Shopping in person is my favourite kind of treasure hunt, especially when the prize is an unmissable launch the second it drops, or one of those wish-list pieces I've been coveting for ages. Of course I enjoy the convenience of ordering clothes online and styling them at home with my existing wardrobe, but there’s nothing like discovering, touching and securing a great bargain in real life. I’m a former retail sales assistant, too, which gives me extra insight into the best time to hit up the shops (when stores are neatest) and the insider secrets that'll make your shopping trip more worthwhile (additional styles and sizes are often hidden in the stockroom). I’m always up for hitting new stores and shopping spots beyond my usual circuit, and the one IYKYK destination that I've been meaning to check out for ages is Mcarthurglen Designer Outlet Ashford.
One of five UK locations, the Ashford branch first opened in 2000 and expanded in 2019 under a striking white canopy. The revamped horseshoe-shaped complex houses over 100 high-street, lifestyle and sportswear brands and designers in dog-friendly, single-level stores, along with popular restaurants and a children’s adventure play area. There are plenty of parking spaces at Ashford Designer Outlet but it’s much easier to catch the train from London, because Ashford station is a 10-minute walk away (clearly signposted) and the journey from St Pancras only takes 38 minutes. Having an accessible shopping oasis in such proximity to London is such a treat.
The considered high-low mix across fashion, beauty and home covers all bases. Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, BOSS and Calvin Klein are among the premium household names, whilst fashion insiders will also gravitate towards Coach, Joseph and Diesel, and find beauty at Clarins and L’Occitane. It’s worth looking in Nike, Levi’s, Abercrombie & Fitch and the M&S Outlet too for styles you’re unlikely to come across elsewhere at a fraction of their full price. Leaving completely empty-handed is almost unheard of, thanks to standalone Cadbury's, Lindt and Haribo shops on-site for treats and gifts.
It's so much better than expected and you’ll realise that some real gems are waiting to be unearthed at Ashford Designer Outlet. I found that out firsthand when I explored it for myself, focusing on the autumn/winter 2026 collections that were starting to launch in store. Let me walk you through my first-time experience and show you all the great pieces I spotted so you’re up to speed whenever you head there yourself.
The gates open by 10 am every day, and as the saying goes, the early bird definitely catches the worm. Arriving at opening time gives you plenty of time to play with and the freedom to browse as many stores as possible at your own pace.
Planning is crucial to make the most of the day, so I scouted out exactly where I wanted to go in advance and made a list of the specific pieces I was after with a strict budget. Then, I went straight to the site map to figure out the smartest way to shop. Ashford Designer Outlet is bigger than it looks from the entrance, with stores laid out in a loop, so shoppers tend to follow it round either to the left or right, depending on which store they're headed to first. Oh, and don't worry about the weather: everything under the canopy is shielded from rain and free umbrellas are available for use at their Guest Services.
Shopping for your winter coat in late summer is one of my favourite fashion-editor hacks. There’s no pressure or need to panic-buy when you can calmly review what’s on offer, and as Barbour is renowned for its practical and distinctive outerwear, I started my day at the British heritage luxury brand. I pulled a gorgeous quilted jacket panelled in varying shades of khaki, and also found a great Fair Isle jumper and a seasonless checked dress I could layer to increase the cost-per-wear ratio.
I’m a bit of a sneakerhead, so I couldn’t walk past Adidas on the way to check out The North Face’s technical coat options without going in. Plenty of low-profile trainers and animal prints caught my eye, particularly a cow-print pair with green laces and a price tag that was so good it made me gasp (RRP £90, outlet price £57). I’m getting more into hiking, so the insulating black coat I tried on was good, and the long waterproof trousers (34-inch inseams are rare!) were even better: gorpcore essentials that could fill two gaps in my wardrobe. Three stores in, I was impressed by how much I’d already found and how easy it was to navigate these well-curated brand spaces.
When it was time for a breather (the site is approximately 280,000 sq ft, so you'll need breaks!), I grabbed a matcha at Costa, though multiple barista spots had it on the menu with a range of milks. I wasn't hungry, but you can take your pick from a plethora of sit-down restaurants around the food piazza or the independent trailers lining the main promenade.
When I was ready to get back to it, I headed to Clarins. A go-to for plant-based luxury skincare, makeup and bodycare, I was tempted by the shelves of gift sets to get ahead on my Christmas shopping, but the cult nourishing lip oils were what I was really there for. I was also very pleasantly surprised to find not one, not two, but three foundation shades that worked for my skin tone.
Transitioning into a new season calls for fresh accessories to upgrade your existing staples, and I was looking for timeless styles with a twist for added interest. Two doors down in UGG, I spied some chunky black Esmee Leather Clogs with a soft, cushioned footbed and an adjustable strap that can be worn forwards to create a backless mule. The contrasting white sheepskin spill seam on the upper had me imagining all the daytime outfits these extremely comfortable shoes could be paired with. I made a beeline for the Boston Clog wall in Birkenstock, frustrated to remember that I’d sold my original unworn pair far too hastily. There were colourways I’d never seen before, but I was most into the two-tone neutral.
I unwittingly saved the best until last in phase 2 of the Centre. In Coach, it was love at first sight with a black, boxy Sydney shoulder bag (RRP £395, outlet price £249) with elongated straps that's just launched. Gold hardware is my preference, but I so rarely find it on designer bags, and this chic 24/7 style matched my jewellery perfectly. Then it was onto Joseph, where I wasn't expecting to find so much I adored. I’ve long admired the high-end brand’s sophisticated minimalism, and I couldn’t get enough of the co-ordinated gold bean necklace and oversized stud earrings, or the roomy black bucket bag that I could squeeze my work laptop into. But the slinky brown and taupe silk-satin evening dresses (RRP £525, outlet price £295)? Sublime. The same goes for the square-toe gunmetal heeled pumps that heightened the tonal '90s metallic vibe I was too young to embrace the first time.
The only time I try on the things I like as I see them (to use my shopping time most effectively) is when I’m not 100% sure when I’ll be back. But here at Ashford Designer Outlet, I tried on everything a second time to whittle down my potential purchases and reduce the risk of returns.
When finalising my autumn 2026 picks, I loved how the Barbour jumper’s cropped silhouette fit me, and I paired it with an ivory midi skirt from Joseph and those fab UGG clogs. I tried on the baggy The North Face trousers with the Barbour jacket, a Joseph polo neck and the Adidas cow-print trainers. Voilà: another winning smart-casual look. Finally, I dressed up the chocolate Joseph midi dress (which hugged my curves incredibly) with accessories, but I know I could wear it with flat leather ankle boots for the office as well. All in all, Ashford Designer Outlet overdelivered on fashion finds, and I’m keen to spread the word.
