Who doesn't love a permanent sale? There are lots of great shopping outlets in the UK where you can find bargains on high-street and designer goods at stores like M&S Outlet and GAP to Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein.
There's nothing like a good shopping trip, and who doesn't love a permanent sale? Well with shopping outlets that's basically what you get.
There are lots of great shopping outlets in the UK where you can find bargains all the time on high street and designer goods at stores like M&S Outlet and GAP to Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein. Outlet shopping at its best.
Wherever you are in the UK, there's an outlet centre near you - our list of the top 10 includes shopping outlets from Somerset to Scotland. So whether you need to buy things for you, your kids, your husband or your home, you'll be able to find some great bargains all year round.
If you're buying clothes, the range of shops will include sportswear, designer labels, casual clothing, accessories, going out clothes and more. And at many shopping outlets you'll also be able to get electrical items, beauty products, books and toys.
As well as shops, lots of the UK shopping outlets have extras too, including free wifi, cafes and restaurants, kids play areas, an Owl Sanctuary (Festival Park, Wales), craft markets (Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre, Yorkshire), a cinema (The Galleria, Hatfield) and special family events. However, some of these may remain closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. So have a look through our gallery to find the best UK shopping outlets, their opening hours, their top shops and how to get there.
Bicester Village, Oxfordshire
(Image credit: David M. Benett)
Where: Located in the Oxfordshire countryside, Bicester Village is an hour from London and Birmingham, just off the M40. It's easy to reach by car (with free parking) and train. The Shopping Express coach also runs daily (excluding Christmas Day) direct from London.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 09:00-21:00 Sunday: 9:00-19:00
What's there? If you like designer brands, Bicester Vilage is ideal. There are over 130 boutiques with up to 60% off names like Cath Kidston, DKNY and Hugo Boss. It's not all high-end shopping, though - other stores include Clarks, Levi's and The White Company.
Extras: There's free wifi at Bicester Village along with a good variety of cafés and restaurants from Pret A Manger to Carluccio's.
More info: bicestervillage.com (opens in new tab)
The Galleria, Hatfield
(Image credit: Peter Jay/The Independent/REX/Sh)
Where: Hatfield is just north of London, at the top of the A1(M) between junctions 3 and 4. Parking charges start from £1.30 an hour Mon-Fri and free after 6pm, with a flat £2.50 charge on weekends and bank holidays.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00-20:00 Saturday: 10:00-18:00 Sunday: 11:00-17:00
What's there? The Galleria's 80 shops include household and designer brand names with up to 60% off at any time. High-end stores include French Connection, Ghost, Austin Reed and Calvin Klein Underwear while high-street brands feature the likes of TK Maxx, Superdrug, Holland & Barrett and Claire's Accessories. Also popular are the M&S Outlet and Nike Factory Store.
Extras: There are 15 restaurants and cafès at the Galleria including Burger King and Bella Italia. There's also an Odeon cinema at the shopping centre.
More info: thegalleria.co.uk (opens in new tab)
(Image credit: UIG via Getty Images)
Where: Located in Essex between Chelmsford and Colchester, Freeport Braintree is easy to reach via the M11 or A12. There are 1,500 free parking spaces for shoppers. A regular train runs from London Liverpool Street to Freeport Braintree Station.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00-18:00 (Thursday 20:00); Saturday 10:00-19:00; Sunday 10:00-17:00
What's there? Freeport Braintree is a high-street shopper's paradise with everything from Next Clearance, M&S Outlet, Nike Factory Store and GAP Outlet to trendy fashion stores such as Billabong, Ted Baker and Bench. Typically, stock is discounted between 30-80% so you should find great bargains.
Extras: There are several places to eat and drink, including Pizza Express, Burger King and Costa Coffee.
More info: freeport-braintree.com (opens in new tab)
York Designer Outlet Village
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Where: The outlet is located a 10-minute drive from York's city centre, close to the interchange of the A64 and A19 and there is free parking for shoppers.
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 10:00-20:00 (Thursday: 09:00-22:00) Saturday: 9:00-20:00 Sunday: 10:00-18:00
What's there? Although it's a designer outlet, there's a good variety of shops including GAP Outlet, Hamleys, Next and M&S Outlet. If you like designer wear with up to 60% off, you'll be spoilt for choice from Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and Michael Kors.
Extras: Places to eat and drink include Pizza Hut, Wagamama and Ed's Easy Diner. The outlet also has a children's play area and activities at certain times such as face painters, craft workshops, magic and balloon modelling.
More info: york-designer-outlet.com (opens in new tab)
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village, Scotland
(Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Where: Gretna Green is a minute's drive from the motorway via the Gretna exit from the M6/M74/A75. There's free parking and Gretna Green station is a short walk away too.
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 09:00-18:00 Sunday: 10:00-18:00
What's there? With over 50 outlet stores, this centre has a lot of favourite high-street names such as M&S Outlet, Nike Factory Store, GAP Outlet and Sports Direct. Designer brands include Jeff Banks, Austin Reed and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Extras: There are 5 cafés at the outlet and an outdoor play area for children aged 3 to 12. There are special events at certain periods too such as Easter, Christmas and summer holiday weekends.
More info: gretnagateway.com (opens in new tab)
Swindon Designer Outlet
(Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Where: Situated in the Cotswold and Wiltshire countryside and close to Swindon town centre, Swindon Designer Outlet is off Junction 16 of the M4 motorway or Junction 11a from the M5. Swindon train station is a 10-minute walk away.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00-20:00 Saturday: 9:00-19:00 Sunday: 10:00-18:00
What's there? Next, GAP Outlet, M&S Outlet, John Lewis Home Outlet and Levi's are some of the high-street names at Swindon Designer Outlet. Designer stores include L.K Bennett, Jaeger and Hugo Boss and you can save up to 60% throughout the year.
Extras: There are 10 cafés and restaurants for all budgets and tastes, including Pizza Express, Giraffe and Starbucks.
More info: swindondesigneroutlet.com (opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Where: Dalton Park is located off the A19, 20 minutes south of Newcastle and half-an-hour north of Middlesbrough. Parking is free at the centre.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00-19:00 Saturday: 09:00-19:00 Sunday: 10.30-17:00
What's there? The biggest outlet in the region, Dalton Park offers up to 50% off high street prices. The M&S Outlet, Next Clearance, Home Bargains and Nike Clearance Store are popular stores alongside designer brands like Joseph, Radley London and the Denby Outlet. Kids and anyone with a sweet tooth will love the Cadbury Outlet as well.
Extras: There are several cafés and restaurants including Café Thorntons, Spud-u-like and Subway. There's a children's play area next to Next plus free family events and a regular food and crafts market. You can also explore the 55 acres of landscaped parkland.
More info: dalton-park.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Freeport Talke, Stoke on Trent
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Where: Located near Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, Freeport Talke is off Junction 16 from the M6. There's free car parking and it's a 10-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent Station.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday and bank holidays: 10:00-18:00 (Thursday 20:00)
Sunday: 11:00-17:00
What's there? There are over 40 stores from fashion to homeware with up to 60% off. Popular fashion stores include Mountain Warehouse, M&S Outlet and GAP. Homeware stores include Denby and for sports goods there's Nike Factory Store and Sports Direct.
Extras: There are cafés at the outlet but no restaurants. Kids are well catered for with the kids' play area with ball pools and climbing frame at Zennz Den, plus family events at Easter and other peak periods.
More info: freeport-talke.com (opens in new tab)
Festival Park, Wales
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Where: Set in Ebbw Vale in South Wales, Festival Park is off Junction 28 from the M4, along the A467 and A4046. There are 1,000 free car parking spaces and Ebbw Vale Parkway station is one mile away.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 09:30-17:30 (Thursday: 19:00) Sunday: 11:00-17:00
What's there? Clarks Factory Shopping, M&S, GAP, Sports Direct and Rugby Heaven are some of the most popular shops at Festival Park. The vast Nike Factory Store is also one of the outlet's main shops and great for bargain sportswear.
Extras: There are cafés, restaurants and plenty of children's entertainment. Festival Park is home to the UK's longest Supertubing run (you speed down a slide in a big rubber ring), South Wales' largest free kids' play castle and The Owl Sanctuary.
More info: festivalshopping.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Clarks Village, Somerset
(Image credit: UIG via Getty Images)
Where: The shopping outlet is in the village of Street in Somerset. From the M5, exit Junction 23 and Street/Clarks Village is signposted along the A39. Parking costs from 80p an hour to £3 for over 4 hours.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 09:00-19:00 (Thursday 20:00) Sunday: 10:00-17:00
What's there? With over 90 designer and high-street stores from M&S Outlet, Monsoon and Next Clearance to Timberland and Jaegar, this outlet has a huge variety of stores with up to 60% off. Note that Clarks Village isn't part of Clarks Shoes although there is a Clarks Factory Shopping shoe shop.
Extras: There are 8 cafés and restaurants at Clarks Village from Pastry Presto to Burger King. Kids will love the King Arthur's Castle outdoor play area with dragon slides and wooden turrets and a traditional carousel (pictured).
More info: clarksvillage.co.uk (opens in new tab)
FAQs
Which is the biggest outlet in UK? ›
...
London Designer Outlet, Wembley
Wembley Park has a lot more to offer than football – you can get your shop on at dozens of stores at up to 70% off at the London Designer Outlet, which houses the likes of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
Most of the items at the outlet stores are made for them using less expensive fabrics and without the details that make name brand clothes more expensive-they are made for a mass market. In a few cases,they are leftovers from another season or damaged clothes or items that just didn't sell.
Do outlets have cheaper quality? ›While outlet stores used to sell overstock or past-season items at discount prices, today's outlets instead mostly sell products made or bought specifically for the outlet—with the designers and vendors creating familiar-looking items at a lower cost and quality.
What are the top 10 biggest shopping Centres in the UK? ›- The Trafford Centre. 3,330. Shopping Malls. ...
- Trentham Shopping Village. 974. Shopping Malls. ...
- Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. 3,136. Shopping Malls. ...
- Carlton Centre. Shopping Malls. Open now. ...
- Bicester Village. 4,197. Shopping Malls. ...
- Bluewater Shopping Mall. 1,373. Shopping Malls. ...
- Meadowhall Shopping Centre. 2,104. ...
- Sunbridge Wells. 176.
About. M&S Outlet is one of the UK's leading Outlet retailers'. Offering great M&S products at incredible Outlet prices up to 40%off the original M&S price on clothing, home and beauty.
What is the most popular shopping Centre in UK? ›Certain types of clothes and accessories offer the best bargains. Adam's tip for getting the “true bargains” at outlets is: “Visit outlet stores when the sales are on. It's a gamechanger – you can get items up to 70% off.” You can also sign up to outlet centres' email newsletters for additional discounts.
How much cheaper is Gucci at Bicester Village? ›50% discount from boutique prices. You can find most of the premium brands here, from Gucci, Prada to Boots. Popular brands like Gucci, Prada, Nike etc, there is always a line to get in. Over the years, I still find that there are not many restaurants open here.
Is the UK plug the best? ›Although the built-in fuse adds bulk to the U.K. plug design, it's also safer: In case of an unexpected electrical surge, the fuse simply blows and the electricity shuts off, preventing fires, electrocutions, and other accidents. It also makes U.K. plugs easier to fix.
Is UK outlet same as Europe? ›
All of Europe operates on the same 2 round pronged outlets except for the UK and Ireland that operates on its own unique 3 flat rectangle pronged outlets. If you are travelling through the UK or Ireland (including London) you will need a UK and Ireland power point adapter.
Is Bicester worth? ›Bicester Village is definitely worth the trip because you will get to enjoy great discounts, especially for British luxury brands. As for non-British brands, they are also cheaper, though the discounts are not as attractive. Overall, shopping here will be cheaper than shopping in central London.
Does it matter what outlet I buy? ›The amperage of the existing circuit – The amperage of the circuit must be greater than the outlet you're installing. For example, never install a 20-amp electrical outlet on a 15-amp circuit. Whether your home has a ground wire – Older homes don't have a ground wire.
Which outlet is the safest? ›The GFCI Outlet
This one could save a life. The letters G-F-C-I stand for “ground fault circuit interrupter.” This means the outlet can sense the flow of electricity to the earth, switching off power within milliseconds if this flow is detected.
- Best Overall. EverElectrix Wall Outlets with USB Ports. ...
- Best Power Capacity. ABBOTECH 15A Tamper Resistant Duplex Receptacle. ...
- Optimal Safety Features. ENERLITES Duplex Receptacle Outlet, Tamper-Resistant. ...
- Best Value Pack. UltraPro GE Duplex Heavy-Duty Receptacle. ...
- Best Weatherproof.
- London. Shopping in London doesn't need too much introduction. ...
- Manchester. With a plethora of fantastic shops, boutiques and markets, shopping in Manchester will keep you shopping until you're dropping. ...
- Birmingham. ...
- Leeds. ...
- Edinburgh. ...
- Brighton. ...
- Glasgow.
Bull Ring, Birmingham
The Bull Ring was the first indoor city-centre shopping centre in the UK. At the time, it was one of the largest enclosed shopping centres outside America. It was celebrated as a revolutionary example of urban planning and the pioneer for a new era of shopping design in Britain.
- The London Three - Harrods, Liberty, and Fortnum & Mason.
- Fashion and Luxuries - Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fenwick.
- The British Classics - John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.
- Everyday Shopping - House of Fraser and Debenhams.
- Cheap and Cheerful - Primark.
Sawgrass Mills, Florida
With a massive 350 stores to explore, Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet, retail and entertainment destination in the United States. Stores include Coach, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Prada. One of the highlights of Sawgrass Mills is the life-size Barbie House.
According to some shoppers, there is no much difference between the Las Vegas Premium Outlets North and South. However, these two locations differ in at least two main aspects. North location is more upscale, has 150 stores and is an outdoor mall. South location has 140 more affordable stores, and is an indoor mall.
Are Amazon outlets cheaper? ›
It's formally known as Amazon Outlet, which is the section of Amazon referenced in this article. In the little-known corner of the site, Amazon sells overstock inventory and clearance products at highly-discounted prices—typically a 20% discount or higher.
What's better Bluewater or Lakeside? ›Bluewater is better if you're shopping with children. There are more play areas and more toilets, which seem to be like gold dust at Lakeside.
Which UK shopping centre has the most shops? ›...
Over the years the Arndale has expanded and extended and has become larger than the Trafford centre. Some of the shops are massive (Next, Topshop) it has a link bridge to Selfridges and some escalators that bring you right onto the high street (Market Street) if you want to extend your trip further.
Is shopping cheap in UK? ›In fact, the UK is home to some of the best bargain stores in the world. They typically offer unbeatable prices for goods, tools, necessities and clothes that you likely won't be able to find back in your home country.
What's better Bicester or Cheshire Oaks? ›Cheshire Oaks
Unlike Bicester Village which has a far greater lean towards designer brands (although Bicester does have high-end of the high street too - think The White Company and Reiss) Cheshire Oaks has a much larger brand mix, making it one that hits a huge array of price points.
Coach Factory Outlets have two different kinds of merch — bags made specifically for the outlet stores (lower quality) and Coach store overflow. About 90% of what you'll find at Coach Factory Outlets are made-for-outlet bags, which means lower quality but a lower price.
How much cheaper is Prada at Bicester Village? ›The prices are approximately 30%-40% less then the shops itself the reason for the low prices is that these are the outlet shops and the stock which they have is of sale stuff.
Where are luxury brands the cheapest? ›What is this? France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have a high number of luxury labels that you can buy without having to pay import taxes and other fees. A Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag, for example, is 30% to 40% cheaper if you purchase it in France instead of the United States.
How do you get 10% off at Bicester Village? ›VIP Card
1.1 A “VIP Card” or “eVIP Card” is a reward card that entitles the holder to receive a ten per cent (10%) discount on products within participating boutiques at participating Villages.
Why is UK plug so big? ›
To save copper, Britain adopted the ring main system, with sockets connected sequentially, but this meant each connection needed its own fuse. Instead of putting the fuses in the sockets, they were included in the plugs themselves. Hence the UK's bigger plugs.
Are UK sockets safest? ›Let me explain how that happens – UK electric sockets are considered to be the safest in the world. They have a safety orientated shutter mechanism inside the socket, prevents your fingers from reaching any live wires; they're designed this way on purpose.
How many plugs is too many UK? ›Sockets come with limits – in the UK they can take a maximum of 3000 watts or 13 amps (13A). In practise, this means you should plug no more than this into any one socket. Plugging too many appliances into one extender or socket can overload it, which in the worst-case scenario, could result in a fire.
Who uses same plugs as UK? ›This electrical socket is common in: GB, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, ... The Type G plug has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern and includes a fuse (usually a 3A fuse for smaller appliances, such as computers, or a 13A fuse for larger appliances, such as heaters).
What is a UK outlet called? ›For United Kingdom the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. United Kingdom operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Type G.
Can I put a UK plug on a European? ›A US plug socket is a completely different shape to both a UK plug socket and a European plug socket. This means that your European plugs simply won't fit.
Why is Bicester famous? ›Its local market continues to thrive and is now located on Sheep Street, a very wide pedestrian zone in the conservation area of the town. Bicester is also known for Bicester Village, a nearby shopping centre selling discounted branded clothing.
Why is Bicester Village so popular? ›It's not as overwhelmingly big as the Woodbury Common outlet mall in New York and that's exactly the point. It's a commercial version of a pleasant English village with barnyard-like buildings lined up in a row. Even the train ride from Marylebone Station in central London gets you in the mood.
Are outlets worth replacing? ›Using old outlets with worn-down circuits can be dangerous as overloaded circuits damage your appliances and lead to an electrical fire. Keep your home and appliances safe by getting your outlets replaced.
How do you check to see if an outlet is good? ›Set a multimeter to measure voltage. Insert a probe into each slot and read the line voltage measurement. A properly working outlet gives a reading of 110 to 120 volts. If there is no reading, check the wiring and the outlet.
When should you not use an outlet? ›
Outlet Replacement Sign 2: Burn Marks or Melting
Dark discoloration and melting are major red flags, as they indicate short-circuiting and sparking. Outlets in this condition should not be used again. Call an electrician and have the outlet replaced as soon as you can.
Euro style sockets (German - “Schuko”) are much safer as the plug sinks into the socket way before electrical contact is made. Actually, “schuko” comes from the word “schutzkontakt”, that means, safety contact.
Do outlets have worse quality? ›The only way to know if it is actually a good deal is to compare prices. According to SmartMoney, 82% of all products sold in an outlet store are made to be sold there. This means that the items are new but possibly of lower quality than what you would find in the regular store.
Why do UK sockets have switches? ›The switch is used to isolate the circuit from mains power. In the absence of a switch, you have no control over transmission of current and the socket remains live all the time. It can be a veritable safety hazard for your home and loved ones.
Do outlets have the same quality? ›"Outlet stores are great, but you have to know what you are doing before you go in," she said. "It's made just a little bit cheaper, and a little bit like a knockoff would be made." Wheeler says the merchandise is not always of inferior quality, but it may have fewer buttons, less stitching, and thinner fabric.
Why the outlet price is cheaper? ›Most of the items at the outlet stores are made for them using less expensive fabrics and without the details that make name brand clothes more expensive-they are made for a mass market. In a few cases,they are leftovers from another season or damaged clothes or items that just didn't sell.
What is the biggest outlet? ›Sawgrass Mills, Florida
With a massive 350 stores to explore, Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet, retail and entertainment destination in the United States. Stores include Coach, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Prada.
The latest expansion will make Dubai Outlet Mall the largest outlet in the world, surpassing the current record holder, Florida's Sawgrass Mills. The Dubai giant will have a total area of more than 350,000 square meters compared to 220,000 square meters for its nearest competitor.
Which is the biggest outlet in Europe? ›Serravalle Designer Outlet is the largest outlet in Europe dedicated to the world of luxury shopping. Inside, in addition to 11 destinations of taste. It includes cafes and restaurants. Shopping lovers will find more than 230 stores.
Why is it called outlet? ›The word « outlet » comes from the English language and is used more and more to refer to factory stores. It is the diminutive of « factory outlet » which literally means « out of the factory ». The concept of factory outlet stores first appeared in the 1930s.
What is Bicester Village famous for? ›
Bicester Village is the founding member of a Collection of 11 global shopping destinations, all home to world-leading fashion and lifestyle brands at exceptional prices. Bicester Village, sitting in the Oxfordshire countryside, first opened its doors in 1995.
Why do outlets have 3 holes? ›Three-prong outlets feature a third wire coming from them: a grounding wire. In the event of a surge, the excess current and voltage have a place to go that isn't your body or your electronics. Thus, they are substantially safer for you physically and for everything else plugged in during the surge.
What is the biggest shopping street in the world? ›- Europe.
- Denmark.
- Zealand.
- Copenhagen.
- Copenhagen - Things to Do.
- Stroeget.
The tallest shopping mall is The ONE at 100 Nathan Road in Hong Kong, China. This building, which opened in 2010, is 172 m (564 ft) tall and has 24 floors of mixed retail and restaurant space, as well as a cinema and spa.
Are UK outlets same as Europe? ›All of Europe operates on the same 2 round pronged outlets except for the UK and Ireland that operates on its own unique 3 flat rectangle pronged outlets. If you are travelling through the UK or Ireland (including London) you will need a UK and Ireland power point adapter.
What is the biggest shopping street in Europe? ›In the midst of downtown, Sainte-Catherine Street was pedestrianised in 1977 and is now the longest pedestrian, shopping street in Europe, stretching over more than a kilometre.
What is the biggest indoor shopping centre in Europe? ›Westfield London (White City) is the largest shopping centre in Europe.