Bicester Village... is it worth it?

[optimisticpessimist01]

I am thinking of taking the 2 hour journey South to go to Bicester village over the next month. Is it actually worth the journey though? Are items considerably cheaper than usual, and are they as high quality?

Thank you!

No!

I wouldn't bother either.

Used to be but it's now a rip off destination for chinese tourists.

Don’t waste your time unless you have a serious amount of money to spend and you genuinely want old season designer clothes.

No, no and thrice no!

Depends what you're looking for. They have all the big designer handbag brands with good discounts. Usually last season's colours.

We went recently and the things which were real bargains were: All Saints (very reduced plus an extra 40% off), Ralph Lauren (particularly the kids one, we got jumpers for £17), Rituals was all the usual stock but cheaper and Kate Spade bags. DP also bought a load of clothes in Reiss. He’s very tall and slim and found lots in his size which he usually struggles with.
It was good to get some last minute Christmas presents but I’m not sure I’d rush back.

It's another No from me. I was so disappointed when I went as I'd wanted to go for ages.

DS2 went to Chester Oaks and thought it was amazing. Use Premium Parking if you do go there.

Definitely no. Better bargains online.

It’s probably not worth the trip. I live reasonably close and drop in every few months but probably only come home with something 1 in 3 times. It’s hugely crowded too so my top tip is to arrive around 5pm on a Saturday (I think it is open til 9pm) as that’s when the coaches leave and it thins out very quickly.

I like an occasional trip, but then I’m fairly local. I arrive at 8/8:30 and go for coffee, the straight into the shops at 9:00 which gives you a couple of hours until the coaches turn up.... then I leave!
Good for White Company bedding, candles etc. All Saints usually good. Coach bags are well made and often bargains. If you like Radley bags they are well discounted. Ralph Lauren good if you avoid the obvious ‘made for outlet’ stuff.
Fewer and fewer high street shops, Links of a London closed last week, which was a shame. Kate Spade bags are also well discounted.
The loads of very expensive designer shops, which I don’t even bother going in to. I bought my TAG watch there and have a beautiful leather Belstaff jacket, Burberry coats, Mulberry bags (before they became crap quality) and my Barbour jacket is from there too. That said these were all pre- planes saved up for/ budgeted for in advance. Hardly impulsive purchases for me.
So, if for example you know you fancy a Burberry mac then you’ll likely get one and the trip is worth it. However, I went last week to buy a bag for my daughter’s birthday and came away with nothing else.
Lastly you could take a look at the shops listed on their website, for an idea of if it’s worth it for you?
Good people watching if nothing else

Sorry for typos

Links of London closed as it went in to administration.
I love Bicester, sometimes I just come away with pjs and socks but one time I came home with a mulberry bag, Burberry trench and two pairs of Jimmy Choos which was epic. You have to go with an open mind and not be upset if you can’t find anything.

DS was very excited when we visited Superdry for part of his uni shopping. What can say..he’s easily pleased 😁.

Agrhhh just had a whole post written about how it depends and listing the ones I've found bargains in and then lost the whole post when I clicked 🤦‍♀️

I even managed to spell Swarovski which has some great bargains. I live in Bicester and have popped into there for the odd £15/20 bracelet as a present.

It can be hit and miss though and is really busy never ever go to Clarks in the run up to school starting it's hell!

No

God no, I'd rather stick needles in my eyes than go there ever again.

Agree with you there @RusholmeRuffian if it involves shoe shopping with the kids although every year we still do it! Although we have it down to about a half and hour trip.

Because I live close by I've not done a day trip there as I always just nip in and out which makes the crowds manageable.

I sometimes get shocked at the massive consumerism on display by some there, wheeling away suitcases full of stuff.

Cheshire oaks is nearer to me - but I only go if I’ve something specific in mind
The UGG shop is fab - bought walking boots and slippers x 3 for Xmas presents
DS likes Vans and Converse - very happy with the prices
DD stocked up on gym wear and trainers at NIKE
I like a bit of jaeger, Hobbs and Reiss and picked up some workwear bargains

No no no! Went there with adult dcs in November and was truly miserable! If you're after discounts on things which are ridiculously overpriced anyway, it might be for you. Very crowded. Queues to get into shops and eateries. Never again!