| 
There are five retail parks around the edge of the Town Centre _
varying in size from charming Duck’s Farm Court through to
the substantial Broadfields _ and two large malls within it. And
the beauty of it is that the centre is extremely compact, so you
can do an awful lot of shopping before you find yourself dropping.
The retail parks with their superstores are at Broadfields, The
Junction Cambridge Close Retail Park, Vale Park Drive, Vale Retail
Park and Duck Farm Court. For more information go to www.aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk
If you prefer the more personal Town Centre experience, starting
from the large car park at Friarage Road, cross the glass bridge
into Friars Square. This light and airy mall offers a great variety
of chains, both large and small, and many independent retailers.
Men’s, women’s and children’s clothiers; jewellers;
accessory, cosmetic and perfume shops; music centres; phone suppliers;
shoe and handbag sellers and vendors of toys, cards, novelties and
gifts abound. Downstairs, the indoor market is full of treasures,
antique and new. Arts, crafts, artefacts and curios are on offer
at very moderate prices.
When you have thoroughly explored Friars Square, make your way through
to the ancient, cobbled Market Square. You might like to stop for
coffee and, if the weather is fine, sit out by the flower stalls
and watch the world go by. Tending more and more towards the ‘Farmer’s
model’, the weekend markets offer a splendid variety of fresh
food and produce from the local countryside, and of economically
priced goods. Surrounding the market you will find a variety of
chain stores and independents eager to meet your every need.
If you want something more substantial than coffee and a light snack
you might at this point want to walk the 100 yards or so to Kingsbury
and take lunch in one of the attractive restaurants or pavement
cafés.
Once refreshed, return to the fray. Across the Market Square from
Friars Square stands the entrance to Hale Leys. This is Aylesbury’s
other central mall, again offering an excellent range of stores.
Shop in bright, modern, surroundings and be served by pleasant friendly
people who appreciate the value of their customers.
Having sampled the delights of Hale Leys, continue your journey
into the High Street, again lined with interesting stores, venues
and inviting cafés. By this time you might have reached dropping
point. From the top of the High Street, where it rejoins the Market
Square and Kingsbury, it is just a stone’s throw to the King’s
Head, where you can enjoy a pot of coffee, a glass of wine or a
pint of good ale in the comfort of historic and charming surroundings.
After a rest, cross the street and return to Friars Square, where
a two minute walk will find you back at the glass bridge and on
the way home.
|
