For many of us, the festive season is the most wonderful time of the year. Amid the twinkling lights, pine-scented air and the promise of cosy gatherings, however, lurks a responsibility dreaded by households across the UK: Giving and receiving gifts is normally a joyous occasion, but embarking on the annual quest for the perfect gift can be a nightmare. From navigating bustling shopping centres to stock shortages and a looming, universal deadline, many approach Christmas shopping with trepidation.

In a recent survey, by YouGov, almost half of respondents admitted to finding present buying stressful. At UK Saunas, we understand just how arduous present buying can be. With this in mind, we decided to find the UK’s quietest (and busiest!) shopping centres.

Our methodology

In this study, we analysed Tripadvisor reviews for shopping centres across 30 UK cities, analysing almost 25,000 reviews in total. Shopping centres with fewer than 100 reviews were omitted from our study. We searched reviews for keywords such as “stressful”, “busy, “queues” and “crowded”, representing total mentions as a percentage of total reviews.

The top five most stressful cities for Christmas shopping

City/Shopping Centre	Percentage of Reviews Alluding to Stressful Shopping Experience
Birmingham: Bullring and Grand Central	22.5%
Sheffield: Meadowhall Shopping Centre	21.2%
Southampton: Westquay Shopping Centre	16.8%
York: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet	16.4%
Nottingham: Victoria Centre	15.1%

The top 3 shopping centres to consider avoiding this Christmas

Birmingham’s Bullring and Grand Central

Situated in the heart of England’s second-largest city, the Bullring is home to more than 160 stores and plays host to an estimated 40 million visitors per year, making it one of the UK’s busiest shopping centres. With an array of dining options, entertainment venues and cultural attractions, the Bullring is a hit with both residents of the city and tourists alike. During the festive season, finding affordable parking can be difficult, so we recommend that visitors travel by train or bus when possible. The main shopping centre is actually connected via a tunnel to Grand Central station, which is useful for easy access.

If you do decide to go, here’s the best time to visit:

• Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 11 am, 7 pm - 8 pm

The worst times to visit:

• Saturday: 2 pm - 4 pm
• Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm

Our favourite Bullring and Grand Central shops for gifts this Christmas

• Arket
• Dr Martens
• Flying Tiger
• The White Company
• Selfridges

Sheffield’s Meadowhall Shopping Centre

A retail Mecca located in Sheffield, Meadowhall draws visitors from far and wide. Meadowhall sprawls across 1.4 million square feet, and boasts almost 300 stores. Every year, the shopping centre attracts around 30 million visitors, and becomes extremely busy during the festive season. From high-end fashion boutiques to high-street brands on a budget, Meadowhall caters to everyone.

Meadowhall hosts a variety of Christmas activities, including Santa's village, concerts and choir performances. These activities lure additional visitors to the centre, making Christmas shopping a hectic experience.

If you do decide to go, here’s the best time to visit:

• Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 11 am, 8 pm - 9 pm
• Saturday: 9 am - 10 am

The worst times to visit:

• Saturday: 1 pm - 4 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm

Our favourite Meadowhall Shopping Centre shops for gifts this Christmas

• Austen & Blake
• Baytree Interiors
• Extravagance
• Game
• Hotel Chocolat

Southampton’s West Quay Shopping Centre

Southampton’s West Quay shopping centre is beloved by city residents and visitors to the area alike. With over 100 stores, Westquay Shopping Centre is a hub for high-end fashion, beauty and homeware, offering a diverse and upscale shopping experience. The complex features a variety of flagship stores and celebrated fashion labels.

Since opening back in 2000, West Quay Shopping Centre has welcomed more than 120 million visitors. Over 15% of reviewers alluded to the shopping centre being busy, so it might be best to avoid it around Christmas time.

If you do decide to go, here’s the best time to visit:

• Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 11 am, 8 pm - 9 pm
• Saturday: 9 am - 10 am

The worst times to visit:

• Saturday: 1 pm - 4 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm

Our favourite West Quay Shopping Centre shops for gifts this Christmas

• Build-A-Bear Workshop
• The Fragrance Shop
• Lovisa
• Menkind
• Yankee Candle

The five least stressful shopping centres for Christmas shopping

City/Shopping Centre	Percentage of Reviews Alluding to Stressful Shopping Experience
Peterborough: Queensgate Shopping Centre	3.5%
Bristol: Cabot Circus	4.7%
Norwich: Castle Quarter	5.2%
Inverness: Eastgate Centre	5.4%
Doncaster: Frenchgate Shopping Centre	5.6%

Peterborough’s Queensgate Shopping Centre

Peterborough’s leading shopping destination, nestled in the heart of the city, boasts over 90 shops. The centre’s modern design allows for a peaceful and comfortable shopping experience even during busy periods and it is easily accessible for both residents of the city and tourists alike. The shopping haven caters to a variety of tastes and preferences and plays host to popular high-street brands, designer boutiques and speciality stores.

Just 3.5% of reviewers said that their shopping experience had been too busy.

Our favourite Queensgate Shopping Centre shops for gifts this Christmas

• American Candy
• Lush
• Pandora
• The Choc Box
• TK Maxx

Bristol’s Cabot Circus

Situated in the centre of Bristol, Cabot Circus is a bustling complex celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse retail offering. With more than 130 shops and a unique blend of entertainment venues, bars and restaurants, the centre has something for everyone and is popular with both residents and visitors to the area.

Just 4.7% of reviewers said that their shopping experience had been too busy.

Our favourite Cabot Circus shops for gifts this Christmas

• Astrid and Miyu
• The Entertainer
• Foyles
• Monki
• Typo

Norwich’s Castle Quarter

Located in Norwich, Castle Quarter is steeped in a rich history. This vibrant shopping destination surrounds Norwich Castle - a Norman Fortress turned museum - and features cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants and pubs. With an eclectic mixture of independent boutiques and well-known brands offering everything from fashion to homeware, Castle Quarter should not be missed!

Just 5.2% of reviewers said that their shopping experience had been too busy.

Our favourite Castle Quarter shops for gifts this Christmas

• F.Hinds
• Gifted
• The Fragrance Shop
• Boots
• New-U