5 places to shop ’til you drop in the Cotswolds

Most people come to the Cotswolds for a holiday in an idyllic rural location, to get away from it all, absorb the natural beauty of the area and perhaps potter around some tiny boutique stores. At Bolthole Retreats we’re definitely all for some rural R&R, but sometimes a bit of serious indoor mall and outlet shopping is what’s needed too! So, if you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds and yearn to shop ’til you drop during your stay, here are our top 5 Cotswold shopping emporium suggestions – complete with Sat Nav and parking information:

1. Bicester Village

Set in a pretty location on the outskirts of Bicester (25 minutes from Oxford), the shopping village is very well laid out, giving a feeling of openness and calm as you go from shop to shop. World-leading brands offer savings of up to 60% off the recommended retail price, all year round, including Emma Bridgewater, Cath Kidston, Burberry, Clarks, DKNY, Dior, D&G, Fendi, Hunter, Jimmy Choo, Lululemon, Oscar de la Renta, North Face and Stella McCartney. The Village offers several shopping services and visitors can leave their luggage at the Bicester Visitor Centre while they shop – handy if you’ve just check out of a cottage or have a few hours to while away before you can check-in.

• Sat nav: OX26 6WD
• Parking: Free
• Electric vehicle charging points available, which are free for shoppers to use

Bolthole Retreat Cottages near Bicester

2. Banbury Gateway

Located on the edge of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, this is one of the smaller mall-type shopping centres with regular, rather than outlet, shopping. Stores include FatFace, M&S, Next, Primark, River Island and Outfit.

• Sat nav: OX16 3ER
• Parking: there are 587 parking spaces, including 36 spaces for Blue Badge Holders, 15 parent and baby spaces and 146 bike racks available for easy access. Parking is free for up to four hours.

Bolthole Retreat Cottages near Banbury

3. Swindon Designer Outlet

About one hour’s drive from most parts of the Cotswolds, Swindon Designer Outlet is a popular day out with well-known brands offering up to 60% off, all year round. Built in a beautiful heritage building, you’ll also find cafes, restaurants, a children’s play area alongside more than 110 boutiques. Fashion brands include Polo Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger and Jack Wills, Vans,  plus sports labels, such as Nike and Puma, and high-street favourites, such as Guess, Joules, Hamleys, Lakeland, M&S Outlet and John Lewis Home Outlet.

Children can ride around on the Hooter Express steam train and let of some of their own steam at the Wall Hola and interactive Sona play area.

• Sat Nav: SN2 2NA (for the North car park or Penzance Drive) or SN5 7JL for the West car park.
• Parking: 0 – 5 hours £1; 5 – 12 hours £12; free if you spend over £100.

Bolthole Retreat Cottages near Swindon

4. Gloucester Quays

Featuring 56 brands including Nike, Calvin Klein, All Saints, Levi’s, Ted Baker, L.K. Bennet, Adidas and Fatface, with discounts up to 70% – it’s a real treat for those who love a bargain! Step outside of the outlet and you’re met with the recently renovated Gloucester Docks. The Victorian warehouses make a spectacular backdrop to the wide choice of restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars there. We can particularly recommend Greek on the Docks for delicious, authentically Greek food and great service.

• Sat nav: GL1 5SF
• Parking: There is a multi-story car park for 1400 cars which is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week: 0 – 2 hours £2.50; 2 – 4 hours £5.00; 4 – 6 hours £7.50; 6 – 24 hours £12.00

Bolthole Retreat Cottages near Gloucester

5. Cheltenham

The Cotswolds’ capital has several shopping areas including Tivoli Road, Bath Road, Regent Arcade, Montpellier, the Promenade, the High Street and the Brewery Quarter, the latest addition to the scene. The Regent Arcade is one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built covered arcades, which, as well as over 60 stores, 7 restaurants and parking for 500 cars, also features the famous Wishing Fish Clock designed by Kit Williams. The Promenade is a lovely place to stroll, with Vinegar Hill, The White Shop, Toast, Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Waterstones and Fat Face to name just a few to enjoy. A flagship John Lewis is on the High Street, joining other household names including Superdry – Cheltenham’s very own international brand. Tivoli and Bath Road is home to smaller, one-off boutiques with lots of variety, while the newly re-launched Brewery Quarter, is mostly given over to restaurants and cafes, but is also home to Urban Outfitters.

• Parking: there are several council-managed car parks and NCP car parks in the centre of Cheltenham.
• There are two Park & Ride services serving Cheltenham Town Centre, Arle Court (GL51 6SY, near M5 Junction 11) and Cheltenham Racecourse (GL50 4SH). Parking is free, and the service runs every few minutes.

Bolthole Retreat Cottages near Cheltenham

If you need advice or help finding a cottage near one of the shopping centres mentioned above, give us a call on 01242 851208.