Bicester Village.

[Librashavinganotherbiscuit]

Is it really worth it?

Thinking about going on a visit but it's about an hours drive so wondering if the talk of bargains I hear about is really true.

Any admirers/dissenters?

We live quite close and go every couple of months but I very rarely end up buying anything. The top end designer stuff is still quite expensive and the rest is just what is left after the sales. Not a huge fan myself but could be worth it for a one off trip just tosee what it is like.

Pick your time to go carefully. You could end up queuing to get in the car park and then not finding a parking place and then having to leave.
Not fun (speaking from experience).

I went for the first time about a month ago, we live 45 mins away.

I bought a few things, some discounted slightly but got a fab maxi dress that should have been £300 for £30. It was a small size, I am a bit little and it cost me another £15 at the dressmakers to shorten it.

I loved it, very clean, tidy, smart, no traffic and easy to find.

I went about 10 days ago after a gap. I thought it was a bit expensive and the kids' stuff was poncy (Ralph Lauren mini polo shirts anyone?) and didn't buy a thing. However I did see a gorgeous Temperley dress, available in a range of colours and sizes, down to around £800-900 from over £2000. I don't have any use for that but if you want something luxe it might suit.

Also, they have a Villandry place to eat that looked good, so you could always plan for a nice meal out even if you don't do much actual shopping.

Go early. It depends how you define a bargain. If you would happily pay £500 + for a bag, then it's the place for you. If you're more of a £50 and that has to be at least half price, I would say, don't bother. All I have bought from there has been some stuff at Cath Kidston and a posh candle. I was tempted by a bag, but London offers more choice.

I've never managed to eat there - there are too few places to eat and the queues are usually heading out of the door by lunchtime. I usually find a local pub or eat at Wyvale round the corner, where there is Lakeland and Laura Ashley and Cotton Traders.

the mulberry is decent if you're in the market for a bag. otherwise it's mostly crap and/or too expensive. Cath Kidston is good if you like it. The Karen Millen is decently stocked, but you can get all the clearance stuff on the web site. Oh, I also like the Wolford, but overall I wouldn't go too far out of my way for a visit.

If you're going to go, leave it another couple of weeks. I'm very nearby and pop over fairly often - DH gets most of his suits and shirts there. ATM its end of sumer clearance and a complete nightmare. All the unsold stuff for the last few years has come out and only the extreme sizes are left ( 6 or 24) and absolutely packed. Definitely worth arriving early or late.

I've been a couple of times - DH got his wedding suit (and another one) from Jaeger there! And I think my dad got his (less posh) suit for our wedding there too.

It seems to favour men more than women, or maybe I just don't fancy the women's stuff. I did get a favourite silk dress from Jigsaw there (that won't fit my post-DS boobs any more, sob) but I think it's over-rated. Though you might enjoy perusing the collection at Bonpoint and marvelling at people who spend £75 (reduced) on a newborn cashmere babygro...

I pop in a couple of times a year on my way to visit my family.

Agree with others that its not brilliant for women but it is good for children.

I like the ralph lauren polo shirts/jumpers for my ds's as they're very good quality and can be very reasonable in the sales. Have got nice shirts for them for £4.99.

White Company always worth a visit and mulberry if you want a handbag.

I tend to have lunch in carluccios and just get there early.

I told my mother I was pregnant in Bonpoint,
Bicester has such good memories...
She didn't buy me the cashmere babygro though.

My tip would be not to go there if you have to get something - eg; going on a Thu for a wedding at the weekend.

It's better, if you've got the time, to go along and see if anything takes your fancy rather than with a very specific idea of what you must get.

I've been a few times with varying degrees of success. I tend to focus on "classics" like leather goods and cashmere. The N.Peal is fab. I've a friend how lives locally and pops in forthnightly. She's built up a rapport with some of the sales girls in Temperly and some of the other shops who now call her when they get good new stuff in.

i so so want to go but its 3 hours away and cant bring myself to get up ealr to go! i might get done for loitering in mulberry