With the pound at an all-time high against other currencies it's been a cruel year for shopaholics visiting Britain. But genuine bargains are to be found once you head south to the picturesque Somerset village of Street, home to the country's first outlet shopping centre. The outdoor village-themed complex boasts heavily discounted stock from more than 90 luxury and high-street brand names. Most merchandise comprises previous season's designs, end-of-line stock or cancelled lines.
The principal tenant is the Clarks Factory Shop (below; tel: 44 1458 843156), the best place to stock up on professionally fitted shoes for the whole family. Children's trainers start at GBP16/HK$250, leather school shoes at GBP19. The key attraction is Clarks' QinetiQ, a digital scanning machine that measures the exact length and width of feet. Trained consultants then fit various styles, politely ignoring childish tantrums and family arguments. Brightly coloured Wellington boots (GBP14), casual handbags (from GBP5) and a vast range of leather sandals and shoes for adults (from GBP10) are also available.
Clarks Village is an excellent source of authentic British souvenirs, particularly items you just can no longer find elsewhere.
Chocolate giant Cadbury (tel: 44 1458 840457) offers such treats as satisfyingly large bags of dolly mixture, fruit sherberts and chocolate limes (GBP1.99 for 400 to 500 grams of each).
Clarks Village has clothing outlets ranging from casual to designer suppliers. Next (tel: 44 1458 844070), the phenomenally successful high-street shop, occupies a vast space packed with bargain-priced items such as a simple A-line shift dress (GBP12), a beautifully tailored cream silk jacket (GBP25) and suede below-knee boots (GBP34.99). A black silk cocktail dress lined in gold silk costs GBP20 and a warm parka jacket with wool lining GBP7. Children's clothes and accessories start from as little as GBP2.
British brand Jaeger (tel: 44 1458 447215) is known for its tailored coats and evening wear. Long-sleeved pure linen shirts start at GBP35, while a Spanish-style A-line black linen skirt, extravagantly embroidered with huge red roses, has been reduced from GBP250 to GBP125.