Start with the Market Square
The Market Square makes a natural starting point for a shopping trip to Northampton. Reopened in 2024 after a major regeneration, it mixes modern fixed stalls with pop-up pitches, a shoe-inspired water feature and an events space, with All Saints' Church as the landmark to look for.
The market trades through the week with a changing line-up of stallholders selling fresh produce, flowers, bread, gifts and more. Check the council's market pages for current trading days before making a special journey.
Abington Street and the Grosvenor
Abington Street is the town's main pedestrianised shopping street, running from the Market Square towards Abington, with high street names and everyday essentials. The Grosvenor Shopping centre adds covered shopping a short walk away.
St Giles Street and the independents
St Giles Street, climbing from the Market Square past the Guildhall, is the street to explore for independent shops, cafes and restaurants. The streets around it, including Guildhall Road and Derngate, hide galleries, vintage shops and specialists worth seeking out.
Further out, Wellingborough Road is known for its independent food shops and restaurants, and the district's villages each have their own small parade of useful local businesses.
Retail parks and bigger trips
For bigger shops, Weston Favell Shopping centre and the retail parks around the edge of town cover the national chains, with free parking. Many shoppers combine a retail park stop with a wander around the town centre.
Leave room for a coffee or lunch
A shopping trip need not end when the bags are full. Browse the local cafes, pubs and restaurants in our food and drink section and choose somewhere for a break between shops. If you want to make more of the day, our things-to-do guide covers the abbey, museums, parks and theatre as well.
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