Quick Q - Bluewater?

[ciderhouserules]

DS3 wants to go to Bluewater next week, Thursday.

It's about an hour drive from us, but I was wondering what it's like at the mo? 3 weeks before Christmas - is it worth it? Or is it manic?

We've never been, so not sure what I'm expecting. Anyone out there been recently?

Not worth it. Go to Lakeside instead. Better and more variety of shops.

Both will be busy this time of year though, but Lakeside is better equipped to deal with it.

We live locally and avoid it like the plague on the run up to Christmas as unless you leave super early you can guarantee that the traffic will be appalling, exacerbated by any problems at the tunnel/bridge.
It has taken hours to get in, then hours to get out too, HTH

I used to live about 10 minutes away and on occasion have seen the Bluewater queue backed up to the motorway and gone to Bromley instead. Bromley has a handy railway station and a similar range of shops (if not better, depends what you're going for). Consider if there are any specific shops he wants to go to. I agree I have never had the same difficulty getting in and out of Lakeside as with Bluewater. On one occasion at Bluewater the car hadn't moved AT ALL in about 30 minutes. I went back into the parking space I had got out of half an hour previous and went back into the mall for dinner.

I get badge for once doing Bluewater, Lakeside and Bromley in one

in one day. Don't know what happened there.

I've struggled to get out of lakeside before - the bit to get back on M25 - a hellish hour whereas have not had issues leaving Bluewater!

I would go on a weekday at the moment. Maybe leave about 9.30 to miss the worst of the M25 and make sure you leave by lunchtime? Either that or a late night.

I’m here now! Live 5 minutes away. It’s quite busy but nothing too bad. Week days tend to be ok but I would avoid all weekends in December.

Thanks - we are on the Kent side of the tunnel so Lakeside would be further. I'm not feeling the Bluewater love right now!

How about the Westfield in Stratford? Any good?

I'd def be going in the week! Next Thursday.

Deffo not the weekend!

Lakeside is only a few junctions further, if you go on a weekday, missing rush hour, the crossing shouldn't be too bad. The variety of shops is much, they have the industrial centre and the inside retail area so shops for everyone.

Lakeside is definitely better shops wise but if you get stuck on the m25, it’s a nightmare. I’ve just driven past the motorway and it’s at a standstill at 12pm on a weekday! Bluewater during the week should be fine. Just make sure you leave before the rush hour. The only time I’ve ever been stuck getting out of bluewater has been at a weekend. Never been to Westfield so can’t comment on that one!

I worked there for years. Either get there at opening or once everyone has buggered off. Evenings are very quiet aside from the week before Christmas. Don’t go on weekends unless you are into pain.

Lakeside is poor at the moment. I went a few weeks ago and half the centre/shops seemed to be closed!

Never had a problem with Bluewater, one of my favourite shopping centres.

Westfield Stratford gets horrendously busy, but the amount/variety of shops makes it worth it.
Parking can be extortionate though.

I think if you're going on a weekday it shouldn't be too bad, as long as you can avoid rush hour.

That's the thing tho - I'd need to take the M23 then M25 round to A2 to Bluewater. I don't think Bluewater opens until 10am, so I'd be hitting the M25 at 9ish - peak rush hour.
If I go through the tunnel, I'd need to factor in the Bridge Crossing Toll on the way back too.

The Westfield centre - at least I can go up by train. maybe do oxford st too!

If you can get the train to Westfield I'd definitely go with that option, much less hassle!