These 4 Designer Outlets Are Every Fashion Insider's Best-Kept Secret

The UK is loved for many things; a fine Yorkshire brew, good-humoured idioms and notable landmarks, to name but a few.

Of particular note for the fashion people amongst us is the wealth of fantastic shopping destinations, especially the designer outlets, of which there are plenty on UK soil. As we approach the end of the year, designer outlets become an in-demand winter shopping destination, whether because of their savvy Christmas gifting opportunities, or simply the chance for a nice day out (many outlets offer dining experiences).

Designer Outlet Stores

(Image credit: Sarah Ellen Treacher for Who What Wear)

Tempted? Our suggestion: pop a date in your diary, consider comfy footwear, pack your favourite hands-free crossbody bag with snacks in tow (shopping is hungry work, after all) and get yourself to your nearest designer outlet whilst the festive season is still in full swing. But first things first. We're here to guide you on some of the best designer outlets in the UK.

Below, you'll find addresses, opening times and such, plus the key tidbits of information about each destination. Wondering where to go for certain brands, or which outlet suits you if you have classic taste or maximalist style? Keep reading to discover the best designer outlets in the UK. Read until the end for our edit of the best luxury discounted buys you can snap up from the comfort of your home.

1. Bicester Village

Monikh UK Designer Outlet

(Image credit: @monikh)

Best for: A luxury day out

Probably the most popular UK designer outlet, Bicester Village has a reputation for housing lavish finds. The store offerings are impressive (with the likes of Saint Laurent, Céline and Loewe at up to 40% off all year round). In addition, Bicester Village also offers quality dining experiences, a charming gifting boutique for Christmas and luxury services such as valet parking and a reward card system. You'll also find luxe lifestyle shops and well-being brands such as Bamford and Neom. Aim to arrive before 9 a.m. for a midweek shopping spree—our inside sources report this is the most successful time to pick up the best of the best. Bicester has great connections to Oxford and London Marylebone.

Address: 50 Pingle Drive Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6WD

Opening times: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays)

See the full list of stores at Bicester Village.

2. Burberry's Factory Store

NL Marilyn Bicester Village UK Designer Outlet

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Best for: Burberry superfans

Whether you're hunting for a timeless gift or looking for classic, high-quality pieces to cherish for a lifetime (I've yet to meet a person who doesn't want a Burberry trench coat), this is your destination. It's within walking distance from Hackney Walk, so you might want to visit both whilst you're in the area. Discounts range from 30% to 60% off.

Address: 29-53 Chatham Place, Hackney, London E9 6LP

Opening times: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

See more about Burberry's Outlet Stores.

3. Cheshire Oaks

lefevrediary Bicester Village Designer UK Outlet

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Best for: Northern fashion people

Chesire Oaks (part of the McArthurGlen group of outlet stores) is highly rated due to the wealth of stores. You'll find designer brands like Coach and Paul Smith situated beside premium high-street labels like Kurt Geiger and Reiss, so it's ideal for those with varying budgets.

Address: Kinsey Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 9JJ

Opening times: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (6 p.m. on Sundays)

Plan more of your Chesire Oaks trip.

4. Freeport Braintree

Marissa Martins UK Designer Outlet UK

(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

Best for: Lifestyle brands

Freeport Braintree is particularly good for lifestyle brands (as you can pick up homewares and electronics from Bose speakers to Le Creuset casserole dishes) and wonderful for smaller budgets, as the store offering isn't as premium as others—the most sought-after womenswear brands include Barbour, Kurt Geiger and French Connection, for example.

Address: Charter Way, Chapel Hill, Braintree CM77 8YH

Opening times: 10 a.m. to close (varies)

Find more info about Freeport-Braintree.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.