Shopping in designer outlets just isn't what it used to be. For one thing, things just aren't that cheap these days. I remember getting three tops for a tenner, but not any more. And then there is the fact that the stores are not what I would call 'designer', branded maybe, but 'brand outlet' doesn't have the same appeal does it? This particular shopping park has gone downhill in recent years. The only thing I now buy here are Yankee candles. Lots of the shops that used to draw me in have disappeared. Oh, and you have to pay to park which always irks me slightly. read more

I agree with The Style PA that this is a branded, rather than a designer, outlet. The one shop I have time for though is TM Lewin. They have a good range of mid-market suits, shirts & ties at reasonable prices. Quality stuff - silk, cotton and wool only. I think I paid £175 recently for a St James patterned suit and, even though I say it myself, it looks rather classy.......it's not Austin Reed, my brand of choice (BoC), but they don't-gotta-shop-here!!! read more

M and S Outlet - Outlet Stores Near Me - Ashford, KEN

There is a wide variety of designer shops in the outlet as well as a little play park for the kids. There is a food court in the complex also along with some coffee shops should you want to stop half way around. The shops vary from clothes, shoes, designer, underwear, household, electrical. There is also an Asda right outside it and TK Maxx close by. You do have to pay to park in this outlet though, which I think is ridiculous. read more

I stopped going there when they started charging for parking, its an OK place but not worth the parkiing charges in my opinion, as others have said you can go to Bluewater and there are more shops with free parking or you can pay for parking in Canterbury (where there are a lot more shops) There is a redemption policy on the car park charges but only if you spend a load of money in a shop you wouldnt usually buy anything in, cant remeber the exact shops but it was something ridiculous liks spending £75 on candles or something. I do like the idea of the layout and design of the place but still prefer to go elsewhere. read more

Great place for outlet shopping. Loads of designer labels here like Ted Baker, Kurt Geiger, TM Lewin and an M&S and Next outlet. Really good household shops too with brands like Denby as well as 'regular' items. Loads of bargains to be had. Very accessible just off the M20 at Ashford in Kent. Just up the road there's also a TK Maxx too. Food court and coffee shops available. Couple of pubs up the road too. read more

I wouldn't even give this a one if i didn't have to give it a star because in my opinion i really don't think its worthy of 1 star. I find it quite upsetting actually as i was excited when this opened however many years ago as canterbury was getting a bit dull. But now canterbury has opened more shops and definately where i go. Ashford never has anything i want. At all. Ok maybe the candle shop - i think i've bought one candle. I'd really rather just go to canterbury now or make the drive to bluewater where i know i will find something i like. read more

Not as upscale as Bicester Village (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/77760-Bicester-Village-Oxford) , this outdoor oval near the Chunnel terminal is good if you're looking for designer sportswear. Otherwise it's a bit potluck: I found quite a lot here, and bought three pairs of trousers and five shirts at a single visit, and got great deals on all. I bought everything at just 3 shops, though. Not great for eating unless you're find with fast food. And parking costs a pound; not much, but annoying. read more

I'm not a huge fan of these shopping outlets but it is possible to pick up bargains at GAP, Clarks, M&S and lots of the sports shops. Radley handbags have good deals too. Trainers tend to be good prices and some shops do buy one, get second half price. The one thing I don't like about it , is that when it rains, you get really wet going across the car park and between some of the shops and you have to pay for parking which I think is a bit cheeky. read more

Ashford designer outlet in Kent is a great place for cheap designer shopping. It is easily accessible from the M20 and easy to pop into on the way past if you are travelling back from a European holiday. The shops range from designer such as Ted Baker, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger to Marks and Spencer, Next and Principles. There are numerous sports outlets so if you are after sportswear this is a good place to come. You do have to pick your time to get the bargains. Straight after a school holiday they often have very little left, but mid week mid term they have plenty. There are plenty of places to eat and lots of parking although you do have to pay. read more

Although there's a lot of shops in this place we never seem to actually visit that many of them and those we do visit just don't seem to have the bargains they advertise. The food court is VERY cold (even though they've now installed patio heaters) and often quite dirty. The kid's play area seems a lot of fun, we often have to tear the kids away from it (with promises of Millie's cookies!). It also seems a shame that they've decided to charge for parking, it seems a bit of a cheek that you have to pay to shop there. read more

You can get here by coach,train or by car. You can spand a whole day here and go on a crazy shopping spree.Great for the ladies. Everything is really all half price!its a great place for everything read more

The outlet centre was such a good idea when it first opened 10 years ago, but now it is looking tired and dated. Whenever I go there do not seem to be the level of bargains to be had a previously. What is does offer is clothing (mostly sports) at reduced prices, so a pair of trainers which are from 2 seasons ago is offered at £150 instead of £300. Better bet for designer gear I would suggest TKMAX just up the road. There is a Marks and Sparks outlet which is a bit hit and miss, sometimes you get a bargain. The GAP store is another highlight. The MacDonalds there is always heaving and is probably best avoided unless you are starving. Worth popping in and out to but don't plan on spending the whole day there. Nice kids park for the little ones to let off steam though read more

This is easy to find because you can see the ring of pointy tents from miles away ! You just follow the circle around from whichever point you start at, but if you've got kids, they'll start getting bored and whiney after a while so you might want to calculate it so that you hit the outdoor play area and the indoor eating area (McDonalds, etc) about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way round so you can keep bribing them with promises of going there soon !! Shops-wise, there's a bit of everything - lots of clothes shops, some designer some not, sportswear, homewear, cosmetics, a toy shop, ... It'll take you a couple of hours, especially if you end up in the food court, and it always annoys me that you have to pay to park there. You pay and siplay so you have to guess in advance how long you'll need, but I've never seen anyone have any trouble with traffic wardens !! read more

Despite looking a little tired, this outlet still has a lot to offer. There are sports shops, music, homeware and jewelry shops and even a Ted Baker. The M&S can be good or not so depending on the stock, whereas there is always something for everyone in Gap. The other designer shops always seem to be busy - mainly womens clothing although there are a few dedicated menswear shops. Avoid at weekends as busy - evenings are best as they are open later than the high street. read more

I have been here 3 times now, its easily accessible, if you come by train, there is a bus that stops outside of the train station that will take you into the retail park. Make sure you get your little discount books at the beginning, they give you money off throughout the village. When you first come in, there a selection of eateries which is inside. Then as you leave this area, the the centre is almost shaped like an oblong wembley stadium, so it is covered, but it is outside, with the car park in the middle. Plenty of shops, plenty of bargains, I've been here in November for pre-xmas bargains do remember it is last season stuff, but well worth the trip! read more

Sorry this place gets a one from me. Yes there are plenty of shops, but i hate it. You have to pay for parking which i think is a rip off when you can just as easily go to bluewater where the parking is free and there is loads more shops and foodcourts. I don't enjoy this place at all and think its unfair that its outside and yet you can't smoke? I never find anything i want and by that point i've already paid for the privelidge of parking there. Awesome. read more

This is one of those places where on one trip you come out with bags of bargains and on another day can't see anything worth giving shed room to. However, it's all going to depend on what's just gone of out season in most cases. It's not a day trip, but worth a morning or afternoon poking around the bargains. The only thing that lets this place down is the main pedestrian entrance with it's fast food bars and decor that looks like the inside of a McDonalds. read more

this is a sizable shopping complex and is easy to find and access due to good signposting in the area. It is a canopyed covered centre, and you park in the middle, with the shops making a circle around it. all the shops sell discounted item, usually last season stock, of end of range stock. they have lots of well known names the like gap, m&s, levi, puma, next. It has a great play area for children, and they would be happy there all day! a food court with plenty of choice. you do have to pay for parking but i think its reasonable at 2.00. it is a bit of hit or miss as to whether you get any bargins or not, but it is always worth the hunt!! read more

I live a stones throw from the outlet, I never use it, its all chav wear and last seasons cast offs, which are still over priced, no variety, its boring too, the parking is a joke, they should be glad to get the customers, not charge them!!. It needs a better selection of shops, then maybe it would be worth it, and genuine 'outlet' prices read more

My first impression was Where is the mall. It is a circle of shops with a car park in the middle all open air. Getting between 2 shops involves walking across the car park (cold wet) or walking around in a huge circle. Is is just me or is paying for parking and having to walk outside, especially in the winter very outdated. Good for people who like walking outdoors. POPGOS! read more

Brilliant place to find household goods and sports wear in particular, although there is an M & S outlet there too as well as a Next and Gap. Of special note is a Bose shop if you're in the market for serious hifi type equipment. Underwear, shoes, stationary and books are represented. There's a baby shop with some super bargains. Not much for the more generous lady but great for men and women and for wedding and evening wear. The shops are changing constantly so wise to check but ideal for bargain jewelry, make up and wedding presents as well as luggage and gadgets. read more

I like to shop at the outlet in the evening when you do not need to pay for parking! There's not many clothes for the larger figure here, so I mainly shop for tracky bottoms, tops & jackets in cotton traders, I love Yankee Candles and family end up with those for gifts. Ecco are my favourite shoe shop and I need to go soon as I've lost weight and my current shoes are too big now, always popping in for his work clothes and undies in Marks and Spencer's. I enjoy window shopping but I only target shops I like. read more