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Born to Spend? then Aylesbury is the place for you! For a town of its size, it offers a branch of almost every major chain store and superstore you could ever need. There are five retail parks, (varying in size from charming Duck’s Court through to the substantial Broadfields) around the edge of the Town Centre, 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, Vale Park Drive, Vale Retail Park and Duck 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 chain stores, both large and small, and many independent retailers. Mens, womens and childrens 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 and reasonable restaurants or pavement cafes.

Once refreshed, return to the fray. Across the market place 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 cafes. 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 Kings 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 surrounding. 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.