If you’re staying in London over the festive break and craving a day of luxury shopping in the Cotswolds, this area of outstanding natural beauty and indulgent pleasures offers a delightful fusion of designer outlets, historic markets, and beguiling festive charm.
East Cotswolds
Begin your shopping experience just outside the Cotswolds at Bicester Village, part of The Bicester Collection. Less than an hour from London, Bicester Village boasts it’s very own train station, dropping you off right at the door to the premier open-air luxury outlet. With more than 150 boutiques from heritage fashion houses and cutting-edge designers such as Mulberry, Dior, Armani and Off-White you’ll be sure to find something to everyone’s taste. Then find somewhere to rest your feet while you enjoy lunch at The Double Red Duke, Fortum & Mason or one of the other superb hospitality venues.
Northwest Cotswolds
If you’re staying in the Cotswolds for a night or two, head to the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, near Tewkesbury. While more recently established, this outlet brings a high-end shopping village right into the Cotswold region. It’s a great place to find designer labels, but with a more relaxed, regional feel than a large city outlet.
Add in a Christmas market or two
As a perfect antidote to designer outlet crowds you could venture into the historic towns of the Cotswolds, where busting iconic markets bring a very different kind of charm, especially during the Christmas season. In Cheltenham, the elegant Regency architecture of the Promenade becomes the setting for the annual Christmas Gift Market (typically held around mid-November), where over 40 chalets offer festive homewares, artisan gifts, and gourmet treats.
Later in December, the Arts & Crafts Christmas Market returns to the Promenade with locally made jewelry, glassware, pottery and artwork.
A right royal event
But perhaps the most magical of all is Blenheim Palace during the festive season. From mid-November through December, the Great Court transforms into a Christmas village of wooden chalets, showcasing designer-makers, seasonal treats, and artisan food and drink.
As dusk falls, the palace grounds light up in an illuminated trail featuring art installations and whimsical projections, this year inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
For a truly enchanting treat, book their Emerald City Afternoon Tea in The Orangery: expect savory sliders, freshly baked scones, and Oz-themed sweets that blend indulgence with whimsy.
When shopping makes you hungry…
When it comes to where to stop for refreshment or replenishment during your Christmas shopping day, you’re spoiled for choice. Other than the many options at the venues themselves, your Rosehill Travel driver-guide will be delighted to recommend countless beautiful spots along the way, including traditional pubs and fine dining restaurants in which you can find a roaring fire, a warming drink or a refined tea…
We would love to take you on a truly exquisite shopping trip throughout the Cotswolds, whether looking for designer labels or hand-crafted gifts, you’ll find sophistication, style, and a touch of fairy-tale magic, all perfectly complimented by a private guide and luxury chauffeur driven vehicle. Just call or email today and let us know what your Christmas heart’s desire is.
