The great British high streets worth travelling for
The Great British high street hasn’t received a lot of positive press in recent months. Store closures have dominated the headlines.
Just last week The Telegraph reported that 1,218 shops have been closed or earmarked for closure since January, with high street chains blaming rising costs, the National Living Wage, a drop in consumer confidence amid the turbulent politics of 2018, as well as falling footfall as shoppers move online.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The announcement in July by Jake Berry, the High Streets Minister, that the Government would be looking into town centres offering an hour's free parking and bringing back bandstands, gave some hope.
Yesterday, the Great British High Street Awards announced this year’s winners, proving that there are some high streets around the UK which are making a good go of things. The title of best British high street of 2018 went to the town of Crickhowell in the Usk Valley on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Wales.
Mr Berry said: “The awards recognise the work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify our high streets.
“It’s a sure sign that, across the whole of the UK, there’s a determination from local communities to keep their high street alive and kicking and we hope this year’s awards provides the inspiration for others to follow suit.”
It was the community-led Totally Locally Campaign that earned this small Welsh town the crown, with over 100 shops and businesses coming together to better serve the community and promote local produce.
The home of the first zero waste shop in Wales, it has also has impressive environmental credentials and has established an initiative to reduce the use of plastic throughout the town. The community took away a prize of £15,000 to be invested in future initiatives.
But it wasn’t just Crickhowell that was acknowledged in the awards, with eight high streets and centres across the UK all earning accolades.
Crickhowell – Champion High Streets
What the judges said:“The Totally Locally campaign, which has inspired an army of volunteers to ensure the high street and surrounding areas thrive, is a shining example of how independent, family-run businesses can come together to help drive footfall and make the high street a better place for all.”
It’s not just the shops that makes this town popular. Proudly independent, Crickhowell is an excellent base for rambling, with its walking festival in February a highlight in the calendar. Telegraph Travel’s expert Sarah Baxter reported from the event back in 2017: “I wandered its chain-free main street and bought a boot-size pasty to fuel my pending exertions. The sun shone and the grey clouds gathered all at the same time.”
Altrincham – England Champion High Street
What the judges said:“The new South Trafford Health and Wellbeing centre will bring huge benefits to the local community, creating physical, mental and emotional benefits which will not only support vital healthcare needs in Altrincham, but also drive footfall to the high street.”
A market town in Trafford, Greater Manchester, there’s more to Altrincham than just great shops. You can tuck into some delicious street food at the New Market Square, while the National Trust property of Dunham Massey is on its doorstep.
Alness – Scotland Champion High Street
What the judges said: “With an unparalleled sense of community, Alness shopkeepers and business owners have worked together to ensure that they provide an exciting and vibrant experience for shoppers. Alness is a shining example of how high streets can help drive footfall by the local community coming together to make it a better place for all.”
Sitting in the north of Scotland, the town of Alness lies close to the north shore of Cromarty Firth, not far from the pretty coastal village of Cromarty. Two local distilleries – Teaninich and Dalmore – have been in production since the early 1800s while the town promises everything from automotive stores to ironmongers, hairdressers and shoe shops.
Portadown – Northern Ireland Champion High Street
What the judges said:“Portadown is a fantastic example of a high street that has made huge strides in transforming itself and significantly improving the environment for locals and visitors alike.”
In Northern Ireland’s County Armagh, Portadown can be found on the River Bann just south of Belfast. While the town has been around since the 17th century, it boomed during the Victorian era with the arrival of the railway. You can wander along the towpath of the Newry Canal Way or visit Ardress House, complete with traditional farmyard.
Burnley Road, Todmorden – England Rising Star High Street
What the judges said:“The OPTin campaign, which has inspired an army of volunteers to clean the high street and surrounding areas, is creating physical, mental and emotional benefits for the community, whilst also encouraging more people to visit.”
A market town in the Upper Calder Valley of Calderdale, West Yorkshire, Todmorden is blessed with some rather idyllic surrounds, and, aside from the shops, it’s the beautiful countryside that draws many a walker here. Its people are passionate about local produce and have set up Incredible Edible to promote the environmental benefits.
Newport-on-Tay – Scotland Rising Star High Street
What the judges said:“Newport-on-Tay is a shining example of how high streets can help drive footfall by the local community coming together to make it a better place for all.”
A popular commuter town for nearby Dundee, Newport-on-Tay sits, as the name suggests, on the river. The Fife Coastal Path passes through the small town, making a good seaside stroll easy. If your tastes turn towards art rather than the outdoors, try the Tatha Gallery, home to modern British art, or head to nearby Dundee to explore the new V&A.
Cowbridge – Wales Rising Star High Street
What the judges said:“Through its innovative approach, Cowbridge has galvanised support from the local community, uniting both businesses and residents. Cowbridge is a shining example of how high streets can help drive footfall by the local community coming together to make it a better place for all.”
As well as the many independent shops, pubs and restaurants, there’s also plenty of natural beauty on the doorstep of Cowbridge, in the Vale of Glamorgan. You can wander the Cowbridge Physic Garden, visit Beaupre Castle or explore the sands of Ogmore By Sea or Southerndown.
Bow Street, Lisburn – Northern Ireland Rising Star High Street
What the judges said:“Bow Street is a fantastic example of a high street that has made huge strides in transforming itself and significantly improving the environment for locals and visitors alike.”
Just eight miles from Belfast city centre, on the River Lagan, Lisburn is a good place to escape the crowds. There’s plenty to do in this small Northern Irish city. Those that enjoy the outdoors can wander Wallace Park or take part in the many activities on offer at Colin Glen Forest Park, while history lovers can uncover the region’s past at the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum.
