10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Cambridge

Rose Crescent is a popular shopping street in the heart of Cambridge, connecting Market Street and Trinity Street. Although the narrow walkway is only 100 metres long, it's lined with an array of independent stores selling clothes, shoes, jewellery, perfume, souvenirs, and more.

Head inside Cellini to pick up handcrafted jewellery, Fantasia for vintage clothing and accessories, or Magical Gifts for all things Harry Potter-related. You can grab a Greek-style kebab from Gardenia or a coffee from Pinch if you need a break.

Locals have flocked to Cambridge Market Square to stock up on food and drinks since medieval times. The historic market is a great place to do some shopping, especially if you're looking for local produce or unique items. The square is full of local vendors and artists selling fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade jewellery and crafts, and secondhand books.

And if you need a break from shopping, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area to refuel. Try the almond croissants from The Earth's Crust, an egg and bacon roll from Shelley & Sarah's, or some freshly made Russian dumplings at Eastern European Cuisine.

Trinity Street is a shop-lined row that runs through the middle of Cambridge. It offers a range of UK fashion shops, including TOAST, Sweaty Betty, and Seasalt Cornwell. If you're looking for something to read, look no further than the 19th-century Heffers Bookshop. Known as one of the largest bookshops in the city, it offers books across all genres, plus board games and gifts.

A must-see spot is the Cambridge University Press Bookshop, which sits on the oldest bookshop site in England. The northern end of Trinity Street hosts the All Saints Craft Market. Every day from 10 am to 4 pm, local vendors sell handmade soap, jewellery, pottery, paintings, and more.

Green Street is a cobbled and pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare that hosts fantastic independent stores in Cambridge. Laird Hatters sells handcrafted hats and caps inspired by Scottish and English history blended with modern design for both men and women. You can browse the racks at OSKA Cambridge for chic designer clothing. If you’re looking for unique engagement rings and dress jewellery, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery sells handcrafted custom-made pieces.

Stop by the renowned Cambridge Gin Laboratory, which has a hands-on space with a variety of gin-related classes. You can learn how to taste like a gin connoisseur, create your own gin-based cocktails guided by gin experts, or simply buy a bottle to take back home.

The historic King Street is a short walk from Cambridge’s centre and the Midsummer Common. Lining the picturesque shopping street is an exciting mix of independent fashion boutiques, decades-old pubs, and lively cafes. Concrete Surf covers all your skateboarding clothing and hardware needs, while GIULIO sets men and women up with seasonal and luxury clothes.

Sew Knit Craft is well-stocked with everything related to sewing, knitting, and quilting. King Street also offers beauty parlours, a tattoo parlour, and a musical instrument shop. Stop by one of 4 historic pubs – The Cambridge Brew House, The Champion of the Thames, The King Street Run, and St Radegund – when you need a break.

Mill Road is an eclectic and multicultural spot a few blocks east of Cambridge’s historic centre. The mile-long street is packed with thrift shops and speciality stores. Books For Amnesty is a great place to find secondhand books, while the huge Sally Ann's Salvation Army charity shop sells value-for-money furniture and homeware.

Vinyl collectors will want to spend a few hours browsing the shelves in the basement of Relevant Record Cafe. Mill Road also has restaurants of various ethnicities, including Korean, North African, Spanish, and Thai. You can visit Mill Road's Winter Fair if you're in town on the first Saturday of December. Attractions include live music, folk dancing, and food stalls.

Grand Arcade offers an upmarket shopping experience in Cambridge. Centrally located and surrounded by the historic University of Cambridge colleges, the mall has over 60 premium and high-street retailers across 2 floors. 

The skylit and spacious complex is anchored by the 5-storey John Lewis department store, which stocks fashion, beauty, electronics and homeware products. Other notable stores include Chocolat Chocolat, JD Sport, and Ted Baker. Insider tip: if you're getting around Cambridge by bicycle, you can enjoy free parking at the Grand Arcade Cycle Park.

The Grafton Centre is an indoor shopping mall in central Cambridge. Home to over 40 stores, the centre is anchored by department store chain Debenhams, a Boots pharmacy, and Next, a UK-based retailer offering fashion and homeware.

You can also find H&M Home, Decathlon, and Primark. After you've finished your shopping, relax and have a meal at one of numerous restaurants available in the building. You can watch a movie at the 8-screen Vue cinema, which features 2 3D screens.

The Cambridge Retail Park is a great place to shop in Cambridge, with a variety of stores offering everything from groceries and electronics to fashion and homeware. You can find several of the city’s largest stores, including Homebase, Boots, Currys, Lidl, and Dunelm.

There are several takeaway restaurants near the Cambridge Retail Park, including Pizza Hut and Nando’s. Try Crunchy’s if you’re in the mood for Turkish food or Athenian for delicious Greek fare. The retail park is just outside the city centre, making it easy to get to by bus or car. Parking is free for up to 2 hours.

Lion Yard is a shopping centre in the heart of Cambridge, next to the Grand Arcade mall. Although not as large as the Grand Arcade and Grafton Centre, the mall still offers plenty of stores and services. Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports stocks virtually everything you need for an outdoor adventure, including clothing and mountaineering equipment. Find your next favourite pair of shoes at Hotter, one of the UK’s biggest footwear manufacturers.

If you’re looking for a unique gift, Flying Tiger Copenhagen sells stylish homeware, stationery, and hobby items. Centred around a glass-dome atrium, Lion Yard provides a calmer shopping experience than Cambridge’s other malls.