Bicester Village- is it worth a visit?

jenniewb

Just wondering if anyone on here has visited Bicester Village, it gets alot of good press, but its always so vague! I hear there are discounts of up to 60%, but how realistic is that? is this "up to" 60% and only 3 items per 1000 actually reduced that much? or is it like TK Maxx where yes, things are reduced, but in many cases, you don't actually want them
(I should add here, TK Maxx is one of my favourite stores,-before I get shouted at! but I can only go in if I have an hour to spare as its not easy to wade through to find the real gems!) is Bicester similar to that?

Any real life experiences would be great! I live in London, and its near sale time/in sale time for many stores, so I am not sure if going to Bicester is worth it, hence my question: over to you!

Barneysmom

IT's nowhere near as good as Cheshire Oaks, I wouldn't bother, it's not that good really. La Galleria up the A1 by the Hertford turn-off is better.

https://www.thegalleria.co.uk/home.aspx

Red_Cat

I've got to disagree with Barneysmom. I have visited both Bicester and the Hatfield Galleria. They both are good, but in my mind they operate in distinctly different markets.

Bicester Village is full of high end and designer stores. If that is what you normally buy, you would get good deals at BV. My shopping is a mixed bag, but at BV I was able to but a Hackett pullover for £60 down from £120, which was a good deal in my book.

The Galleria is a more middle of the road in it's market, with fewer stores in general and definitely none of the big designer brands. So £60 for a pullover there probably would not have been such a good deal.

I'd advise looking at the websites to see the stores they have and if they offer what you want, then take a visit.

For the BV, register online ahead and they will issue you a voucher to get a 10% discount ticket.

That's my two pennyworth.

RC

inconnu

Overrated, didn't see much in the way of bargains on my last two and only visits, so not worth going to unless you happen to be in or near the area. Full of tourists and traffic can be horrendous getting into the car park especially at weekends and Bank Holidays.

Hermia

I think it is only worth going to Bicester if you buy designer clothes and accessories. There are some lovely shops there, but I have never bought much as most of it is too expensive for me even when it is discounted. I do always visit the Kipling shop as I love their bags and you can get them half-price.

I find Bicester a horrendous place to visit mind you. The parking can be a nightmare. Last time I went I got there an hour after it opened and had to circle round for ages to find a space. There are not as many eating places as you would normally find in a shopping village so it can be hard to find somewhere to have a sit down. I find the customers can be quite scary too! I live near Clark's Village in Somerset and there is a really friendly atmosphere there. Everytime I have been to Bicester I have people shoving me out of the way or barging into me. The words please, thank you and excuse me seem to be unknown to the Bicester customers!

quaveriw

I only live up the road from Bicester Village, but very rarely go as I find that the shoppers that tend to visit are international - i.e. Chinese who tend to buy up all the shoes in Clarkes! or wannabes who have purposefully dressed up for the occasion.

I only tend to visit the likes of TOG24, Musto, Fatface and the Radley shop. I always try and arrive half an hour or so before the shops open in order to get a space and get out before the hourdes of tourist coaches and wannabes arrive!

I tend to agree with Hermia, a lot the people that go to Bicester tend not to know please, thank you and excuse me

HTH

Ruth_honey

I went there last year and bought a couple of Kipling bags at a good price, which I was very pleased with. Also enjoyed the bookshop there. However I went back at the end of January this year (on the way to somewhere else, not making a special trip) and went home empty handed. It was very crowded and packed full of tourists. My Mum bought a fab pair of Clarks boots for £9.99 though, so she was happy! Not sure when Bicester has the summer sales-might be worth going then, but have a back up plan to see somewhere else if you're disappointed.
Where in London are you? Have you been to Beckton in east London? Sometimes you can get some good deals there. There's a Boots outlet, a TK Maxx, and some other shops which should keep the shopaholic in you busy for a few hours!

I quite like the QVC outlets too. There's one in Shrewsbury and one in Warrington. I tend to build a little trip around visiting these places as they're quite a distance from me. It's very hit & miss to what they have and if it's what you're looking for, but I've bought some nice things there.

bylromarha

Loads of designer shops there.

I only ever go in Fatface, Clarks (for kids shoes) and the book shop.

Certainly not worth a specific trip from London.

jenniewb

Thanks everyone- the reason I ask is its my birthday really soon. I get given money which I usually throw away here and there on coffees out, a taxi ride, the posh range food at supermarket and before you know it, its gone! I was planning a spend day so I didn't just waste it, but I think I can see that maybe even with discounts, stuff wont be that much more affordable- (maybe I'll stick to Topshop Unique!) Thanks for all your really helpful replies

ACID

which place do you recommend for Mens Suits
i have seen a few decent ones such as Ted Baker at Bicester
but not because it brnadd, just the general style appeals to me

id obviosuly want to pay a lower price compared to the high street but woudlnt want to pay an arm an a leg for a designer one!

any help
im based in west london

Ruth_honey

jenniewb wrote: »

Thanks everyone- the reason I ask is its my birthday really soon. I get given money which I usually throw away here and there on coffees out, a taxi ride, the posh range food at supermarket and before you know it, its gone! I was planning a spend day so I didn't just waste it, but I think I can see that maybe even with discounts, stuff wont be that much more affordable- (maybe I'll stick to Topshop Unique!) Thanks for all your really helpful replies

There's loads of nice things you can spend your money on in London. How about a day/evening out-boat trip, theatre, zoo? Or look into the De Vere or Travelodge special offers and have a few nights away visiting a new place? Or put it towards something you've always wanted to do-hot air balloon trip, holiday to Las Vegas....sorry, love spending others people's money! :T Whatever you do, hope you have a wonderful birthday!:beer: