I have never been but I have seen recommended by others a place called Mount Dora..about an hours drive North of Orlando.
Apparently, it is a very quaint old style town, popular with tourist; there is a tourist (steam?) railway and also a (steam ?) boat that takes you out onto the lake there. Very pretty.

If it is more mall shopping you are after, then apparently there is a really good one, not far from Sanford airport , though unfortunately I don't have any other details other than that. But perhaps someone else can enlighten you.

Winter Park to the north of Orlando have some lovely shops and resturants.It is also on the shores of Lake Maitland where you can get a boat ride.Its only about 35minutes away from Orlando but seems a million miles away.

Thanks for both these places, had a look at web sites for both and they look good. Will try and fit them in when we go in May.