When four years ago it saw that our British high streets were emptier and shabbier, Historic England went on a shopping spree, injecting almost £100m into a new programme across 67 notable shopping streets (a project known as High Streets Heritage Action Zones). These high streets will go on to survive and thrive over the next few years, and here are seven of the buzziest — so bustling you can base a weekend round them. Stop at peaceful Paper Flower for handmade cards and gifts (37 High Street) and family-owned Norden for hip homewares (norden.online) or put your pet first and shop at Barker & Bone, a designer boutique for the discerning dog (and cat) owner (47 High Street). If you’re visiting this postcard-pretty Northumberland town to indulge one of these niche interests, the good news is there’s a fantastic high street too. Stamford, LincolnshireStamford wins many awards for its high street ALAMYAdvertisementThere’s a reason Stamford appears in all those best high street lists and garners so many awards — it’s blooming lovely, from its medieval façades to its pedestrianised cobbles.

Source: The Times June 17, 2024 23:07 UTC