9 Best Places to Go Shopping in Cambridge
Where to Shop in Cambridge and What to Buy?
Quaint little independent stores in beautiful historical buildings and bright, modern malls, the best places to go shopping in Cambridge cover the full range. Both dedicated shopaholics and casual shoppers will love this beautiful British city.
There are plenty of options for shopping in Cambridge, but your best choice depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. Choose whether you want to stroll along cobbled streets and browse upscale souvenirs, enjoy the buzz of a lively street market, or find your favorite brands and great gift ideas.
1. Rose Crescent
A delightful slice of history
Good for: History, Photo, Shoppers
A charming street that could have emerged fully formed from a greetings card or chocolate box, Rose Crescent has all the old-fashioned charm that Cambridge is known for. Lanterns perch atop shopfronts that don’t seem to have changed in centuries, although the shops within them might have.
It’s right in the heart of the city, connecting Market Square to Trinity Street, so it’s easily reached from most places you can go in the city. Gift shops, shoe stores, and jewelry boutiques cluster together, giving you access to great shopping in a historical setting.
Location: Rose Crescent, Cambridge CB2 3LL, UK
Rose Crescent
2. Cambridge Market Square
A vibrant daily market
Good for: Shoppers, History, Food
Every day is a different experience at Cambridge Market Square, as stalls come and go, 7 days a week. Local creators bring handmade crafts that make for excellent souvenirs and gifts, while other stalls sell books, clothing, and much, much more. Surrounded by the historic facades of the Guildhall and Great St Mary’s Church, it’s also pretty picturesque.
The street food vendors are also amazing. Cambridge is a multi-cultural city, so you’ll find all different types of cuisines right next to each other, so everyone in your group can find something to enjoy.
Location: Market Hill, Cambridge CB1 0SS, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1223 457466
Cambridge Market Square
3. Trinity Street
The quintessential Cambridge
Good for: History, Photo, Shoppers
Named after the famous Trinity College, which is right nearby, this street is lined with decorative stone and brick buildings occupied by stylish stores selling clothing. Number 1 Trinity Street has been home to a bookshop since the 1500s, now run by Cambridge University Press. So be careful with any booklovers you bring with you; they might get lost for hours.
Trinity Street is also home to the Cambridge Contemporary Art Gallery, where you can pick up some local art or sculpture to take home. Head to Trinity Street for style and substance.
Location: Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TB, UK
Trinity Street
4. Green Street
Gift shopping in the heart of Cambridge
Good for: Food, History, Shoppers
Let your feet lead you down the cobbles of Green Street and do some window shopping for clothing, hats, and shoes. Or stop off for some gifts to take home with you, as long as you can bring yourself to give them away.
This is also an excellent place to go to eat, with multiple restaurants. Or you can take some time to really get into the British spirit by buying artisanal tea. Shop for your next best outfit, or stop for a leisurely lunch in Green Street.
Location: Green St, Cambridge CB2 3JX, UK
Green Street
5. King Street
The place to stroll and shop
Good for: Nightlife, Shoppers
A longer street, with a slightly quainter, more rural feel to it, King Street has a vast range of different stores, from bicycle stores to yarn stores. Whatever your needs or interests, there’s a shop for you.
Right by Fellows Garden and Christ’s Pieces, wide-open park spaces that make for a wonderful place to relax or have a picnic, when you’re taking a break from shopping. It’s a favorite spot of locals, too. And if picnics aren’t your thing, choose one of the many pubs, restaurants, or cafes on King Street to have lunch.
Location: King St, Cambridge CB1 1LH, UK
King Street
6. Mill Road
More than your traditional British shopping street
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Mill Road takes you out from the center of Cambridge towards the suburbs. It has the classic style and charm of a village high street, with painted wooden shopfronts and local grocery stores, including more unusual options like a Korean supermarket, for picking up those ingredients that are hard to get in the UK.
Trees and traditional brick buildings with gabled windows add to the ambiance in this shopping street, providing a stunning backdrop for your retail therapy and the multicultural offerings. Keep your camera on hand to snap some shots of you with your new purchases.
Location: Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BQ, UK
Mill Road
7. Grand Arcade
Great indoor shopping mall in the city center
Good for: Food, Luxury, Shoppers
This stylish shopping mall lies just south of the city center. You can access the Grand Arcade from St Andrew’s Street or at the corner of Guildhall Street and Corn Exchange Street and discover all your favorite brands live under one roof. From chocolate shops to shoe stores, there’s something for all the family.
Convenient to get to and easy to make your way around, Grand Arcade makes shopping easy. It also hosts pop-up events and attractions, so check out the website to see what’s on. Head inside and treat yourself to something special.
Location: St Andrew’s St, Cambridge CB2 3BJ
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1223 302601
Grand Arcade
8. Cambridge Retail Park
Home shopping highlights
Good for: Families, Food, Shoppers
Cambridge Retail Park is the place to go for bigger purchases, with shops like Furniture Village and Dunelm as well as Halfords and Currys. If you’re shopping for home goods, then this is the place you’ll want to be. There’s also a Boots, for those extra pampering moments.
Have lunch at Pizza Hut or Nando’s or grab those deals from Lidl and make your own food. With 800 parking spaces, the Cambridge Retail Park is accessible and makes taking your new stuff home easy. Whether you’re making your home your own, or just daydreaming about an interior décor renovation, enjoy your time at Cambridge Retail Park.
Location: Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8WR, UK
Open: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)7507 732589
Cambridge Retail Park
9. Lion Yard
Your favorite brands all in one place
Good for: Food, Shoppers
For a great range of high street brands, then you can head to Lion Yard, near Christ’s College. The atrium often has seasonal displays and attractions, to make your shopping trip a touch more magical, including not only winter decorations and sparkle, but a spring rose garden and more.
Gift shopping is easy here with shops selling fragrances, jewelry, and chocolates, as well as fun items for kids and sporting goods. There are also food options to fill rumbling stomachs and satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
Location: St Tibb’s Row, Cambridge CB2 3ET, UK
Open: Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Wednesday from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1223 656730
Lion Yard
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