Have you ever heard of Bluewater Shopping Centre? If not, then you’re missing out on one of the most popular shopping centres in Europe! Located near the banks of the River Thames in Kent, England, this shopping centre has been attracting shoppers from all over for years. But when it comes to finding it—where exactly is Bluewater Shopping Centre located? In this article, we’ll explore where this amazing destination is and why so many people love visiting there.
Location Overview
Bluewater Shopping Centre is located in the town of Greenhithe, Kent. It’s easy to access by car or public transport, as it’s just off the M25 and within walking distance from two railway stations. The centre offers a range of shops, restaurants and leisure experiences for visitors. With over 300 stores, including big names like Apple and Topshop, there’s plenty of choices when it comes to shopping. For dining out, Bluewater has more than 60 eateries offering cuisines ranging from Indian to Italian and Mexican. There are also multiple entertainment venues, such as an 18-screen cinema complex, bowling alley and laser tag arena. In addition to this, there are many special events held throughout the year which attract thousands of people each time. Whether you’re looking for some retail therapy or want to try something new – Bluewater Shopping Centre has it all!
Getting To Bluewater Shopping Centre
Getting to Bluewater Shopping Centre is quite straightforward. Located in Kent, UK, the shopping centre is easily accessible by a variety of different forms of transportation. Whether you’re driving or using public transport, there are plenty of options available for getting to and from the centre.
If you plan on driving, there’s ample parking with 10 car parks located around the site that offer more than 18000 spaces. There are also dedicated drop-off points at either end of the mall where taxis and private hire vehicles can be used as well. For those who don’t want to drive, buses run regularly between Bluewater and nearby towns and cities every day. Additionally, Thameslink trains operate direct links from London Bridge Station to Greenhithe station, which is just a short walk away from the shopping centre. All in all, it couldn’t be easier for visitors to get to and enjoy their time at Bluewater Shopping Centre!
Nearby Attractions
Within walking distance of Bluewater you can find some great local sites like Hall Place and Gardens, which offers beautiful gardens, a café and a museum full of interesting artefacts. There’s also The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where visitors can learn about maritime history whilst taking part in events such as guided tours, workshops, art exhibitions and more. Additionally, there are many tourist attractions nearby, including Knole Park Wildlife Area, Diggerland Adventure Park and Leeds Castle – all within easy reach by car.
No matter your interests or age group, there’s something near Bluewater that will excite everyone, from outdoor activities like golfing at Brands Hatch Golf Club or exploring the countryside on foot at Cobham Wood Nature Reserve -to indoor activities such as visiting the cinemas inside the centre itself. Whatever your fancy may be, you won’t have any difficulty finding something enjoyable nearby!
Opening Hours And Public Holidays
Bluewater Shopping Centre is open seven days a week, with extended opening hours on the weekend. Its standard shopping times are from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday. On public holidays like Bank Holidays, Bluewater’s opening hours may vary; visitors should check online for specific dates or ask at Guest Services when onsite. Here’s a summary of its usual operating times:
- Mondays-Saturdays: 10am-9pm
- Sundays: 11am-5pm
- Public Holidays: Vary – please check in advance
Visitors who want more info about Bluewater’s exact opening times can enquire directly with the centre’s Guest Services team. Guests should also be aware that individual retailers within the centre may have different opening hours than what has been listed here. It’s always best to double check before travelling if there’s something specific you plan to buy!
Parking Options
For shoppers looking for convenient parking at Bluewater Shopping Centre, there are plenty of options available. The shopping centre offers a total of 11,500 parking spaces in 3 car parks to choose from: The Rose Gallery Car Park, The Plaza Car Park and The Riverside Car Park. Access is easy via all three entrances located on either side of the Thames or off junction 2A of the M25.
| Parking | Fees (all day) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Rose Gallery | £2.00-£4.50 | Full |
| Plaza | £2.00-£3.80 | Limited |
| Riverside | £1.00-£3.20 | Some Spaces Available |
An interactive parking map can be found on the official website, which includes real time updates about current availability and fees for each individual car park – ensuring you make an informed decision before arriving at the centre. Additionally, customers using electric cars will find charging stations located within each car park too! All in all, visitors to Bluewater Shopping Centre have plenty of options when it comes to parking – making their visit as stress free as possible!
Shopping Experiences
Opened in 1999, it’s one of Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centres, with over 330 stores and restaurants. It provides visitors with an amazing array of shopping experiences:
- Retail therapy – With a wide variety of boutiques, big-name brands and luxury department stores, there are plenty of ways to indulge yourself! Plus, you can take advantage of Bluewater’s exclusive deals.
- Boutique stores – If you’re looking for something special or unique, Bluewater has a great selection of independent boutique stores offering everything from fashion to homeware.
- Shopping tips – Take advantage of helpful advice on how to get the most out of your visit to Bluewater – including where to find the best bargains and which dining options provide the greatest value for money.
- Luxury shopping – Whether you’re after designer labels or high-end products, Bluewater offers some truly luxurious retail opportunities. From major international brands to local gems, there’s something for everyone here.
It’s easy to see why so many people flock to this destination every year; no matter what kind of shopping experience you’re looking for, Bluewater has it all!
Restaurants And Food Outlets
Bluewater Shopping Centre offers a wide range of dining options for its visitors. From fast food takeaway outlets to sit-down restaurants, there is something that appeals to everyone. The centre also has many cafe choices available where customers can enjoy a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light meals or afternoon tea.
For those looking for more on the go takeaway options, Bluewater Shopping Centre provides several convenient eateries with menus offering burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips and other quick bites. In addition, there are plenty of international cuisine restaurants serving up flavours from around the world, such as Italian pizza & pasta dishes, Chinese stir fries and Indian curries. With so many choices in one place, it’s easy to find something tasty before continuing your shopping experience!
Events And Entertainment
Moving on from the array of food outlets available at Bluewater Shopping Centre, there are plenty of events and entertainment to be found. The centre offers a variety of cultural activities, such as festivals, live music performances and art exhibitions throughout the year. It also hosts a range of popular family-friendly attractions that include cinemas, bowling alleys and arcades. There’s something for everyone, no matter their age or interests.
The Village At Bluewater
The Village at Bluewater provides shoppers with a unique experience in addition to the general shops found throughout the centre. It’s home to more than 30 popular high street fashion outlets, including Gap and Jack Wills, plus several beauty salons. Dining options include Jamie’s Italian, Wagamama and Carluccio’s while culture vultures can visit the nearby National Trust property – Kent Life Heritage Farm Park or watch the latest releases at Showcase Cinema De Luxe. All-in-all, there’s something for everyone at this dynamic destination which has become one of Kent’s most sought after shopping attractions.
History Of Bluewater Shopping Centre
It opened its doors for the first time on 16 March 1999 and has since become one of Europe’s most successful shopping centres. Bluewater was developed by a joint venture between Land Securities Group PLC and John Laing plc, with Henderson Global Investors owning the majority stake as part of their retail property fund portfolio. The development cost £350 million to build, creating an area of over 13 hectares and 3,000 parking spaces.
The history of Bluewater stretches back much further than its opening day in 1999. In fact, it dates all the way back to 1989 when initial plans were drawn up for new developments in North West Kent, including a large regional retail centre at Greenhithe. These plans changed numerous times over the following decade but eventually settled upon what we now know as Bluewater Shopping Centre – the UK’s largest covered shopping destination outside central London! Over 150 stores make up this impressive complex which also contains restaurants, cafes and leisure facilities such as state-of-the-art cinemas.
Today, Bluewater continues to be an extremely popular destination amongst shoppers from across the country. Its success story reflects that of other major European shopping centres, which have seen huge growth over recent decades due to increased consumer spending power and demand for larger scale retail destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Products Can I Buy At Bluewater Shopping Centre?
Bluewater Shopping Centre boasts an impressive array of products for visitors to buy and enjoy. Visitors can find all types of merchandise at the centre, from fashion items to electrical goods. There are plenty of options when it comes to shopping centre products.
When choosing what type of products to purchase at Bluewater Shopping Centre, shoppers should consider their personal needs:
- Clothes or accessories
- Electronics and gadgets
- Home decor items
All these product categories are available in various stores around the mall, making it easy to find something that suits your taste or budget. Additionally, many shops offer discounts and promotions throughout the year, which can help you save money on your purchases. With such a wide variety of products available, there’s sure to be something special for everyone at this well-known shopping centre!
Are There Any Activities For Children At Bluewater Shopping Centre?
Are there any activities for children at Bluewater Shopping Centre? Yes, absolutely! It’s a great destination for families with plenty of fun and entertaining attractions. With a range of different kids entertainment options to choose from, everyone can make the most out of their visit.
The shopping centre has lots of exciting features such as interactive games, play areas and other family attractions. Children will love the variety of activities that are available throughout the complex – whether it be in-store or outside. There’s always something new to discover every time you come back! Plus, parents don’t have to worry about keeping them entertained because they’ll be having so much fun.
Conclusion
Bluewater Shopping Centre is a great place to shop, offering an excellent selection of products and services. The restaurants at Bluewater Shopping Centre offer delicious meals that cater to all tastes. There’s no need to worry about dress codes either; casual attire is perfectly acceptable in most places. Kids will also be kept entertained with activities like mini golf and various family-friendly events held throughout the year.
Overall, Bluewater Shopping Centre provides a pleasant shopping experience for people of all ages. It’s conveniently located close to major transport links, so getting there isn’t a problem either! From amazing deals on top brands to fun activities for kids – Bluewater Shopping Centre really does have something for everyone!
