insideKENT Magazine Issue 45 - December 2015 | Page 123
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING in Kent cont.
McArthurGlen Outlet, Ashford
McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet is full to
the brim with luscious gifts for him, her, them,
and the kids too. Getting here is easy, it’s just
off the M20, but also only ten minutes from
Ashford International train station so everyone
has a chance to give shopping here a go. The
whole place looks impressive, with the shops
sitting together under a huge tent – you can’t
miss this shopping centre! There are over 80
shops, including Calvin Kelin, Lindt, Molton Brown,
Ted Baker, Kurt Geiger, Gap, and Abercrombie
& Fitch. Plus you can buy your loved ones a
centre gift card, so they can discover the great
variety of shops and boutiques under that
magnificent roof. If you’re peckish, you can choose
between Pizza Express, Wagamama, of Café
Nero amongst others. The centre is expanding
in 2018, so by then there will be even more
goodness to enjoy!
Whitefriars Shopping Centre,
Canterbury
Canterbury’s Whitefriars Shopping Centre has
over 70 different shops and retailers in an openair environment that makes the most of its superb
position within the city. Shops include La Sensa,
Jane Norma, Topshop, Karen Millen, Ann
Summers, Swarovski, Build A Bear Workshop,
Fenwick, HMV, and River Island, so Christmas
shopping should be a breeze at Whitefriars.
Take a break from your gift buying and enjoy a
great lunch at one of the food outlets within
Whitefriars. Ed’s Easy Diner, Carluccio’s, Greggs,
and the café at Marks and Spencer are all here
for you, or if you’ve no time to stop, you can grab
a festive flavoured coffee from Costa!
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells
The Pantiles is a unique and beautiful area of
shops in Tunbridge Wells. Traders have been
selling their wares in this area since the 17th
century, and there is a definite feel of the olden
days here, which makes a change from the
normal fast-paced shopping spree that we might
be used to. It’s cathartic to come here and have
the time to browse the independent shops and
take the time to really find the ideal gift for each
and every person on your list. This stylish,
attractive, romantically colonnaded walkway is a
superb place to shop. Along with rows of boutique
stores, there are cafés, restaurants, and bars,
regular markets, and events.
At Christmas, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
becomes a winter wonderland, and for those
with a VIP Privilege Card it’s even better. Free
drinks, free chocolate, a prize draw, and
competitions are all open to you, but even without
the card you can enjoy the festive atmosphere
and the daily carol singing. Dive in and get
spending!
Christmas is a beautiful time of year at Whitefriars.
Not only do the dozens of shops within the
shopping centre go all out with their decorations,
but there is also a wonderful Christmas market
where you can search out some unique,
handmade gifts that will really put a smile on your
friends’ and loved ones’ faces. The 30 cabins
sell a variety of exceptional products including
gifts, decorations, food, and drink. And don’t
forget that Father Christmas has a fun-filled grotto
at Whitefriars for the little ones too!
The Pantiles at Christmas is fun, friendly, and
you can always find a glass of mulled wine (or
two) as you delve into the treasure filled shops
that include Yi Ju Chinese Antiques, Love
Tunbridge Wells, The Spa Galleries, Glitterati,
Honey West Boutique, Special Things & Muse
Handbags, Pantiles Bride (for those gorgeous
winter weddings), Polkadot Lane, and Gardener
and Cook. You can get your hair done, buy a
new outfit, deck yourself out in brand new jewellery
(or antique if you prefer), and indulge in a variety
of cupcakes and warming hot drinks all whilst
ticking the names off your to buy for list. Lovely!
www.mcarthueglen.com/arthur
www.whitefriars-canterbury.co.uk
www.pantilestraders.co.uk
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