Advantages: Prices - lots of bargains to be had.
Disadvantages: Few empty shops

...Whilst I was staying on the outskirts of Newcastle I visited the Royal Quays Shopping Outlet several times and always managed to get a bargain or two. The outlet is in a nice area, easy to get to, well signposted, and good car parks. There is a very friendly tourist information office. I was however quite disappointed with the amount of shops unoccupied at that time (February 2002)and was quite glad I hadn't travelled too far. There are a couple of sets of toilets and three places to eat. The whole place was quite quiet during the week and there were no problems queuing for anything. The two larger shops there were Marks & Spencer and Nike. The Black & Decker shop had stuff at well below normal prices and if your 'join their club' you can get an extra 10% saving. The Remington shop sounds as though it should... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great Discounts
Disadvantages: Can get busy during holiday periods

...This place is a must for anyone who loves a bargain. I lived about 1 hours drive from here when it was first build (I think it was the 1980's) and I used to love our one or two trips out there a year. It was fab, and so American which was what I was in to at that time. Now, there is about a further 120 shops, and even better, I happen to live 10 minutes away. ~~~~OVERVIEW~~~ Boasting being UK's largest designer outlet, I get annoyed when people think it is just the same as other McArthurglen outlets. It's not, Cheshire Oaks is HUGE and until very recently, it boasted to be the biggest of its kind in Europe. It has a staggering 144 shops that offer up to 50% off retail prices all year round. At the end of the season, these can increase to 75% off. ~~~~LAYOUT~~~~ The shops are located in three areas set by car parks. Car... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: All Weather Shopping, Location & Surroundings, Good Parking, Interesting History.
Disadvantages: Limited Shopping & Bargains, Gloomy & Dismal, Shortage of Staff.

...wish for. (Remember that last point as you read on.) I was overwhelmed by the choice and had barely begun window-shopping when my mobile chimed. It was The Boyfriend, he'd cashed in some time off he was owed and was on the way to meet me. I already had my debit card clenched in my sticky little fist, a shopping head on and payday looming. I wanted a replacement jumper for The Boyfriend's torn Timberland favourite, we should go to The Great Western Outlet Mall! Previously called McArthur Glen, Swindon Outlet and probably something else, this place was the stuff of legend to me. I love Bicester Village (Bicester), I love clothes, the act of shopping and bargains. True, Best Mate had said it was only any good for handbags. Little Brother had been and said it was a disappointment. But I had high hopes and for some reason thought it would... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: easily accesible. can get some bargains
Disadvantages: have to pay for parking

...The McArther Glen Ashford Outlet is located near to Ashford Town Centre and there is a free shuttle bus that runs between the town centre and the shopping outlet. The shopping outlet is also within walking distance the Ashford International Train Station. If you are driving, the outlet is a few minutes off Junction 10 of the M20 motorway. Design Of The Outlet The outlet is constucted from high tension steel with a canopy above which runs throughout the perimiter of the site. There is a large car park in the centre of the outlet with the shops creating a circe surrounding this. At the entrance to the outlet there is a large wooden pedestrian footbridge which leads to shops either side. There are toilets at the halfway point of each site and there is another set of toilets in the 'Food Court which is located at the far end... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful