The ‘best city' for Christmas shopping is under 90 minutes from Manchester

It’s hard to believe it but there's only a few days left until Christmas - a thought which may fill you with joy or dread depending on how much preparation you’ve got done. There’s decorations to sort, food to buy and of course, Christmas shopping to be done.

If you’re still on the hunt for gifts ahead of the big day, then don’t fret. It doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, in fact why not make a festive day out of it?

Yes Manchester has some excellent shops, but battling the crowds in the Trafford Centre doesn’t feel particularly Christmassy. Luckily one of the UK’s best cities for Christmas shopping is less than 90 minutes away by train.

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Consumer group Which? Named York as the best large city in the UK for Christmas shopping. The historic city is packed full of retailers, ranging from independent boutiques to well-known high street brands, all within easy walking distance from the train station, served directly from Manchester.

More than 3,000 Which? Members rated recent stays in more than 50 UK cities, and York received a visitor score of 86 per cent, with a four-star shopping rating. Wells in Somerset did score slightly higher and was named best small city for shopping.

On York, Which? Wrote: “Spend time pottering around the Shambles - a mediaeval street lined with independent shops and restaurants - or find little treasures in the boutiques of Stonegate and Petergate. Elsewhere, browse well-known brands in Coppergate Shopping Centre.”

If you’re lucky enough to be off work already then you can squeeze in a