The best of Swindon (not that it's hard) (Swindon Designer Outlet (Great Western Outlet Mall))

Member Name: jennikitten

Product:	Swindon Designer Outlet (Great Western Outlet Mall)
Date:	28/05/09 (145 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots to do and see

Disadvantages: Some shops don't offer any remotely good discounts

Swindon Outlet Mall is the only reason I was able to give my review of Swindon 1 star. If you're ever unfortunate enough to go to Swindon, it should be the only thing on your list of things to do!

The outlet mall is quite exciting at first because there is a good choice of shops and you never know what you're going to find next (although there are a couple of maps around for those who don't like surprises).

It's divided into 4 main buildings: North, South, East and West, all connected in a sheltered way and with glass doors.

The food court has a range of options including KFC, Harry Ramsden's, and a few other places ranging from takeaway-style to slightly more meal-like. There is also a big TV screen on one side; however it generally shows Sky Sports.

In the middle of the centre there is a Costa. This, as well as the food court, all serve full price food.

Near the food court are a few more foodie type shops including Thorntons and the Cadbury Factory Shop (no cheaper than the supermarkets, though you can get a 750g bag of misfits for £2) and Whittard's. Whittard's isn't especially cheap but there do have a slightly better deal on their mixed teas than otherwise.

There is also a good selection of designer shops. I believe Burberry has closed down now, but there is a great shop selling Radley stuff and a few other expensive places with good discounts, up to 70% off. Great for Christmas and birthday presents.

Other shops I can remember are: the Paper Mill Shop, which sells craft stuff. This is smaller than the one in the Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford, but ok. The products are nice but a little expensive. There are a couple of hiking/sports related shops with good prices. There was a Claire's, but that's also a victim of the credit crunch. There's a great M&S with a good selection (plus if it's too busy, you can pay at the 'secret' till upstairs which people forget about). There's also a small Hamley's, often full of screaming children. The largest shop is probably John Lewis, which has a full range of furniture, glassware and cooking stuff. It'd a great place to get slightly damaged/display and even new furniture with a lot of money off.

Other shops include Gap, Jaegar, Hobbs, Le Creuset and Next Clearance - there are lots more than that but I can't remember them all.

So it takes a while just to walk round, even without buying anything. It's nice and airy, and a comfortable place to shop. There are heavyish glass doors into each section though, which might prove a bit of an issue for young families or older people.

Just outside of the mall, on a Sunday, you will find a small farmers' market selling veg, fruit and homemade ice cream and doughnuts. It's a nice extra, and the people are very West Country, which adds to the authentic farmer feel!

Also just outside are STEAM - the railway museum, and a National Trust Place. I've not been to either but they look nice enough.

Overall, I would recommend the Outlet Centre as a good family day out or shopping trip.

Summary: A fun day out