Outlet shopping parks are springing up all over the country. This one - situtaed just outside Spalding in Lincolnshire - is allied to a garden centre and children's amusement park. Deep in the heart of bulb growing country the alliance with a garden centre is a useful one - although I found the centre to be expensive.

Within the retail park, the shops are arranged in a cross formation with well known names such as Marks and Spencer, Tula, Past Times and Julian Graeves. The Works had one of their biggest shops that I have seen whilst Klass and Roman Originals represented more unique fashion.

Springfields is just over an hour away be car from me and we certainly had a nice day out. The weather was fine (it is not enclosed), there were plenty of cafe's and toilets, and everywhere was clean. My only concern was that there was nothing unique there - nothing that would inspire me to make a regular jaunt to the centre. Just as well really - the car park was not free - around £2 for the day) and there were plenty of cars outside - we had to queue to get in. However, once in, the shops did not feel crowded and it turned out to be a pleasant experience. I would certainly go again - just not every week!