Countdown to Christmas: best holiday shopping bargains

The phrase ‘outlet shopping’ may conjure up an image of soulless, out-of-town shopping centres but, if you choose well, outlet shopping can be great fun and bag you some excellent bargains along the way.

Discount wonderlands are now dotted all over the UK. And as you can’t always have the luxury of shopping solo, the good thing with outlets is they always comes with extras, from free WiFi in cafes and restaurants to kids play areas to keep little ones happy while you go bargain hunting.

1. Mulberry Factory Shop

This iconic British brand is a must-have of celebrities everywhere (think the Victoria Beckham and Cara Delevingne). This outlet, nestling in the lush Somerset hills in Shepton Mallet, is the place to find some celeb-chic at between 30-50 per cent off original prices. It stocks discontinued bags, factory specials and almost perfect seconds. From the Mitzy to the Somerset, expect prices to start around £200 upwards, but oh what beautiful bags.

2. Bicester Village

This open-air outlet sits in the pretty Oxford countryside only an hour’s drive from London. Famed for pulling in visitors from across the globe, it boasts A-List fashion stores. Burberry, Paul Smith, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Gucci and Dior, come at hugely discounted prices. Take our advice and go early as queues of bargain hunters start outside the most popular shops a good hour before they open. It’s no wonder even the Duchess of Cambridge is reputed to be a fan of this outlet.

3. Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Head up north to the leafy suburbs of Cheshire for some great bargains. Famous for its footballers and WAGS (think Wayne and Coleen Rooney) this huge complex is a giant open-air crescent of cut-price glamour. Located in Ellesmere Port, it is the UK’s largest designer mall with 145 shops offering something for every pocket, from Barbour and Hugo Boss to more affordable Jack Wills and Nike brands.

4. Aquascutum, Burberry and Pringle of Scotland factory Outlets

These three hugely popular outlets are found in Hackney, East London’s new ‘fashion hub’. The Aquascutum Factory Shop is packed with bargain buys. Head here for classy suits and classic knitwear at up to 50 per cent off.

Nearby the Burberry Factory Shop has some tantilising bargains, with jeans starting at just £40 and up to 70 per cent off some items. The neighbouring Pringle of Scotland Outlet stocks high-quality merino wool, leather and cashmere all at slashed prices. Want our hot fashion-insider tip? New stock is always delivered on Wednesdays.

And finally, here are our three top tips for avoiding outlet agony …

Fight the urge to get swept away by sale fever. Crowds are bigger just after Christmas and often stock is at its lowest in the sales.

Go midweek – Thursday or Friday are best. Stock has arrived for the weekend rush, but the weekend crowds are still at work. Peace, quiet and lots to browse through.

Judge your bargain very carefully. Promises of 50 per cent to 70 per cent off are usually off the full recommended retail price, which can be higher than what you’d pay in a normal store anyway.

Examine items carefully. Seconds should be marked as so but they aren’t always. So make sure you are 100% happy with your buy, because most UK outlets have a no return policy.