Dorset Shopping Areas and retails parks

Vibrant high streets are located in every major town across the county. So, when you have a craving for some retail therapy and want to seek out major retailers, department stores and independent shops, you have a great choice in Dorset.

Shop 'til you drop!

Bournemouth has a pedestrianised high street with a delightful mix of department stores, brand name shops, high street fashion stores and intriguing independent shops. Surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops and all within walking distance to the Lower Gardens and beautiful beaches. Nearby in Boscombe there is the Sovereign Indoor Shopping Centre with around 40 well-known brand shops.

Situated 3 miles north-east of Bournemouth, Castlepoint is the UK’s largest retail park with free parking for 3000 cars and around 40 well-known brand shops.

The Dolphin Centre is located in the heart of the bustling town of Poole, in easy walking distance from the train and bus stations. Featuring an indoor shopping centre and car parking, shoppers can enjoy around 140 shops which offer the very best in fashion, lifestyle, gifts and homewares.

The Saxon Square Shopping Centre located in the heart of Christchurch boasts to be one of Dorset’s most convenient and friendly shopping destinations. The Centre has all you need for stress-free shopping including big brand names and independent retailers.

Dorchester is another hub for shopping. Traditionally a bustling market town, Dorchester still has a popular Wednesday Market but now features over 400 shops with a country high-street feel and a cosmopolitan development called Brewery Square, where you will enjoy browsing both independent and well-known high street bands.

Located by the sea, Weymouth has an abundance of well-known high street chain stores, independent clothing retailers, souvenir and gift shops, beach and toy shops and specialist shops including sports, arts and craft shops. With not one but two shopping high streets you have a good range of shops to enjoy.

The great British high street

You will find that most Dorset towns will have shopping high streets with independent shops offering a great selection and a warm welcome.

Help keep the British high street alive by shopping locally. Bustling high streets can be found in towns including: Dorchester, Sherborne, Swanage, Wimborne, Wareham, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Westbourne and Blandford, plus many more.

Car parking and public transport

Find all the information you need about where to park, plus bus and train travel to help you get around Dorset.