The Best Christmas Shopping in Swindon & the Cotswolds
If the thought of Christmas shopping makes your blood run colder than Frosty the snowman, don’t worry. Swindon can help. This thriving town not only sits on the edge of the Cotswolds – with their beautiful villages, exhilarating hikes and spectacular views. Swindon also offers superb shopping, thanks to the South West's best designer outlet and easy access to the irresistible independent stores that pepper the Cotswold Hills. And Blunsdon House Hotel, on the fringes of Swindon, is close to them all.
Designer Shopping
Swindon’s McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is a magnet for fashionistas. Set in a beautifully restored former Great Western Railway building, it’s one of Europe's largest covered designer outlets. With 90 big-name shops and 12 restaurants, you can browse stores including Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, Calvin Klein, Converse, Kurt Geiger and Luke. And shopping here doesn’t have to break the bank. Deals are very real - with up to 60% off Recommended Retail Prices, these are designer names with bargain price tags. While it’s always great to be able to bag a bargain, it’s even better to be able to do that at Christmas.
Best Shopping Experiences in & around Swindon
Right in the heart of Swindon, the Brunel Shopping Centre has more than 100 shops, restaurants and cafes. It’s completely covered, so you can stroll between M&S and Boots before having a snack at the Crossing Food Hub.
On Swindon’s northern outskirts, the Orbital Shopping Park is home to high street names, such as Next, New Look, River Island, and Intersport as well as EE. While on the east side of town, the Greenbridge Retail & Leisure Park offers more big brands in fashion and homeware and an Imax cinema – so you can round off a day’s shopping by seeing a film.
Independent Stores
Meanwhile the Cotswold’s picturesque towns and villages are also within easy reach. Pretty Cirencester is lined with intriguing independent shops, as well as excellent cafes and restaurants. Try the Corn Hall for a wonderful range of markets, including a Christmas one. Winding Black Jack Street opens into the Stable Yard, where Cameo (fashion) and the Cotswold Ringmaker (bespoke jewellery) are just two of the locals’ favourites.
And then there’s the wealth of independent stores sitting in Cotswold villages built out of beautiful, honey-coloured stone. Antique shops and art galleries abound in Burford, Stow on the Wold, Moreton in Marsh, Broadway, Winchcombe and Tewkesbury. And all are within 40 minutes from Blunsdon House Hotel.
Best Toy Shopping
As you’d expect Swindon and the Cotswold’s have also got the kids covered for Christmas. The shops of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet include a branch of children’s favourite Hamleys. Dubbed as the Finest Toy Shop in the World, it has a vast selection of toys and games as well as a trademark fun feel. McArthurGlen’s other kid-friendly options include a Build A Bear Workshop and the books and art and crafts supply shop the Works.
Three-Night Christmas Breaks at Blunsdon House
In fact the festive feel is so strong in the Cotswolds you might want to return for Christmas itself. Our three night Christmas breaks see you revelling in the festive atmosphere at Blunsdon House Hotel. From a glass of fizz on Christmas Eve, hanging up your stocking and Santa arriving in a Rolls Royce, to presents, festive food, dancing and use of the Jacuzzi and pool. You could even continue the shopping theme and head off to the Boxing Day sales. Time to treat yourself. After all, you’re buying all those gifts for everyone else.