So much more than shops (Bluewater)

Member Name: jazzypinkpuppet

Product:	Bluewater
Date:	06/02/09 (152 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A day out suitable for the whole family.

Disadvantages: Could cost you a lot of money as there are so many tempting things to buy.

Bluewater is a huge shopping centre on the outskirts of Dartford in Kent. It was opened in March 1999 and has thrived ever since.
Bluewater is open from 9 a.m until 9 p.m Monday - Saturday and 11 a.m - 5 p.m on Sundays. Hours are often extended over the Christmas period until 10 or 11 P.M. Marks and Spencers and the resturants, Bars and Cinemas are all open later.
There are over 350 different shops in Bluewater so there really is something for everybody. It is a triangular shape with the three main stores at its points Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser and John Lewis. It is spread over two levels and I am not sure if it is deliberate or not but shops are sort of grouped together by what target customer they would appeal to. For example one stretch has shops such as Superdrug, W H smith, Birthdays, Claires and Burtons whilst another stretch has shops like L K Bennett, Space N K, Karen Millen and Whistles.
There is a Showcase cinemas mulitplex cinema, which has a gallery section. This is well worth paying more for you get to wait in a private bar with complementary teas, coffees or water. You are also given a platter of nibbles and a box of chocolates. You are then called in to the screen when it is about to start and the seats are big sofas so you can snuggle up and watch the film in comfort.
There are numerous restaurants appealing to all tastes and budgets. They are set into three main sections, There is the Budget main food hall with Mc Donalds, Kfc, Spud U like, Harry Ramsdens, Pizza Hut, Chinese and Indian food kiosks and a small Nandos. Then in the middle of the road section there is TGI'S, Eds Diner, Nandos, Amoy Chinese, Tootsies, Santa Fae and La Tasca. Then moving on to the more up market section of Bluewater there is Carlucios, De alto, Pizza Express, and a beautiful fish restaurant.
There are also a few strays like YO Sushi, Burger King and loads of coffee shops.
There are many things attached to Bluewater that are unexpected and sometimes unknown like the nature trail, it trails around the beautiful gardens and lakes of Bluewater, on a sunny day we love to bring a picnic and go exploring. There is Boat and Bike hire, a high wire climbing centre and a climbing wall. There is a chapel and quiet room. There are also interactive activities dotted around the place. During School holidays there is usually extra child friendly things going on like face painting, puppet shows etc. There is a small playground and a Creche.
The transport links into Bluewater are fantastic. I work there and I find it easier to take the bus as there are dedicated routes and bus lanes that get me there in ten minutes. The parking is Free and there are 1000's of spaces.
Bluewater created 1000's of much needed jobs in Kent, mine included and as there are so many outlets, open for so many hours there are many opportunities for flexible working hours. There is a dedicated job centre where you can apply and find out information about current jobs.
I would say to anyone thinking of traveling to Bluewater to come and make a day of it, go to the pictures, enjoy the scenery and visit all the unusual and unique shops Bluewater has to offer. See beyond just the shops and make the most of what Bluewater has to offer.

Summary: Bluewater is a fantastic day out for all the family.