Designer Trail

Whether it's the Italian influence of the Romans or the stylish Georgians, York has always held an appeal for people with an eye for fashion.

Start the day on Blake Street where followers of fashion should begin with the Vivienne Westwood boutique in York for Gold Label, Red Label, Anglomania, MAN menswear, jewellery and fragrances.

Continue down and turn left into Stonegate for Jigsaw and Whistles to reach Low Petergate. Sarah Coggles offers everything from Farhi by Nicole Farhi and See by Chloe to UGG boots. Visit nearby Noa Noa for European flair and LK Bennett for quintessentially English feminine style.

Moda in Pelle and Chinelli on Grape Lane sell to "to die for" shoes. One Ethical Boutique is close by, where the clothes are either ethically or ecologically sourced, while Mulberry stocks smart fashion and fabulous handbags and for cool retro style, seek out the delightful Priestley's Vintage Clothing tucked away in Norman Court.

Back round to Stonegate via Ghost and then left into Davygate for Karen Millen, Coast, French Connection and Hobbs. Down to St Sampson's Square and Browns of York, the "Grande Dame" of York's department stores which is home to Jacques Vert, Minuet, Phase Eight, plus Radley bags and Jane Shilton. Double back down to St Helen's Square to stop for a well earned lunch break at Betty's Tea Rooms. If you fancy a spot of sightseeing join a World Tour of York or a Yorkwalk.

Then it's onto Coney Street for the most stylish stationery, Paperchase will meet your needs. Carry on to check out high street trends at stores such as Mango, H&M and Zara and if it's flirty frillies you desire, check out Leia for the loveliest in lingerie.

Continue down High Ousegate into Coppergate for Top Shop, JOY and Fenwick where you'll discover top brands from Betty Barclay to Nine West shoes, not to mention perfumes and cosmetics galore.

If you need a culture fix call into York Castle Museum for the "Sixties" exhibition to see what fashion really was all about or hop aboard a YorkBoat at Kings Staith for a relaxing cruise down the Ouse.

Head for the Railway Station and hop on a Red Line 7 bus to whisk you off to York Designer Outlet just outside the city.
Here you'll find over 120 stores with up to 60% off everyday including Armani Collections, Hugo Boss, LK Bennett, Hobbs and Jaeger.

Or head off in the opposite direction by Silver Line 9 or Brown Line 13 to Monks Cross shopping for a huge TK Maxx, Outfit, Laura Ashley and much more.

For the essential après-shop - head back into the city and straight to the Living Room on Bridge Street, where you can enjoy a leisurely dinner and a cocktail or two.....

*Please note shops that appear in italic are only to be found in York