Shop Til You Drop: Top Destinations In South East England

The south east of England is full of prime shopping destinations, making it one of the best areas for a group outing to take advantage of the January sales. Here’s a guide to some of the best malls, markets, and outlets that are within easy access by coach hire in Oxford. 

Bicester Village, Oxfordshire

If you love designer labels at accessible price points, then Bicester Village in Oxfordshire is the place for you. The popular destination comprises over 150 luxury outlets selling famous brands such as Gucci and Prada at discounted prices of up to 60 per cent. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on affordable high-end clothing, accessories and homeware.

The village is situated in attractive countryside not far from the Cotswolds, which is celebrated for its natural beauty. It is fully pedestrianised and has a thoughtfully designed open-air layout. The stores include the best known national and international designer names in the world of fashion and lifestyle goods. 

There’s also a great variety of dining options, from takeaway food and coffee shops to top restaurants such as Ottolenghi and Cecconi’s. There are also a range of services for a tailored experience, such as Personal Shoppers, Hands-free shopping, and a multilingual Concierge service. It’s open seven days a week and is just an hour away from London.

Westfield Stratford City, London 

Westfield Stratford City is a key shopping centre in Stratford, East London, and it is one of the UK’s largest urban shopping centres. Flagship stores include John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Waitrose, with a further 280 stores selling everything from tech to fashion and homeware. 

There’s also 70 restaurants and leisure opportunities including a 20 screen all-digital Vue cinema and a 24-hour casino. There really is something for everyone, and if you feel that one day isn’t enough to experience it all, there’s a nearby Premier Inn hotel and a Holiday Inn.  

The Oracle, Reading

The Oracle in Reading is a popular shopping centre  with over 80 stores and riverside cafes and restaurants located on the banks of the River Kennet. There’s dedicated coach parking nearby, making it an ideal group travel destination. 

There is an excellent range of shops with familiar high street names selling everything from fashion and cosmetics to tech and lifestyle brands, plus a Vue multiscreen cinema. The centre is also particularly family-friendly, with a dedicated mother and baby room for feeding and changing, and a free family room for interactive play or downtime.

Kid’s birthday parties can be hosted at Pizza Hut and Pizza Express, and there are cheap tickets for Saturday morning and holiday time cinema screenings for kids. There’s pushchair hire, wheelchair hire, and a state of the art Changing Places facility for customers with special needs. 

Windsor Royal Shopping Centre, Berkshire

Windsor Royal Shopping Centre is a charming mixture of independent boutiques and famous brands located in a historic railway station. There’s a great choice of eateries and coffee shops, and an Amazon locker. There’s a Travelodge if you want to make a proper weekend of shopping or explore the rest of the area.

It’s an ideal time to combine the shopping trip with a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in Europe; currently home to HRH King Charles and Queen Camilla. The castle was founded by William the Conqueror and has been occupied by a succession of monarchs since the 11th century.

If you want a chance to stretch your legs and have a picnic, then explore Windsor Great Park, with over 4,800 acres of landscaped forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens. There’s also a children’s adventure playground.