured: Falmouth
Falmouth
Falmouth high street in Cornwall provides a range of shops from big names such as Marks and Spencer, to smaller individual shops.
Falmouth is a great option for those who enjoy days out at the seaside. A trip to the Maritime Museum, for example, will teach visitors all about the maritime history of the area.
There are also many gardens to visit nearby, including Queen Mary Gardens, Fox Rosehill Gardens and Kimberley Park.
Hoole
Hoole high street is located in Chester where groups can find numerous things to see and do in addition to indulging in some retail therapy.
Nearby attractions include Chester Racecourse, a Roman amphitheatre, and Chester Cathedral. Groups can also make a visit to Chester Zoo.
Tours of Chester are available and can be taken via open top bus, on foot, or on one of Chester’s Pleasure Cruises.
Pateley Bridge
The charming Pateley Bridge is located in Nidderdale in the Yorkshire Dales and offers scenic views left, right and centre for those who enjoy countryside walks and the peace and quiet of the hills.
Besides its quaint high street, there is plenty for groups to do in the surrounding area. Stump Cross Caverns allows visitors to take a self-guided tour of the caves that lie underneath the dales.
Brinham Rocks, meanwhile, showcases intertesting rock formations scattered across 50 acres. Groups can also walk some of the Nidderdale’s Way − a 53 mile circular walk that stretches through the Yorkshire Dales.
Pictured: Pateley Bridge
Stockton-on-Tees
Stockton-on-Tees is a market town in Durham that hosts a quaint high street with cobbled pavement. Besides shopping, a trip could take groups to Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park for a day out to enjoy its woodland and wildflower meadow .
The Saltholme Wildlife reserve and Discovery Park is also nearby where visitors can have a closer look at the wetlands and local nature.
Myddleton Road, Haringey
Myddleton Road in Haringey is a street market that is rich in history. Some of the historical shop faces can still be seen down the street. This market street is big part of the local community and provides stalls with a vast range of produce.
Local landmarks include Alexandra Palace and Bruce Castle Museum, a 16th century manor house with 20 acres of surrounding parkland.
For more information on these winning high streets visit www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-award.
