The in focus shop at Martin Mere is good. I've made a couple of purchases from there and whilst I've often thought it was slightly over-priced compared to some of the internet retailers there's nothing like being able to try optics out before you buy them. Even within the same brand and model its not uncommon to find differences between individual pairs of binoculars. They also do demo's up at Leighton Moss. Bit of a trek from here but well worth it. Never tried Pennine or the one in Stockport.

For optics there's Stockport Optics (I think that's what it's called) or the one I use, Peninne Optics in Rochdale. Otherwise there's Focalpoint or the one in Martin Mere but either way, sometimes it's easier to go check out the optics you 'think' you like by visiting the shops or asking other birders for a look through thiers and then checking out sites on the internet, like Warehouse Express which I've also used. Recently though I've found prices have evened out between them all (with definate exceptions) so buying direct from retailers rather then from the internet doesn't necessarily cost you any more.

could people recomend some good birding shops in the county ???