Oxford Shops © Travel Signposts..

Shopaholics need not feel concerned about suffering withdrawal system when they visit Oxford. Most well-known high street shops and department stores are represented here. The main Oxford shopping streets include Queen Street, Cornmarket Street, the High and Magdalen Street. Then there are the Westgate and Clarendon Centre indoor malls.  The majority of Oxford shops are open seven days a week.

Other smaller streets with interesting shops include Little Clarendon Street, Turl Street, The Golden Cross and Gloucester Green.

Throughout Oxford city centre there are also specialist shops, selling everything from writing materials and Venetian masks (Scriptum), vintage dresses (AnnaBelinda), antique and designer jewellery, toys and kitchenware (Boswell) to fantasy cakes. If you’re after some hand-made Oxford shoes, Ducker and Son on Turl Street was patronised by the Red Baron WWI flying ace.

Book lovers can browse endlessly in Oxford bookshops selling new and secondhand books. Blackwell’s Bookshop at 53 Broad Street is like an Aladdin’s Cave of books and had the distinction of housing the largest display of books for sale in one room anywhere in the world.

For gifts and souvenirs from Oxford, the special outlets and independent shops that sell exclusive or quality gift items include the shop at the Bodleian Library, the Oxford Tourist Information Centre, the Ashmolean Museum and the University of Oxford Shop (on the High), the only place licensed to sell the full range of the University’s own merchandise – definitely worth visiting.

The Covered Market, off High Street/Market Street was created in 1772 to rid Oxford’s streets of their “untidy, messy and unsavoury stalls”. Today’s market is anything but unsavoury!  There is a colourful collection of small shops selling everything from hand-made hats, gifts, shoes, watches, jewelry and clothing to Oxford sausages, organic meat, butchers, bakers, a fishmonger, a specialist cheese shop, green grocers and florists and wonderfully decorated cakes. The Covered Market is a nice place to take a break from shopping and enjoy a snack and drink at one of the cafés or sandwich stalls.

Oxford Map:

Wedgwood Tableware © Travel Signposts..

Our travels through Staffordshire brought us to the Wedgwood Visitor Centre to learn a little about this famous brand … and perhaps for some retail therapy. The Wedgwood Visitor Centre is located at the home of Wedgwood whose factory is set in 250 acres of lush parkland on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent.

Like many people I went through a phase of desiring Wedgwood products, but I knew very little about the company or the people who inspired its creation.  So this was a good opportunity to learn something about this famous brand.

In the Wedgwood Visitor Centre courtyard, I got to meet the towering figure of Josiah Wedgwood, the man who founded the pottery company in 1759 and is known as ‘The Father of English Potters’.  Josiah Wedgwood was a man of many talents – he was an outstanding scientist, artist, engineer and also a shrewd commericial operator.  Above all of that, what impressed me most was that he was also a great social and environmental reformer. Not only did he provide jobs for the people in the area, but for his potters, he built a complete village – Wedgwood Etruria. He was also a prominent campaigner against slavery.

The film theatre at the Visitor Centre runs a 20-minute film that tells the story of Josiah Wedgwood and his immortal legacy.

Meeting Josiah Wedgwood © Travel Signposts

At the exhibition area you can watch the craftsmen doing their thing and chat to them about their work. If you have time, it’s also possible to participate in Jasper turning and decorating your own Jasper vase.

At the restaurant and tea room, you can enjoy cooked food and tea, all served on Wedgwood fine bone china.

The bit that the men worry about is when the women get to the Wedgwood Shop and start eying all the nice products on display.  Here you can buy the finest Wedgwood tableware, Jasperware and products from their related brands.

Next door to the Visitor Centre is the Wedgwood Museum where you can see rare exhibits and read all about Josiah Wedgwood and the people and craftsmen who have kept the Wedgwood name up there with the best in pottery and fine bone china.

Although we weren’t in the market for pottery, tableware or any of the Wedgwood range of products, it was nevertheless an educative visit as we got to learn all about this enlightened man who started it all.

These days the Wedgwood company is a little more complex. Under the Wedgwood umbrella are brands like Coalport, Masons and Johnson Brothers. The company has also amalgamated with Royal Doulton and more recently, the Waterford-Wedgwood brands have been merged as well.

Address:

The Wedgwood Visitor Centre
Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire, ST12 9ER
England

Shopping in York

There’s so much to see and do in York that finding time to shop can be a challenge. However, if you’re determined to take your credit card for a spin, there are plenty of luxury shops, shopping centres and York outlets you can spend your money in.

York Shopping Guide

• Jewellery and Clothing
• Gift Ideas
• Health and Beauty
• Antiques and Books
• Local Treats

York Outlets

York Designer Outlet
St Nicholas Avenue, Fulford, York, YO19 4TA

This McArthurGlen Outlet has 120 international designer stores including Armani, Hugo Boss, Jaeger, etc. Prices are reduced by up to 60% all year round. There is a bus service to the outlet from York station.

Mulberry Factory Shop
23/25 Swinegate, York, YO1 8AZ

Situated on the idyllic cobbled street of Swinegate, the York Mulberry Factory Shop is one of Mulberry’s best kept secrets. It carries a wide range of luxury accessories and ready to wear styles ranging from classical vintage to contemporary and trendy and all at substantially reduced prices.  A good place to do some York discount shopping.

The Shop also has exciting monthly offers in store, but you have to be quick as they are only on for a limited period.

York Shopping Centers

Coppergate Shopping Centre
12 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT

This York shopping centre is within the city walls.  At Coppergate Shopping Centre are many big-name high street shops, cafés, galleries and museums. Shops here include Fenwick’s, Topshop, Marks & Spencer Home, Boots, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Evans, Clarks, The Whisky Shop and Joy,  to name a few.   Coppergate Shopping Centre is also home to the famous Jorvik Viking Centre.

Monks Cross Shopping
Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9GX

Monks is a little out of town.  Located in the north east of York city centre – off the A1237 ring road – this shopping centre has 32 of the top UK high street shops including Marks and Spencer, Miss Selfridge, Laura Ashley, Monsoon, etc.

Download Map of York

Having just travelled to Bicester Village by train from London we can advise that the process is quite easy and straightforward.  The train networks in England are operated by different companies and Chiltern Railways operate services to Bicester North from London Marylebone Station.

The London Tube (Bakerloo Line) will get you to Marylebone Station.  The departure board in the station concourse will tell you which platform you need to go to.

Train fares to Bicester Village are not cheap.  An off-peak return fare currently costs GBP 23.50, although at times there may be other offers.  Chiltern Railways however have advance purchase cheap fares which cost GBP 5.00 each way.  These can be purchased online, but are available in limited numbers and valid only on certain journeys only, therefore it’s advisable to book early. You can choose to have your ticket details sent to your mobile phone, or emailed to you to print at home. 

When you arrive at Bicester North station, there is a taxi bus service that will take you to Bicester Village, a journey of about 8 minutes.  If you’ve purchased the cheap GBP 5.00 train fare, it does not cover the taxi bus trip.  The Chiltern Railway representative will direct you to purchase your taxi bus ticket which costs GBP 4.40 return.  If however you’ve purchased your Bicester Village Ticket from any staffed Chiltern Railways ticket office or Ticket Machine, your Taxi Bus travel is included within the all in one ticket.

The taxi bus runs every 15 minute between 0845 – 1700 from Bicester North station to Bicester Village, and between 0900 – 1930 from Bicester Village back to the station (up to 2030 on late closing days). The taxi bus takes 8 passengers each trip. 

Tip:  On your return trip, do allow some extra time as there may be many shoppers wanting to get back to Bicester North station and you may need to catch the next bus. 

The train journey to Bicester Village is about 45 minutes and is a smooth and comfortable ride. Overall the train journey and the taxi bus shuttle service at the other end are very well co-ordinated and make for an pleasant trip to Bicester Village.

Photos coming soon.

Bridgend Designer Outlet, Wales

Bridgend Designer Outlet opened in May 1998 and is one of the many well-established McArthurGlen British designer outlets. There are 90 stores here carrying British high street favourites and designer names like Ben Sherman, Austin Reed, Calvin Klein, Gap, Jaeger, Ted Baker, French Connections and many others at discounts of up to 60%.

Local attractions

Bridgend County Borough is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and variety, right at the heart of Southern Wales. The whole area is dotted with beautiful little villages and communities, all of whom have  fascinating heritage.

Bridgend Designer Outlet has a Tourist Information Centre on site which can help you plan your discovery of the beauty and the magic of the Glamorgan Heritage coast and countryside. The Welsh language is a pretty tough one to manage (Try this one: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyandrobwllantysiliochgogogoch) so it’s just as well that there’s help on hand. The Information Centre is open seven days a week between 10 am – 6 pm, and up till 8 pm on Thursdays. Services include National Express ticket agency and accomodation bookings.

Practical Information

Bridgend Designer Outlet is conveniently located just off Junction 36 of the M4 Motorway. It is 25 minutes from Cardiff airport and 5 minutes from Bridgend railway station.

By Bus:

First Bus runs services every 10 minutes, seven days a week from the town centre for a small fare. For more information, phone First Bus on Tel: +44 (0) 1792 582 233.

National Express run a regular shuttle service between Cardiff and Swansea. Bridgend Designer Outlet is a main stop on this route.  Tel: +44 (0) 8705 80 80 80.

By Train:

First Great Western run regular services from London Paddington to Bridgend.  There is also a regular service from West Wales.

Bridgend Railway Station is a five minute drive from the centre. Simply catch a bus or taxi from the front of the station.

- For train times and fares see firstgreatwestern.com.
- For National Rail Enquiries, phone +44 (0) 8457 48 49 50.

By Car:

Exit M4 at junction 36 and follow the signs to the ‘Designer Outlet’. Look out for additional road markings stating ‘shops’.   Bridgend Designer Outlet has 2,000 free parking spaces.

Exit the M8 motorway at Junction 3 and follow the signs to Livingston Town Centre. Livingston Designer Outlet offers ample free parking.

Address:
The Derwen
Bridgend
South Wales, CF32 9SU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1656 665700

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 20:00
Sat           10:00 – 19:00
Sun          10:00*- 17:00 (*larger stores open at 11:00)

Bank Holiday: 10:00 – 18:00 (excluding Christmas Day)

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in the UK and Europe, see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Stunning white tents of Ashford Designer Outlet

McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet is located in Kent, known as the ‘Garden of England’. The centre’s claim to fame is its designer, Lord Richard Rogers who is architect of the Millennium Dome.

You’ll recognise the Outlet by the stunning McArthurGlen white tents. Close to Dover and the English Channel, lots of visitors come through this area. The Outlet opened in March 2000 and there are over 80 popular designer and high street brands including Ben Sherman, Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker at discounts of up to 60%.

Local attractions

Ashford Designer Outlet is in Ashford, in the south-east of England. It is one of the five towns known as the Heart of Kent. So you can spend time discovering Ashford’s history as well as those of the other four namely Maidstone, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Royal Tunbridge Wells. The area surrounding Ashford Designer Outlet is famous for its gardens, tranquil countryside, hop gardens, oast houses, picturesque villages and historic buildings, all of which give this part of Kent its own unique flavour. Nearby attractions include Leeds Castle set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and the Dover to Calais ferry crossing.

Practical Information

Ashford Designer Outlet is conveniently located near Ashford town centre, a few minutes’ drive from Junction 10 of the M20, only one hour south of London. It is also close to the Eurostar International station which is a great plus.

By Bus:

• Local buses operated by Stagecoach run every 15 minutes between Ashford town centre and Ashford Designer Outlet.  Look out for the bus marked Ashford Designer Outlet. For further information contact Stagecoach on Telephone +44 (0) 870 608 2 608.
• National Express run coaches to Ashford. For details telephone National Express on +44 (0) 8705 80 80 80 or visit www.nationalexpress.com.

By Train:

Ashford International is served by South Eastern Trains with trains from Charing Cross, London Bridge, Waterloo, Victoria and the South Coast. A shuttle bus service is available outside the domestic entrance. This costs around 50p each way. Alternatively, the centre is a five minute walk from the station.

For times and fares phone:
-  South Eastern Trains on telephone +44 (0) 8450 00 2222, or
- National Rail Enquiries on telephone +44 (0) 8457 48 49 50

Eurostar:

You can travel to Paris, Lille and Belgium from Ashford International Station.  See eurostar.com or telephone +44 (0) 8705 186 186.

By Car:

Take the M20 motorway to Junction 10. Follow signs to ‘International Station’ and ‘Designer Outlet Centre’. Ashford Designer Outlet has 1,450 car parking spaces, however charges apply.

Address:
Kimberley Way
Ashford
Kent, TN24 0SD, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1233 895900

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 20:00
Sat           10:00 – 19:00
Sun          10:00*- 17:00 (larger stores open at 11:00)

Bank Holidays: 10:00 – 18:00 (excluding Christmas Day)

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in the UK and Europe, see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Swindon Designer Outlet directions

Swindon Designer Outlet is housed in the beautifully renovated Grade II listed buildings of the Great Western Railway Works and was opened in 1997.

With over 90 stores, the usual suspects here include Ben Sherman, Austin Reed, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker at discounts of up to 60%.

Local attractions

Swindon Designer Outlet is surrounded by impressive tourist attractions which include the famous Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral.  You can walk the famous White Horse Trail to see the mystical hillside carving or take a leisurely walks through the market towns.

Practical Information

Swindon Designer Outlet is conveniently located just off Junction 16 of the M4 motorway, near to Swindon town centre and is only 90 minutes from London.

By Bus:

Regular bus services operate from the town centre and stop at Swindon Designer Outlet. No.’s 1 and 1a, operated by Thamesdown Transport, run regularly seven days a week.

For time tables contact thamesdown-transport.co.uk on telephone +44 (0) 1793 428 428.

National Express run several services via Swindon’s bus terminal in the town centre. Telephone +44 (0) 8705 80 80 80.

By Train:

Swindon train station is a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride away. Regular services operated by First Great Western run from London Paddington to Bath and Bristol via Swindon.
For times and fares check their website: www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk or phone National Rail Enquiries on telephone +44 (0) 8457 48 49 50.

By Car:

Exit M4 at Junction 16 or exit M5 at Junction 11a and follow the signs for Swindon, then look for the brown information signs for ‘Outlet Centre’.  Swindon Designer Outlet offers ample parking (charges apply).

Address:
Kemble Drive, Swindon
Wiltshire, SN2 2DY, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1793 507600

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri   10:00 – 20:00
Sat             10:00 – 19:00
Sun            10:00*- 17:00  (larger stores open at 11:00)

Bank Holidays: 10:00 – 18:00 (excluding Christmas Day)

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in the UK and Europe, see our Designer Outlet Directory.

At East Midlands Designer Outlet there are 70 stores offering local favourites like Gap, Levi’s, Lee Cooper, Ben Sherman, Calvin Klein Jeans and Marks & Spencer at discounts of up to 60%. Opened in October 1998, this is more a discount outlet for high street brands rather than a designer outlet.

Local attractions

East Midlands Designer Outlet is situated in the heart of Nottinghamshire, a county known worldwide as the legendary home of Robin Hood.  Here you can discover the historic houses, quiet market towns, old villages and rolling hills.

Practical Information

East Midlands Designer Outlet is conveniently located just off Junction 28 of the M1 motorway, 30 minutes from Nottingham and Derby. There are 1,200 car parking spaces at this outlet.

By Shuttle:

Trent Barton Bus Company operates several services that stop at the East Midlands Designer Outlet. Both are an hourly service on Mondays to Saturdays.

- No. 91 operates between Sutton and Derby
- No. 92 operates between Mansfield and Derby

For timetables contact Trent Barton Bus Company on +44 (0) 870 608 2608 or +44 (0) 1773 712 265

By Train:

- Mansfield Railway Station is approximately 15 minutes’ drive away. There are regular trains operated by Central Trains running directly between Nottingham and Mansfield.
- Derby train station is about 10 minutes’ drive away.

There’s a taxi rank in front of these stations. For times and fares see centraltrains.co.uk

National Rail Enquiries, Telephone +44 (0) 8457 48 49 50.

If catching a cab, the Outlet recommends Amber Taxi’s, who cover the East Midlands area. Telephone +44 (0) 1773 836 100

Address:
Mansfield Road
South Normanton
Derbyshire DE55 2JW, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1773 545000

Opening Hours:
Mon – Wed 10:00 – 18:00
Thur            10:00 – 20:00
Fri                10:00 – 18:00
Sat               09:30 – 18:30
Sun             10:00*- 17:00 (*larger shops will open at 11:00)

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in the UK and Europe, see our Designer Outlet Directory.

York Designer Outlet direction

York Designer Outlet is pretty well-established having opened in November 1998. Only minutes from the beautiful historical city of York, there are 120 high quality stores at York Designer Outlet, retailing brands like Armani Collection, Paul Smith, Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Replay and Timberland at all year round discounts of up to 60%.

Just in case you find the whole outlet experience too overwhelming, York Designer Outlet has a personal shopping service. It is free of charge and there is no minimum spending required. The personal shopper will guide you around the Outlet’s 120 designer and high street stores and help you get the most out of your shopping trip. You do have to book this service by calling their customer services on tel: 01904 682 720 or at the information desk at the centre.

Local attractions

York city is famous for its Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage. Visit the impressive iconic York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral north of the Alps, enjoy an award winning experience which will transport you to a Viking settlement 1000 years ago, visit the National Railway Museum with the finest collection of trains in the world, or if you’re thirsty, visit the York Brewery. With 2,000 years of history, there’s plenty to do in York which will keep you occupied for weeks.

Practical Information

York Designer Outlet is only a few minutes’ drive from the A19/A64 interchange, 15 minutes’ drive from York city centre, 30 minutes from Leeds Bradford International airport, 10 minutes from York railway station.  It is centrally located in the north of England, within easy reach of the highly populated city of Leeds.  There are  2,700 car parking spaces available.

By Bus:

York Designer Outlet runs the Red Line Park and Ride bus, which operates from York railway station every 10 minutes. Look out for the branded bus at the front of the station.  Fare is £2.90 return.

Arriva Yorkshire operates buses via the Outlet: Catch bus nos. 412, 413 and 415 from Selby.

• For timetables contact the company on Tel: +44 (0) 8701 20 10 88. Website: www.arrivabus.co.uk
• National Express run several national services via York’s bus terminal in the city centre. Telephone +44 (0) 8705 80 80 80.

By Train:

National Express operate regular services between London and York via Doncaster and Peterborough. Local links include Scarborough, Harrogate and Hull. For times and fares see www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com

From York Railway Station York Designer Outlet runs the Red Line Park and Ride bus which operates from York railway station every 15 minutes. Look out for the branded bus at the front of the station. £2 return.

By Car:

At the interchange of A64 and A19 south of York, follow the signs for the ‘Designer Outlet’. York Designer Outlet offers ample free parking.

Address:
St. Nicholas Avenue
Fulford
York, YO19 4TA
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1904 682700

Opening Hours:
Mon – Wed 10:00 – 18:00
Thur           10:00 – 20:00
Fri – Sat     10:00 – 18:00
Sun            10:00*- 17:00 (*larger shops will open at 11:00)

Bank Holidays: 10:00 – 18:00 (excluding Christmas Day)

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in the UK and Europe, see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Directions to Cheshire Oaks

Cheshire Oaks opened in March 1995 and with 140 stores, is McArthurGlen’s largest designer outlets in the UK.  There are lots of designer and high street brands like Diesel, Karen Millen, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Ted Baker at up to 60% discount, however it seems to lack the exclusive Italian and French designer label names.

Local attractions

The historic Roman town of Chester, south of the Outlet, is a great place to visit and the Chester Market provides shoppers with undercover shopping in the heart of the city. There are up to 100 stalls offering a wide choice of finest quality produce like cheeses and cooked meats and clothing, footwear and gift shops. Chester Zoo is the UK’s largest and most beautiful zoo and the Blue Planet is UK’s largest aquarium. Head north and you have the city of Liverpool, Beatles country.

Practical Information

Cheshire Oaks is located just off Junction 10 of the M53 motorway, in Ellesmere Port, with first class road and rail links. Find them via SAT Nav by simply inserting CH65 9JJ.

By Bus:

First Bus run services that go via Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
- The No. 1 bus runs between Chester and Liverpool, Monday to Saturday and a limited service on Sunday.
- The No. 36 and the No. 111 also run via the Outlet.

Contact First Bus for more details.
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 592500, Customer Services +44 (0) 8708 500 868.

By Train:

Ellesmere Port and Chester Railway Stations are closest to the Designer Outlet and are approximately 5-15 minutes away.
- Regular services operated by Merseyrail run between Liverpool Central and Ellesmere Port.
- From Chester Railway Station catch the No. 4 bus. For times and fares see Merseyrail.org.

For National Rail enquiries, Telephone +44 (0) 8457 48 49 50.

By Car:

Leave the M53 at Junction 10 and follow the signs to the ‘Outlet Village’. Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet offers 3,200 free parking spaces.

Address:
Management Suite
Kinsey Road, Ellesmere Port
South Wirral, CH65 9JJ, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 151 348 5600

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 20:00
Sat           10:00 – 19:00
Sun         10:00* – 17:00am *Larger shops will open at 11am.

Bank Holidays:
10:00 – 18:00 (excluding Christmas Day)

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in the UK and Europe, see our Designer Outlet Directory.