We look at 10 great spots to shop with your group and recommend ways to extend your trip.
1. Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port
Cheshire Oaks was the first and remains the UK’s largest Designer Outlet with more than 145 boutique shops along with a selection of restaurants and cafés. There are a wide range of brands, offering something to suit every taste from high-street favourites, such as Marks & Spencer and Next, to a selection of iconic fashion brands, including Burberry, Polo and Michael Kors. Book your visit in advance to receive a welcome pack including a 10% discount card for all group shoppers plus exclusive discounts for selected restaurants and cafes.
2. Boundary Mill, various locations
If you are looking for a day out for your group, Boundary Mill offers great value for money with up to 70% off the RRP on big brands in fashion and homewares. The family retail firm continues to expand with five stores conveniently located close to major routes throughout the UK in Colne, Grantham, Newcastle, Walsall, and Sheffield. All stores feature catering facilities that can comfortably accommodate your group and offer a variety of inclusive tours in addition to coach driver and group organiser incentives.
Extend your trip: Boundary Mill offers combined itineraries including Foulridge Canal Cruises when visiting the Colne store, Belton House for those visiting the Grantham store and Durham Cathedral for those visiting the Newcastle store.
3. Trentham Shopping Village, Trentham
The Trentham Estate poses as a great choice for those groups with a number of interests besides just looking to shop. The estate is home to 725 acres of outdoor space, offering a great place to stroll on warm days, there’s also the Italian Garden to explore, and it’s a great place to enjoy wildlife. For shopping you can expect to find the Trentham Shopping Village, home to 77 timber lodges selling all kinds of goods, plus cafes and restaurants for a tasty treat in between activities.
4. Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
Located on Portsmouth’s historic waterfront, you can shop at over 90 famous brands; grab a bite to eat in a choice of over 30 restaurants, bars and coffee shops; and watch the boats go by as you take in the waterfront location. There is something for everyone, from stylish women’s fashion and men’s sharp tailoring to homeware and gifts at up to 60% off the RRP. Groups can be catered for at 30 restaurants and bars, and there’s free coach parking on site.
Extend your trip: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is within walking distance of Gunwharf Quays and The Emirates Spinnaker Tower.
5. Lakeside Village Shopping Centre, Yorkshire
Coach bays are free of charge and if you pre-book as part of a coach trip to the centre, with a group of 20 or more, each passenger will receive a goodie bag. With over 45 stores to visit including Clarks Outlet, Cadburys, Costa Coffee, M&S Outlet, Next Outlet, Gap Outlet, The Body Shop Outlet, Ben Sherman, Sports Direct and Hotter there is plenty to keep everyone happy. There is also a good range of food and drink outlets and various facilities.
6. Visit Southport
Shop in style when you visit Southport with a wealth of independent and high street stores on offer. Enjoy a gentle stroll along Lord Street with its wide pavements and Victorian canopies and don’t forget the Royal Arcade and Wayfarers Arcade. Southport’s indoor market hall on Market Street has a wide variety of stalls offering locally sourced produce. Or if you’re looking for something a little different, then check out the shops on Wesley Street. Groups visiting can benefit from the ’Southport Welcome; which includes a meet and greet upon arrival by the Coach Welcome Hosts and a special discount voucher.
Extend your trip: When visiting Southport your group might also like to visit the Model Railway Village or the Botanical Gardens for those interested in horticulture.
7. Bicester Village
This designer outlet village in Oxfordshire provides a great place to stop off on your travels, with shops ranging from little boutiques to bigger named stores. There’s also a range of hotels close by for groups wanting a bit more time. A group booking form is available on the website and additional services can be arranged.
8. Intu Trafford Centre
With a huge selection of brands and retailers, show-stopping entertainment and delicious dining spaces all under one roof, intu Trafford Centre offers a wealth of great attractions for groups. With a selection of well-loved stores including Selfridges, the futuristic Apple store and firm favourites such as John Lewis, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Looking to take a break from the shops? Guests can take full advantage of a range of group tickets available at intu Trafford Centre’s immersive leisure attractions.
Extend your trip: Discounted group tickets are available for the recently refurbished LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and the magical underwater SEA LIFE, including an interactive colour-changing jellyfish tank. These are all within the shopping centre.
9. Dalton Park Designer Outlet
If you’re planning a trip to the North East, make sure to schedule a ‘stop and shop’ at Dalton Park. Groups will enjoy the chance to stretch their legs, shop for some great bargains, have a coffee and a bite to eat in a relaxing environment. There are over 60 outlet shops which include high street fashion favourites Marks and Spencer Outlet, Next Outlet alongside designer handbag store Radley and footwear store Pavers, plus many more. This year sees a new era for the centre with additions including a new cinema, new restaurants, a new carvery style pub plus a fully refurbished mall environment.
10. Clarks Village
Clarks Village Outlet Shopping in Somerset offers up to 90 brands for you to peruse selling everything from books and stationery to gifts to homeware and lifestyle. Plus, groups of 15 or more can benefit from discounts at a variety of shops and benefits for GTOs and coach drives can be received too. Feeling peckish? There are a range of restaurants and cafes from Costa and Cafe Nero to The Cornish Bakery and Prezzo.
