The shopping centre is widely praised for its stunning architecture (Image: Victoria Leeds/Facebook)
There are plenty of shopping centres across the UK that attract millions of visitors every year. Some of the most popular ones include Westfield in London and Lakeside, where shoppers have plenty of choice when it comes to retail, dining and entertainment.
But neither of those has been chosen as the UK’s best shopping centre. That title belongs to a centre that is not only packed with thriving high-end and high-street stores, but it is also widely praised for its stunning architecture.
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Victoria Leeds came out on top of TripAdvisor ranking (Image: Victoria Leeds/Facebook)
According to the TripAdvisor ranking of UK shopping centres, Victoria Leeds is the best in the country, earning an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Liverpool ONE followed in second place with a rating of 4.4, while Trentham Shopping Village and Trinity Leeds shared third place with ratings of 4.3.
Located in the heart of Leeds, Victoria Leeds comprises two distinct areas: the historic Victoria Quarter and the modern Victoria Gate.
Together, they house around 75 to 80 stores, ranging from major high-street names to world-renowned luxury brands.
The centre is home to designer labels such as Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood, alongside high-end jewellers including Boodles and Berry’s Jewellers.
Victoria Leeds is home to the first branch of Harvey Nichols opened outside London (Image: Victoria Leeds/Facebook)
It also features retailers like John Lewis & Partners and Harvey Nichols, the latter being the first branch the brand opened outside London.
Victoria Leeds is also famous for its design. The Victoria Quarter dates back to 1904 and includes the County Arcade and Cross Arcade.
In the 1990s, the area underwent a major restoration, including the installation of a spectacular stained-glass roof along Queen Victoria Street, designed by artist Brian Clarke.
The modern Victoria Gate development later opened in 2016 following a £165million expansion, adding some contemporary architecture to the historic arcades.
Beyond shopping, the destination offers a wide range of dining and leisure options.
The shopping centre features retailers like John Lewis & Partners (Image: Victoria Leeds/Facebook)
Visitors can dine at well-known venues such as The Ivy and The Ivy Asia, enjoy cocktails at The Cut & Craft, play games at Boom Battle Bar or spend an evening at Victoria Gate Casino.
TripAdvisor reviewers have been full of praise for the centre. One person said: “An absolutely stunning arcade, reminiscent of when the British built stunning cities and architecture. Worth a visit for its lovely shops.”
Another added: “The architecture is very beautiful, especially if you look upward. The shops are very high-end. Definitely worth a look even if you don’t buy anything.”
A third wrote: “A gorgeous place with some incredible shops. Anyone visiting Leeds should go.”
Someone else commented: “All shopping centres should be like this. It’s a joy to walk around.”
