LONDON

UK & EUROPEAN SHOPPING

There are hundreds of different brands under one roof at Boundary Mill.

Bargain Hunting

 For many people a good day out is at the shops - even better is a shopping trip where there are lots of bargains to be had!

An outlet store usually sells previous season’s stock, end of line items, quality seconds, discontinued products and possibly returned merchandise and cancelled orders. Everything is sold at lower than high street prices, with discounts usually from 30 to 80 per cent. Book ahead, especially for times likely to be busy, such as pre-Christmas, to be certain of reserving a space for your coach.

London Designer Outlet

Situated in the recently redeveloped Wembley Park, London Designer Outlet (LDO) is one of the UK’s newest shopping destinations. It has over 50 stores, which offer up to 70 per cent off recommended retail prices. Stores include LK Bennett, Levi’s, Gap, H&M, SuperDry, Kurt Geiger, Oakley, Sunglass Hut, Ernest Jones, Sketchers, North Face, Nike, Adidas, Denby, Villeroy & Boch, The Fragrance Shop, and the Body Shop.

London’s only outlet also has 20 restaurants and coffee shops with something to suit every taste, including Brazilian, Italian, North American and Asian cuisines. And, for those who don’t want to shop, there’s a nine-screen Cineworld on-site.

Thanks to its location next to The SSE Arena (formerly Wembley Arena) and Wembley Stadium, visitors could combine a shopping trip with a sporting event or concert. LDO itself hosts a programme of events including ‘Summer of Sport’ celebrating the European football championships, Wimbledon and the Rio Olympics.

LDO is just off the A406 North Circular Road and the A40. There’s ample coach and car parking and coach drivers receive a complimentary hospitality voucher for food and drink. It can also be easily reached by public transport - just eight minutes (one stop) from Marylebone and 15 minutes (two stops) from Baker Street, while eight different bus routes link LDO with central London and the surrounding areas.

For more information visit www.londondesigneroutlet.com (for all Wembley events, visit www.ssearena.co.uk or www.wembleystadium.com).

Boundary Mill, Various Locations

Shoppers can make savings on big brand fashion and home wares all under one huge roof at Boundary Mill Stores. The flagship store of this family business is at the end of the M65 at Colne, Lancashire.

Four more stores are in Newcastle, Walsall, Grantham and Sheffield. They all have catering facilities that can comfortably accommodate a group and offer a variety of inclusive tours. Boundary Mill Stores make planning your visit easy, with dedicated co-ordinators to ensure you all have an enjoyable day. There’s free coach parking with a meet and greet service on arrival.

Coach drivers receive a £10 cash incentive and group travel organisers who have a group of 20 or more staying for a minimum of two hours receive a £10 Boundary Mill Gift Voucher. Coach drivers enjoy a free lunch, and the group travel organiser can obtain a free drink in the coffee shop BB’s. At the Colne store, you also have the option of traditional dining at Bannisters or Banny’s Fish & Chip Restaurant, with a range of options for group visitors.

There are no restrictions on how many times a group visits – simply register in the store on arrival and they will pass on your incentives. For full details of the incentives available, contact a Boundary Mill Stores Coach Coordinator.

All groups are encouraged to book ahead to ensure a smooth professional welcome. For more information, call 01282 856200 or visit www.boundarymill.co.uk.

 Freeport, Essex

Eighty-five stores at the Freeport centre in Braintree include big names such as Next, Barbour, Bench, Pavers Shoes, Sunglass Hut, Trespass, Sheridan Towels, Austin Reed, Betty Barclay, Bose, Clarks and Jaeger. When it’s time to stop, grab a hot drink at one of the coffee shops or cafés. For those who don’t wish to shop, there’s a 12-screen Cineworld cinema next door.

Groups of 20 or more who are staying for a minimum of an hour can get some fantastic discounts. Coach drivers or group travel organisers will receive a £10 gift card to spend at the centre, and all passengers will get a 10 per cent discount card to use at participating stores.

There are 10 free of charge coach bays located opposite to the train station. These are managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Organisers must complete an online pre-arrival form, 48 hours or more before their group’s arrival date. For more information call 01376 348168 or visit www.freeport-braintree.com.

Pilot Mill Outlet, Lancashire

Located in an old spinning mill, the Pilot Mill Outlet in Bury, Lancashire, is a new outlet shopping centre. It has lots of well-known brands including Antler Luggage, Yankee Candle, Nougat, Musbury Fabrics, Sketchers, Rosewood Pet Products, Brabantia, and more.

When the spending is done, shoppers can enjoy gourmet sandwiches, homemade specials and delicious cakes in the 50-seat Tea Room.

Pilot Mill Outlet is easily accessed from the M66 and there’s free parking for coaches with a meet and greet on arrival. The driver receives a complimentary lunch, plus discount vouchers when there are more than 20 people in a group. To book call Natasha on 01616 822468 or email info@pilotmill.co.uk. For more information visit www.pilotmill.co.uk.

Clarks Village, Somerset

Clarks Village is located in the village of Street, 12 miles from junction 23 of the M5. It was the UK's first outlet village when it opened in 1993 and is now the most visited free tourist attraction in the South West.

Here, you will find 84 shops including the largest Clarks outlet store in Europe. There are premium and high street brands including M&S, Phase Eight, Joules, Monsoon, Musto, Barbour, White Stuff, Seasalt, Crew, Radley, Le Creuset, and Crabtree & Evelyn. There are no less than eight cafes, restaurants and bars, so there’s plenty of choice.

Drivers/GTOs with groups of 15 or more who plan to stay for a minimum of an hour can benefit from discounts, including a £5 Clarks Village voucher (£10 with 35 passengers and valid passenger log), a 25 per cent discount voucher for Clarks, plus free drinks and snacks at different outlets.

Passengers enjoy a single-use discount card with an extra 10 per cent off to be used in participating stores on the day of the visit. It is essential to book ahead and complete an online pre-arrival form. Coach bays are managed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information call 01458 840064 or visit www.clarksvillage.co.uk.