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Many of the best shops in the North East of England are a reflection of this unique part of the UK, with outdoor clothing and equipment shop Reynolds Outdoor Centre in Sunderland an ideal resource for the surrounding countryside, the North East Art Collective in Newcastle a snapshot of work by local artists, and bespoke jewellery shop Gavin Shelley Jewellery adopting Durham Cathedral for its trademark. These independent boutiques, gift shops and bookshops are also distinctive in their own right: discover an eclectic mix of clothing and products across six rooms of a listed building at The Mugwump in Durham, or radical view and unusual second hand volumes at the People’s Bookshop. Read on to discover more of the best shops in the North East.
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1. Glamorous Owl
Courtesy of The Glamorous Owl -
2. North East Art Collective
Courtesy of North East Art Collective North East Art Collective, 45 Eldon Garden, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RA - Visit now
Selling work by artists based in the North East of England, the North East Art Collective sets out to offer something for everyone – including oils, watercolours, photography and jewellery by notable local creatives
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3. Fenwick
Courtesy of Fenwick Fenwick, 39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7AS - Visit now
This designer department store in Newcastle first opened in 1882, and has served the city and its visitors ever since. A shopping destination in its own right, Fenwick has everything from dining to fashion spanning five floors.
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4. The Grainger Market
Courtesy of Grainger Market The Grainger Market, Clayton Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5QN - Visit now
Another historic shopping venue in Newcastle, The Grainger Market first opened over 200 years ago, and remains a hugely popular hub for shopping, indoor dining and entertainment. The historic venue was voted ‘Britain’s Favourite Market’ in the British Market Awards 2020.
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5. The People’s Bookshop
The People’s Bookshop The People’s Bookshop, 70 Saddler St, Saddlers Yard, Durham, DH1 3NP - Visit now
Dealing mainly in second hand books, The People’s Bookshop is a radical outfit in Durham that seeks to reflect the local community, pull focus away from best sellers and help contribute to improving the world. An admirable aim and a local institution.
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6. The Mugwump
Mugwump The Mugwump, 37 Saddler Street, Durham, DH1 3NU - Visit now
Spread across six rooms in a listed building, the Mugwump in Durham was established in 1966 by two art school graduates, and continues to sell womenswear, contemporary glassware and ceramics, homewares, prints and more. Drop in for unusual finds in an eclectic mix.
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7. Gavin Shelley Jewellery
Gavin Shelley Jewellery Gavin Shelley Jewellery, 72 Saddler St, Durham, DH1 3NP - Visit now
A bespoke jewellery shop named after local jeweller and owner Gavin Shelley. Each piece is created in Shelley’s unique style, with Durham Cathedral used as a stamp of quality.
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8. Port Independent
Port Independent -
9. Aphrodite
Aphrodite -
10. Reynolds Outdoor Centre
Reynolds Outdoor Centre Reynolds Outdoor Centre, 6 Derwent St, Sunderland, SR1 3NT - Visit now
Friendly expert staff, repairs services and a wide range of outdoor clothing and equipment all set Reynolds Outdoor Centre in Sunderland apart. It’s a great resource, whether you’re beginning your adventures, or a seasoned explorer.
Visitor guides
Shopping in the North East
Our guide to the best shops in the North East of England, including independents, boutiques and markets in Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland.
Vintage Shops in the North
A curated selection of the most renowned vintage shops in the North of England, showcasing where to pick-up quirky, one-off collectables.
