Any tips on Bluewater ??

[natalielongstaff]

im going with my mum in a few weeks ( to finish of our xmas shopping ) and ive never been before ! Any touring tips or what shops are not to be missed ??

 

[PoppyAnna]

Bluewater is a triangle shape with John Lewis, M&S and House of Fraser at each corner. There isn't a BHS or Debenhams at Bluewater which sometimes surprises some people. I would suggest arriving early and parking in the John Lewis Carpark

If we're going for a big christmas shop we tend to do downstairs, go back to the car to drop bags then do lunch then do the top floor. Some of the shops incorporate both floors (Next, Boots, Zara, Gap, John Lewis, M&S, House of Fraser) so you can get a bit dis-orientated. I'm not a frequent visitor but even though I've been a number of times, I still get a bit lost

There are a number of eateries including a fast food court area (Mc'd's KFC etc) and some chain restaurants (Pizza Express, Loch Fyne etc) and two branches of Nando's. The is also a Yo! Sushi

There is a big boots, a fairly big Next (although not the biggest I've been in), a Lego shop, H&M was moving locations last time I went. All the usual chains are there, quite a few mobile phones shops, a big Currys, WHSMith, Lakeland, ELC etc. Some of my fave shops there are The WHite Company, Apple Store, Pandora, Urban Outfitters and The Disney Store has had a gorg re-fit with the prettiest floor in the world
There is also a branch of Hollister and LaCoste.

You'll have a great day, it is big and does get busy. Will is be a Saturday you're visiting?

 

[natalielongstaff]

Thanks Joanne, we are going on a sunday...not taking the car as we are going on a coach trip !! I was hoping you would reply as i knew you had been.

Good to hear about the disney store....i shall get loads in there

 

[PoppyAnna]

You're welcome Nat, Bluewater is only half an hour from me, pity you won't have more time there to do lunch together or something.

Great idea coming on a coach, you can just put your feet up on the way home

If you have any specific questions, just ask

 

[Pinky166]

I've been several times and do the same as Joanne. Do the downstairs, go to the car to unload, have lunch & then do the upstairs.

It is a nice shopping center, I am sure you will have a lovely day with your mum.

 

[natalielongstaff]

Thanks girls, it was my mums birthday present a weekend away just the two of us and a girly shopping trip

 

[katiec]

You'll have a great day out.

Although its about an hours drive for us, if i want to do some "proper shopping" we always go to Bluewater. (I work in Canterbury which has similar shops but as I work there all week i dont want to go there on the weekends too!).

They have a very nice Pizza express and a lovely Carluccios - and the new restaurant LEON is nice for something different to eat, oh and a great paella in La Tasca!! (as you can tell we love eating!!)
And there is a new John Lewis food hall - could have spent AGES in there, but DH wanted to get home to watch the footie!

They have a really good selection of shops, but as someone else posted there is no Debenhams, etc which is a shame. I find its not always the perfect place for childrens present shopping (Lakeside has more of those type of shops) but is more for "lovely" presents or "things for me"

If you like Benefit make-up you can get it in Boots - and get your points - as not all Boots do it.

Depending on when you go I think the Ice Rink opens in a couple of weeks.

Enjoy yr day

 

[torsie24]

I use to work there when I was in 6th form, and also used to go about 4 times a week when I lived over that way. I do miss going so frequently!

Best bet if you are going to do a proper big shop is as others have said, do a loop of on level then a second loop of the other level.

My guess is you'll be dropped off by Pizza Express or House of Fraser as that's where I tend to see the coaches parked up. So maybe check out the store guide online and have a look at what shops you want to visit, if you are buying books save them till last with other heavy stuff if you don't have a car.

Oh and the Santa Fe restaurant is pretty good and never busy as it's so out of the way. Whereas some of the places get huuuuge queues on busy days. Avoid the main food court!!

 

[wilma-bride]

Oh, I was going to post and say can I come until I read on and saw that you said it was just the two of you for your Mum's birthday present

Hope you have a nice time anyway mate

 

[PoppyAnna]

My guess is you'll be dropped off by Pizza Express or House of Fraser as that's where I tend to see the coaches parked up. QUOTE]

Thats a good point, and its actually a good place to enter the Mall. Molton Brown is on the corner and you'll have to walk through the "Village" area which is easy to remember to find your way back to

 

[aaronandterri]

Bluewater has 3 sides they are sort of laid out like 2 sides have normal high street names and food court etc, the third is what we lovingly refer to as the posh side...lol i actually only normally go that side for the pandora shop or john lewis on the corrner.

 

[natalielongstaff]

Oh, I was going to post and say can I come until I read on and saw that you said it was just the two of you for your Mum's birthday present

Hope you have a nice time anyway mate

Sorry mate, we would have had a blast i bet

the third is what we lovingly refer to as the posh side...lol i actually only normally go that side for the pandora shop or john lewis on the corrner.

i will stick to the other two sides then !

 

[darthtatty]

Have a fab time, thats what i miss about not living in Essex- Lakeside and Bluewater. Im sure youll have a fab time.xx