The UK shopping centre that became one of the country’s best day trips for families – with record-breaking attractions
And two other lesser known outlets to visit
MOST families head to a shopping centre to bag some bargains and do some high-street spending.
But one in the UK has become a huge attraction for families – thanks to it’s huge number of play-areas, ziplines and adventure sports.
Bluewater in Kent is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this week, having first opened March 16, 1999.
Inside are more than 300 shops, cafes and restaurants with the newest including Oliver Bonas, Flying Tiger, Uniqlo, Whistles and Black Sheep Coffee.
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With as many as 28million annual visitors, it isn’t just the shops – as it has a number of record-breaking attractions.
One of it’s main attractions is Skywire, the longest zipline in England measuring more than 700 metres, as well as the Giant Swing, the biggest in Europe.
Skydive was the first ever outdoor skydiving attraction in the UK too.
Indoor climbing walls and trampolines are found at Gravity Active, as well as a free soft play area.
There is even a pirate-themed mini golf course and a dinosaur themed, three-storey soft play area Dinotropolis.
Seasonal events include a beach in summer and an ice rink in winter, along with Winterland fairground.
There are some exciting new attractions opening this year too.
Ballerz, launched by football stars Rio Ferdinand and Bobby Zamora, will be an air dome with ‘competitive football socialising’.
The website states: “Ballerz is a brand-new experience-led football dome kicking off in Spring 2024.
“Leagues. Parties. Coaching for Kids. Welcome to the new home of football.”
The £3million attraction hopes to open in May.
People have raved about the shopping centre, with one saying it takes “nearly a day just to look around”.
Someone else said on Google: “It’s probably my favourite large shopping centre in the UK.”
A second agreed: “One of the best shopping centres in UK.”
Here are some other shopping centres to try in the UK.
London Designer Outlet, London
Sun Online Travel recently reviewed another shopping centre that’s a ‘hidden gem’ for bargain hunters.
The London Designer Outlet (LDO) is often overlooked in favour of Bicester Village.
However, we found that not only did it have more high street brands, but saved more than £100 while shopping.
Icon Outlet, London
Also overlooked is the Icon Outlet at the O2, being near the Westfield Stratford centre.
Along with designer outlet shops, it is also home to London’s biggest cinema, as well as the London in the Sky outdoor dining experience.
It also opened a new Wetherspoons pub last year, with a 3,800sqft riverside beer garden.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.