The UK’s most fashionable cities ( A Guest Post)

London is likely to come close to the top of any list of the most fashionable cities, not only in the UK but also around the globe. The cosmopolitan capital brims with a diverse selection of shopping destinations, from the bustling activity of Oxford Street to the myriad high-street and designer boutiques at the Westfield centres in Shepherds Bush and Stratford.

However, if you prefer exploring more unusual shops off the beaten track, you might want to try Camden Passage, located in Islington, north London. This thriving alley of treasures begins just outside Angel tube station and weaves its way past antique galleries, vintage emporia, stylish bars and quaint cafes. Quirky market stalls appear every Wednesday and Saturday featuring unique homeware pieces.

Manchester, meanwhile, is home to some of Britain’s most eccentric hotels, such as the Great John Street Hotel, which offers a luxurious stay within an old Victorian schoolhouse. For memorable crafty finds, visit the sprinkling of independent boutiques housed within the Northern Quarter. Covetable designer buys can be found on King Street, where Mulberry, Hugo Boss and DKNY dominate the area. If you decide to visit the colossal 230-store Trafford Centre, one thing is certain: you definitely won’t go hungry. With over 60 restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from, every single one of your taste buds should be satisfied.

Once a flourishing fishing village, Brighton now offers an eclectic range of art galleries and designer and vintage boutiques, complete with a healthy dose of hearty sea air. The original heart of the city is now known as The Laines, and true to its name it features numerous winding alleys crammed with jewellery, antiques, rare designer items and even live jazz. Situated just west of the city centre is the laid-back district of Hove, serving up a delicious concoction of deli cheeses and breads in the French market, alongside locally grown produce at the farmers’ markets.

You can get even more from your shopping experience by using credit cards with rewards from American Express, giving you the opportunity to earn exclusive membership reward points while you spend. These points can then be redeemed for a variety of fantastic treats, ranging from cashback to flights and hotel stays. Take a look at the range of American Express credit cards online for more information.