The Best South Coast Shopping Centres

Gunwharf Quays outlet centre and WestQuay indoor shopping centre are virtually on the doorstep. Bicester Village in Oxfordshire is a little further afield (around a 2 hour drive from Poole), but with 130 designer shops on site, along with a good choice of eateries to keep you fed and watered, it provides an excellent all-round day out for keen shoppers with an eye for a bargain.

GUNWHARF QUAYS PORTSMOUTH

What is it?

This shopping mall on Portsmouth’s waterfront is home to over 95 premium retail outlet stores.

Label lowdown?

Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Karen Millen, L.K.Bennett, Hobbs and Jaeger are among the brands on sale.

Its USP?

Value for money - offering some of the most popular high street labels at discount prices is what makes Gunwharf Quays a ‘must stop shop’ for bargain hunters.

Anything else?

There’s a variety of waterside bars, coffee shops and restaurants as well as a 14-screen cinema, 26-lane bowling complex, 24-hour health and fitness club, contemporary art gallery, nightclub and casino.

Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth Hants PO1 3TZ

Tel: +44 023 9283 6700

www.gunwharf-quays.com

WESTQUAY SOUTHAMPTON

What is it?

Laid out over 800,000 square feet, with around a 150 shops, WestQuay is one of the biggest retail malls on the South Coast.

Label lowdown?

John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Zara, Apple, Hotel du Chocolat and Super Dry are among the top names in the six-storey centre.

Its USP?

Situated right in the centre of Southampton and close to the docks as well as the train station if you’re heading further afield, it’s convenient and you don’t need to drive there.

Anything else?

The roof terrace food area has undergone a £7m revamp, including a glass-covered atrium extension giving views over Southampton Water. New additions Wagamama, Café Rouge Express and Ed’s Easy Diner joined the existing Nandos, YO! Sushi, and Harry Ramsden’s.

WestQuay Shopping Centre, Southampton SO15 1QF

Tel: + 44 23 80 236789

www.west-quay.co.uk

BICESTER VILLAGE BICESTER

What is it?

A shopper’s mecca, there are 130 boutiques at Bicester Village, laid out in shopping streets, with ample parking on site.

Label lowdown?

Anya Hindmarch, Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Rupert Sanderson are just some of the desirable designer brands available.

Its USP?

Not only are there top names but with savings of up to a whopping 60 per cent available, they are affordable too. You can buy two designer handbags for the price of one!

Anything else?

A cut above the usual chains, you’ll find Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts. Villandry Grand Café, Carluccio’s and pan Asian food at Pan Chai petite.

Bicester Village, 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, Oxon OX26 6WD

Tel: +44 1869 366 266

www.bicestervillage.com

CLARKS VILLAGE STREET

What is it?

This outlet shopping centre includes more than 90 high street and designer shops.

Label lowdown?

Clothes stores include Jaeger, Austin Reed, Whistles, Gap, Barbour@Orvis, Ecco, Fiorelli, Musto, The North Face, Vans and Villeroy & Boch.

Its USP?

Many of the shops are discount outlets so there are bargains galore to be had. The village also has the largest Clarks outlet store in Europe.

Anything else?

The outdoor restaurant terrace has many well-known restaurants and fast food chains.

Clarks Village, Farm Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0BB

Tel: + 44 1458 840 064

www.clarksvillage.co.uk