Hen weekends in Manchester shopping guide – you may as well!

Be honest – did the Northern capital’s reputation for having some of the best shopping outside of London factor into your planning for the hen party?! Manchester is not just renowned for its lively music scene but also its wealth of shopping experience s. We don’t just know how to paaarty (think Frank from Shameless there) – we also know how to shop! What better way to spend those final few hours on a Sunday or the early Friday afternoon before everyone arrives with a quick bit of retail therapy? We take you on a tour of Manchester’s shopping areas...

Afflecks Palace and The Northern Quarter

Just north of the city centre high street is the Northern Quarter area. Manchester is known for its independent music and fashion scene and the Northern Quarter will not disappoint. Afflecks Palace is a must-see place here, with an array of independent (and affordable) fashion shops, a haberdashery of all-sorts for those creative types, fancy dress and art stores. It’s really got a little bit for everyone and you never know what you may stumble across in there. The Northern Quarter in general is similarly made up of lots of independent stores, with plenty of cafes and bars to pop into to refresh!

Best for: Independent finds that will make your friends jealous back home! 

Market Street and The Arndale Centre

Market Street is the city centre high-street as the name would suggest. Along here you’ll find Boots, Mango, Urban Outfitters, All Saints, Miss Selfridge, H&M and – most importantly – a very large Primarni! So if you’ve laddered your last pair of tights or need some more make-up and toiletries for your night out , this is your place.

The Arndale Centre is situated just off Market Street. Don’t let the remainder eyesore  tall tower put you off – inside you’ll find a wealth of shops like you would normally find in any good shopping mall – including a very large Topshop, River Island, Oasis, Warehouse and Dorothy Perkins.

Best for: your normal high street finds (but bigger and better  - as it’s Manchester!)

St Mary’s Gate, St Anne’s Square and Cathedral Approach

As you cross a small road where Boots finishes, you’ll head onto St Mary’s Gate, where you’ll find a large Marks and Spencer’s and, directly behind it, Selfridges.

If you head back onto St Mary’s Gate and head on down, on the left hand corner you’ll find St Anne’s Square, home to Zara, Office and Russell and Bromley, and on the opposite side of the road are Zara, Reiss and Ted Baker.

Best for: high-end high street

Deansgate

If you head back through St Anne’s Square and take a right, you’ll find yourself directly opposite House of Fraser. Enough said – the perfect end or start to any hen weekends in Manchester as it often has unbelievable sales and with lots of good quality stock!! We could rummage in there for hours, regardless of sales....

Best for: high street fashion all under one roof, often at bargain prices throughout the year

Kings Street  and Spinningfields

Just around the back of House of Fraser on the bottom of Kings Street opposite the restaurant, San Carlo’s, is a little-known must see called Elite Dress Agency.  If you like a good rummage for designer gear forget TK Maxx  - this is real designer clearance and returns – from All Saint to Vivienne Westwood and Karen Millen.

And if you head to the top half of the street you’ll find the likes of Karen Millen, Whistles, Mulberry and The Kooples.

Spinningfields is the Canary Wharf of Manchester and as a business distract home to lots of law firms, banks and the like, the shops are well suited. Head here for Ted Baker, Armani, LK Bennet, Kurt Geiger, Calvin Klein, Flannels and Mulberry.

Best for: those with a serious budget (oh, lucky ones!)

Fancy dress

Don’t despair if you forgot to pack any fancy dress for your hen party. Manchester’s Arndale Centre is home to Luvyababes on the ground floor near to the exit from Boots. With an array of all things fancy dress, there is plenty of options. And Affleck’s Palace is always an option too – they have many a fancy dress outfit in different stores.

The Trafford Centre

Now, we know The Trafford Centre is renowned, but personally, we feel like you may as well stick to the city centre – you've got everything all in close proximity and that's what hen weekends in Manchester are all about - getting a feel of the city.

So what are you waiting for – a buzzing music scene and great shopping all under one roof. If you've not booked yet, then check out our build your own hen weekend in Manchester package!