The Pass
Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays
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Deck the malls
Deck the malls
Christmas shopping has always been a favourite pastime for groups, and with the choice of outlets continuing to expand you could be forgiven for not knowing where to start. so we’ve decided to do all the hard work for you, and tracked down the best bargains around.
On the move
As the UK’s second largest tourism market, The K Village Factory Outlet Centre in Kendal has just begun a £100m regeneration and redevelopment programme, which will create a state of the art shopping and leisure complex. The new K Village, which opens in 2009, will include 5 restaurants and cafes, over 500 underground car-parking spaces, plus parking for over 25 coaches. They’re also incorporating a dedicated area for coach drivers, which includes a lounge, and tea and coffee making facilities. In the meantime, K Village has temporarily relocated to Stricklandgate in Kendal’s High Street, where you’ll still find unbeatable Christmas bargains with up to 60% off well-known brands. K Village is open 7 days a week. To find out more contact them on the details below.
01539 732363
A whole new world
Botany Bay also offers a range of shops with 5 floors waiting to be explored. It all begins on the ground floor where you’ll find a garden centre, the Dickensian Shopping Arcade, and the Victorian Market Square offering a mixture of giftware and crafts, and a traditional sweet shop. Up a level, you’ll find kitchen & cookware, candles, scents, glassware, and unique items such as autographed memorabilia. In the remainder of the centre you’ll find stylish furniture from around the world, a tearoom and restaurant, plus a whole floor dedicated to seasonal products, which change throughout the year. And let’s not forget the highlight of their shopping calendar where the August Bank Holiday sees the opening of their Christmas shop - a must see winter wonderland. To book your group’s visit, or to receive further information visit their website or contact them on the number below.
01257 231687
Christmas crackers
The Centre MK in Milton Keynes is the ideal shopping destination for groups wishing to get all their Christmas presents under one roof. It has 230 stores with unbeatable shopping ideas and events all year round. There’s a number of tempting cafes and restaurants, plus late night shopping on Thursdays and Fridays. Several stores within the centre provide discount refreshment vouchers for coach drivers and tour guides, plus a meet and greet service for groups. And if you fancy visiting their open market outside the centre, please note it’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. To find out more or to book a meet and greet, contact them on the details below.
01908 398115
Street wise
Described as the Paris of the North - thanks to its style and sophistication - Southport is another great place for some Christmas shopping. You can head to Lord Street, which has everything from famous high-street names to high quality retailers, or you can try Chapel Street, Wesley Street and King Street. Southport is also widely known for its shopping malls including Wayfarers Arcade, Cambridge Walks, Cambridge Arcade and Marble Place. And if that’s not enough, on the fringes of the town centre you’ll find even more shopping opportunities. On the seafront you have Ocean Plaza, with its clever mix of retail and leisure, and Central 12, which is quickly establishing its reputation as a popular choice amongst shoppers. For further details on these shopping areas visit their website or give them a ring on the number below.
01704 395510
A great outlet
Lowry Outlet Mall are getting in the Christmas spirit and gearing up for their busiest time of the year. It all kicks off on Sunday 18 November with the Light Switch On Extravaganza, followed by weekend Christmas events including carol singing and live music. Late night shopping in the mall starts from Monday 10 December and will run through until Friday 21 December – giving you time to buy all those important presents. You can also visit the Christmas Craft Association Craft Fair between 7 and 16 December, with over 20 stalls selling a variety of goods from Belgian chocolates to knitted items and wooden tulips.
0161 848 1806
Get festive
De Bradelei stores in Dover are a treasure trove of gifts and festive fashions at Christmas time. Shop after shop of elegant fashion, party wear, accessories, menswear, and soft furnishings provide masses of inspiration for gifts for all the family. The Waterford Wedgwood and Royal Doulton shop sell china and glass with discounts of up to 75%, and if you are a keen cook, there are gadgets galore in the kitchen shop. Coach parties are always welcome, and during December, groups who book ahead will be offered a free Bucks Fizz on arrival.
01304 226616
Razzle Dazzle
Dalton Park is a great destination for a Christmas shopping trip. It has over 60 outlets offering up to 50% off high-street prices, 55 acres of parkland, great facilities, and a series of free Christmas events for your group to enjoy. The stores have something to suit all tastes, lifestyles and budgets, including names such as Marks & Spencer and Next. Groups can also enjoy the launch of the Christmas lights and firework display on Saturday 3 November, a special Christmas Craft event on 1 and 2 December, and throughout the month you can enjoy a whole series of carol singing and brass band events to get you into the festive spirit.
020 8989 1244
Shop till you drop
McArthur Glen’s is a great day out for groups as it has seven designer outlets in the UK to choose from. Locations include Ashford in Kent, Livingston in Scotland, and Swindon in Wiltshire, each of which has a great choice of shops. Shoppers can pick up everything from designer fashions and stylish homewares, to quality cosmetics and popular toys. All the designer outlets are open all year and offer various leisure facilities. You’ll also find they have their own foodcourt, offering shoppers a choice of restaurants and cafes. Coach groups can receive an exclusive 10% discount card, which entitles them to further reductions in selected stores. For more information, give them a call on the number below.
0161 606 0272