I am not a huge fan of purpose built shopping centres but there are times when I really need retail fix! As I live within an hour’s drive of the Gateshead metro centre it is to this centre a head. The metro centre is the largest shopping centre in Europe with over 300 shops and 50 restaurants. I thought I would give you my thoughts and tips for getting the best out of a days shopping in this mammoth complex.

Getting there.
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I live about an hours drive to the north of the metro centre and usually travel by car. The metro centre is situated about 3 miles south west of Newcastle on the A1. From whatever direction you are traveling the centre is very well signposted. On arrival you shouldn’t have too much of a problem finding a parking space as there are 10.000 free spaces available. There are spaces reserved for drivers with a disability and I am pleased to say that warden checks regularly to ensure these spaces are not abused, so remember to display your blue badge to avoid a fine! Before you leave your car make a note of which coloured car park you are in! It really is easy to forget!

The metro centre is really well served by public transport. From Newcastle central station trains run every 15 minutes and the journey takes just 7 minutes. The metro centre has its own station with undercover seating. Trains run along the Tyne valley as far as Carlisle and are frequent.

In addition to the train service there are numerous busses that connect from all over the North East. For accurate times I suggest you take a look at the metro centre web site. All transport arrives into the Metro centre and the walkways are covered so you will be protected from the elements!

The metro centre is located on the national cycle network and there are secure areas to leave your bike if this is how you arrive. I always have far too many bags to contemplate this method of travel!

The shops.
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With over 300 shops there really is something for everyone! The metro centre is split into different 4 malls, each with a different colour. This does help you find your way around. In the red mall you will find a large Debenhams, numerous shoe shops a Dorothy Perkins, Boots and Next. There is a green mall where you will find a large Marks and Spencer, a yellow mall and a blue mall. To give you some idea of the layout you will find Debenhams at one end and Marks and Spencer at the other. There is a large house of Fraser in the middle of the mall. There are spurs going off the main mall with numerous shops. The metro centre is laid out on 2 levels with escalators and lifts available. I like being able to enter a shop on one floor and exit into the mall via the second floor. Saves having to retrace my steps!

When you arrive I suggest you take a few minutes to study one of the interactive maps located throughout the centre. This will give you an idea of the layout and may help prevent you from missing your favourite shops!

There are several very helpful information desks should you require any help. The desks can also provide the hire of purpose built cars for children to ride in. These look great fun and should keep your little ones entertained! There is also a mobility scheme in place should you require the need of a scoter to get around.

In addition to all the big high street names there are a few independent shops to be found here. If these are of interest to you then head to area called the village. This area is pleasantly laid out with lots of little shops that you will not find anywhere else.

Refreshments.
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If you are planning to spend the day at the metro centre then you will probably want to take a refreshment break. There are over 50 restaurants in the metro centre so you should find somewhere you fancy! If you fancy a sit down meal then you will need to head to the Garden court area of the mall. This is well signposted. The area is very attractive and made to look like a large courtyard, I usually take some fruit in my bag with a bottle of water as I don’t like wasting my precious shopping time in a restaurant! If you fancy this option then you will find plenty of benches to rest your legs for a while.

All the usual chains are represented here including McDonalds, Burger king and Nachos .There is also a Gregg’s bakers and several café style eating places situated in the middle of the mall. In addition many of the big chain stores have their own in house cafes.

Entertainment.
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In addition to all the shops and eating places, the metro centre houses a large Odeon cinema showing all the latest films. I have never visited the cinema so can’t really comment. Often when I visit there has been a fashion show or musical event taking place in the middle of the centre. These are free to watch and provide a bit of light entertainment and a break from all those shops!

Other information.
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There are plenty of toilets and baby changing facilities in the centre as you would expect. I have always found these clean and well maintained. In addition most of the large department stores have toilets so you will never be far away!

The metro centre is open from 10 am- 9pm on Monday to Friday. On Saturday it is open from 9am-7pm and on Sunday from 11am -5pm.

My experience.
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As I have already said I am not usually keen on large shopping centres. However if you want all your shops under one roof with no worries about the weather that this may be the place for you. I hate crowds so would advise you to visit during the week if you can as weekends and Fridays can be very busy. The centre is usually quite in the last hour before closing time too.

The metro centre is huge and can be very tiring. It is also very hot and I suggest you bring a bottle of water with you to prevent getting dehydrated. I always wear light clothes too! As you can park by the entrance you can leave any coats of jumpers in your car. If you are traveling via public transport then it may be useful to bring a small rucksack to carry.

I always wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved and there is nothing worse than sore feet!

Sometimes I know what I need to buy and can head straight for the shops I need to visit. However I usually like to wander around looking at whatever takes my fancy. If you know what you need then I suggest you look at the map and find out where the shops you need are located and then you can plan your trip in a logical way.

If you have children who may wander off, then I suggest you give them a meeting place that is easy to find. I always tell my older child to meet me outside Debenhams if he gets separated from me. This is well signposted and easy to find. It may be worth writing your mobile phone number and pinning it to any younger children clothing in case the worse happens!

Overall.
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When I need to shop then a trip to the metro centre outside of busy times, can be enjoyable. I like the light airy feel of the place and now I know my way around I don’t find its vastness so frustrating! I usually pick a few shops to visit so I don’t get totally exhausted! Overall a trip to the metro centre should prove an enjoyable shopping and entertaining experience.