Exeter's High Street, Guildhall Shopping Centre and Harlequins Shopping Centre have many popular, big name stores and a few surprises too.

High Street shoppers

High Street

As you would expect, Exeter's High Street is a thriving bustling retail centre with popular national chains including House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, Boots, Gap, H&M, Laura Ashley and Lakeland. There are some treats too like Build a Bear Workshop which is fun for all the children and, for special occasions, further down is the popular Thornton's Chocolates.

Look at the map to see how the city is laid out. As a summary, if you go down from the top of the High Street (from Boots end) and walk towards Marks and Spencer, you can easily access all the shopping areas of the city on foot.

Turn right off the High Street for Gandy Street or, further down, Queen Street then further still North Street.

Turn left off the High Street (at the Riddle sculpture) for the Princesshay development, or further down into Martin's Lane for Cathedral Close or, further down still for South Street.

Turn right at Queen Street for access into the Guildhall Shopping Centre and the Harlequins Shopping Centre. There is a second access into the Guildhall Shopping Centre further down the High Street.

At the junction with South and North Streets, go straight across at the lights to Fore Street. More details about the shops in Fore Street can be found in the section on the West Quarter.

Sidwell Street

At the opposite end of the High Street, Sidwell Street is to the east of the city. If you stand at the top of the High Street with Boots on your left and Next on your right, it is straight ahead.

A long street with an interesting variety of shops, you will find more independent local traders here. For example, Ivor Doble - a jewellers - and Stokes, an independent fruit and vegetable retailer, and Panters are just some of the popular Sidwell Street businesses. This is also a great place for bargains with Poundland, Poundstretcher and street traders all based here. 

The Guildhall Shopping Centre

As well as large shops such as WH Smith, Argos, Mothercare and Primark, there are smaller shops in this largely undercover shopping centre. Explore upstairs - you might find something nostalgic in Exeter Rare Books or an interesting electronic games in the newly opened Eldritch Games. You can get a wholesome snack in Fern's or O'Brien's.

The Guildhall Shopping Centre is centred around the beautiful small church of St Pancras. Dating from the 13th century, the building bears evidence of greater antiquity than almost any other church in Exeter.

The Guildhall Centre connects up with the Harlequins Centre - follow the route from beside Mothercare.

For more details click here Guildhall Shopping Centre

Harlequins Shopping Centre

This pleasant undercover shopping centre has a number of excellent, quality shops.

Jonathan Hawkes and Dukes are quality men's fashion stores here whilst  Multiyork, The Cook Shop and Panasonic can meet many of your home needs. Robert Price has beautiful jewellery; HQ Hair, as well as being a hairdressing salon, has a wide range of hair products for sale.