Several of the main areas to explore include Gillygate for antiques dealers, St. Mary's Square and its Coppergate pedestrian mall for name brands and chain stores. One of the best streets for shopping is Stonegate with an array of independent outlets.
Several specialty shops that have ideal gift items include Maxwell and Kennedy, 79 Low Petergate (tel. 01904/610034), a candy store specializing in both Belgian chocolate and Cambridge Wells dark, milk, and white chocolate; and Mulberry Hall, 17 Stonegate (tel. 01904/620736; www.mulberryhall.co.uk), housed in a medieval house from 1436, with 16 showrooms on three floors devoted to the best in British and European porcelain, fine china, crystal, and some antiques. For your furry friends, the Cat Gallery, 27 Stonegate (tel. 01904/611053), is Britain's largest feline-themed store.
