Bicester Village - Not as good as it was?

[Marmiteandjamislush]

Hi all,

We normal visit once a year to buy kitchen stuff, accessories and kids clothes for teenage family members (not our kids) Christmas etc. Just been on the web to plan the next visit and loads of things have closed down! Also, rang the Ugg store and asked them if they had some trainers in my size (dead comfy and last for years), they said yes, I asked how much and they gave me a price which is £20 over the regular shop price!

Anyhoo, anyone been recently, is it still worth the 1.5hr drive?

Come to Gunwharf Quays it's fab. Loads of restaurants good selection of shops plus you can also do the Historic Dockyard- there are often great deals for the dockyard on groupon. If it's sunny you will feel like you are on holiday. Also take a trip to Southsea.

Check out the website will give you the lowdown on shops etc

Gloucester quays is crap!

It's just camping shops, m&s and a rubbish next.

I love Bicester as I get to buy shed loads of designer that I can't get unless I go into Birmingham or Bristol.

If you want high street surely you go to the high street?!

Cheshire Oaks was good. I've only been there once but it left a lasting impression on my bank account and wardrobe space.

I went a few months back and got an amazing mulberry bag for £595, reduced from £1200 and a Kate Spade travel wallet for £40 ( I think reduced from about £160)

White company candles are always on discount, as is le crueset and if you like superdry there are bargains to be had.

Ted baker was appalling - clothes at least 6 seasons old dragged out and the likes of Uggs and Michael Korrs now have stuff made especially for outlet stores do you need to be careful.

been going for 20 years. last 2 times we've been ( twice in about 3 years) both dh and I have been bitterly disappointed, bought nothing and the thought that it wasn't a patch on the previous time that we had visited, that it was nothing like it used to be, and swarming with Chinese tourists.

we've been to gunwharf keys twice in the last year and MUCH preferred that and bought quite a few bits : handbag, tons from m&s including dresses and tops at huge reductions, and a leather handbag reduced from £200 to £20.
and at the Adidas shop or another trainer shops that D's(11) loved, quite a few pairs of big reduction trainers.

There is also the London designer outlet in northwest london for those near the area. I haven't been so don't know if it's any good.