Ready, Steady, Shop! All these Christmas shopping destinations are less than an hour away!

They variety is the spice of life so why not combine your Christmas shopping with a little day out this winter?

Liverpool city centre is brimming with the best of the high street brands, luxury labels and of course a thriving independent retail community, and regardless of what you’re looking for this festive season, there’s a gift to suit everyone, right here on our doorsteps. For the early birds who have completed their Christmas shopping with weeks to spare, or those who want to combine a wander around a festive market, take in a bit of sight seeing or simply fancy a day out somewhere new, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s 5 places to enjoy Christmas shopping less than an hour from Merseyside…..

1 – Cheshire Oaks

Are you even scouse if you don’t like a little mooch at Cheshire Oaks? Take a short drive over to Ellemere Port, Wirral and save on big name brands such as Nike, Armani, All Saints, Barbour, Boss, Burberry and loads more oh and don’t forget to stock up on even more sweet treats at the Cadbury store! There’s free parking and lost of food outlets to refuel inbetween shops. Click here for more info.

2 – Manchester City Centre

Manchester Christmas Markets are something to behold, topped with the giant santa the huge site sprawls across 10 city centre sites and is open daily until 9pm. You can pick up all manner of gifts alongside some of the best mulled wine in the north west. Don’t forget to head to the Arndale, Intu and Lowry shopping malls for all your high street and luxury brand names. With multiple trains direct from Lime Street you can be there in less than an hour. Find out more here.

3 – Trafford Centre

If free parking, whatever-the-weather shopping is your thing, why not take a day off and explore The Traffford Centre? Open until 10pm you can also shop after work and still have plenty of time to browse the 100’s of shops and restaurants. There’s lots of Christmas offers on and the kids can even meet Santa in is grotto. Just 45 mins away, get the xmas tunes on in the car and have a fab day out. More info here.

4 – Chester

The historic city of Chester is just a 30 minute drive away and it never looks more beautiful than at Christmastime. With undercover shopping centres and loads of fashion boutiques, independent shops and high street favourites – there’s something for every age group, style and budget. Check the unique Rows which comprise of 700 year-old-two-tiered covered shopping galleries, giving you two high streets in one, now home to shops, bars and restaurants. Click here to find out more.

5 – Christmas in Old York

Alright so York is slightly further afield but if you are looking for a unique gift idea, want to spoil yourself or treat the kids, there is no better place to go shopping than York. With a mix of designer labels, high street brands, independent shops and antique shops selling vintage jewellery, you can wander the web of cobbled shopping streets, enjoy the medieval charm of the Christmas markets and maybe pick up a gem of prezzie this Christmas too. Plan your visit to York here.

Where is your favourite shopping destination outside Merseyside? Where has the best parking, restaurants and shops? Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or drop us a line on Facebook here and we’ll share your suggestions on our socials.