Best designer shopping outlets – including where to bag the biggest discounts

WE all love a bargain, especially when we get things we actually want with money knocked off.

Designer outlets are perfect for this, and you’ll be surprised how many of them there are knocking around the country – all brimming with cut-price bargains.

A love for fashion doesn’t have to mean an empty bank account… it’s all about knowing where to shop for the best bargains

Here’s a look at the best places to pick up high-up fashion, homeware and make-up even if your budget is more Poundland than Prada.

Best for sportswear and shoes

London Designer Outlet is one of the untapped gems of the UK fashion outlet market.

It’s in Wembley, north west London, but is only a 12minute journey in you’re staying centrally.

If sportswear is your thing, you really need to look no further. With massive Superdry, Nike, Adidas, Vans and Puma stores you will get all the latest styles but with money knocked off (and often even bigger savings once you get to the till).

There is a Levi’s store with prices to rival the US malls, as well as a great range of homeware shops like Denby with big discounts.

Shout out to the shoe section too – you can pick up Clark’s classics for a fraction of the price for all the family, but there are great ranges by the likes of Dune, Kurt Geiger, Sole Trader and Sketchers as well.

London Designer Outlet is an outdoor centre with plenty of room for kids to run around (and a nifty play wear for them), plus there’s a huge cinema and food court with favourites such as Wagamama and Byron Burgers.

Depending on how much of a day of if you’re having, the outlet also has hairdressers to give you a new look to go with your new wardrobe.

Best for luxury

Bicester Village is probably one of the best known outlets in the country, but there’s a reason for that.

It’s on Oxfordshire and meshes a lovely oldie village style with cut-price bargains that’ll have you salivating.

This is the place to go if you want all out luxe – it has 130 shops all offering discounts of as much as 60%.

There’s Balmain, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and Mulberry to name but a few.

It’s worth noting there are also some more ‘affordable’ designer boutiques thanks to the likes of Michael Kors, All Saints and Superdry too.

Best for choice

Cheshire Oaks is near Manchester and Liverpool and is just slightly bigger than Bicester.

It’s along the same kind of lines as it’s Southern sister, with many of the same shops with discounts of 60%.

As well as 140 shops ranging from sportswear like Adidas to high-end designer like Karl Lagerfeld and Mulberry there are 15 restaurants to choose from.

Worth noting it has more affordable outlets too, with Next, M&S and Claire’s all here.

Best for high street devotees

Braintree Village outlet in Essex is for those who love the high-street but still like to get a bargain.

It has shops like Champion, Dune, M&S, The Body Shop and Moss Bros, as well as free parking and loads of places to eat.

The jewel in the crown here are the discounts though, which can sometimes be as much as 80%.

Best for… those who get overwhelmed

Clarks Village in Somerset has 90 shops so a lot of choice, but the way its laid out makes it perfect for those who find huge malls too much.

It’s split into five ‘districts’ to help make your shopping trip easier, so you head to Apple Court if you want high street and designer fashion or nip to Orchard Square if handbags and homeware is more your thing.

There’s even Pear Court, a specialist section for hair and beauty and sweets featuring the likes of The Beauty Outlet, Claire’s and Cadbury.

Best for… not leaving the house

Let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of heading out into a throng (Covid permitting) and shoppers is just too much to bear.

That is where The Outnet steps in.

It’s the sister-site of better known Net-a-Porter, but features cut-price clothes.

Yes your Chloe, Balmain and McQueen might not be this season… but when you’re getting well over 50% off who cares? Especially when you can do it all in your Primark onesie will drinking tea on the sofa.

There are new drops constantly too, so it’s worth checking in regularly – especially as the site covers clothes, accessories and shoes.

This brightly-coloured building is part of Bicester Village, one of the most famous designer outlets in the country

The entrance to the glam Cheshire Oaks, where many designer buys are 60% off

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