insideKENT Magazine Issue 92 - November 2019 | Page 76

CHRISTMAS
READY, SET, SHOP!
CONT.
Whitefriars Shopping Centre // Canterbury
www.whitefriars-canterbury.co.uk
Canterbury’s Whitefriars shopping centre has over
70 different shops and retailers in an open air
environment, which makes the most of its superb
position within the city. 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. And don’t
forget that Father Christmas has a fun filled grotto
at Whitefriars for the little ones too!
County Square Shopping Centre // Ashford
www.countysquareshoppingcentre.com
Visit County Square Shopping Centre in Ashford
this festive season for inspirational gift ideas from
over 50 stores. There are also great cafes to take a
break in, and your little ones can even have fun in
the free soft play area.
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet // Ashford
www.mcarthurglen.com
The McArthur Glen Designer Outlet is full to the
brim with luscious gifts for him, her, them, and the
kids. Getting there is easy. It’s just off the M20, and
only ten minutes from Ashford International train
station, so everyone has a chance to give shopping
here a go. The huge white tents, strung with
Christmas lights, signpost the way to this designer
shopping haven, and following its recent expansion
there are now even more shops to browse in for the
WHITEFRIARS SHOPPING CENTRE
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perfect Christmas gift! And if you really can’t choose,
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. At Christmas,
the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet becomes a
winter wonderland, so it really is the place to go.
Whitstable
www.seewhitstable.com/Whitstable-shops-businesses.html
Whitstable is a gorgeous coastal town, and its quirky
shops and boutiques are well known for offering all
kinds of different, beautiful gifts and inspiration.
Visiting Whitstable for your Christmas shopping is
something to look forward to – no rushing, no
panicking, just a calm pace allowing you to love
every shop and café along the way.
The Glades // Bromley
www.theglades.co.uk
The Glades covers 50,600 sq ft and has been a part
of life in Bromley since 1991. 18 million people walk
through its doors every year, but thanks to its spacious
feel and 133 different units, it’s possible to enjoy the
shopping experience without feeling hurried or
crowded. Add to that the large range of restaurants,
a great location (The Glades is situated right in the
heart of busy Bromley but is easily accessible by both
road and rail), the fact that there is a beautiful
Christmas grotto, face painting, and a fun and
fabulous kids’ club – and this becomes a true family
shopping day at a family-friendly shopping centre!
Fremlin Walk // Maidstone
www.fremlinwalk.co.uk
Fremlin Walk is an outdoor shopping centre, so
when you go Christmas shopping here you can really
feel the buzz of excitement and the chill in the air
(the chill will disappear as you start hunting for
bargains; the buzz of excitement will stay). There
are over 50 shops and cafes in this lovely little
shopping precinct (or not so little; Fremlin Walk is
a huge 350,000 sq ft area). You can find everything
here, including top name brands, high street
favourites, and places to purchase those extra little
treats.
Pentagon Shopping Centre // Chatham
www.pentagonshoppingcentre.co.uk
With over 70 units, a 16 lane bowling alley, and a
huge range of restaurants and cafes, the Pentagon
Shopping Centre is an established, and important,
local and regional shopping destination. This is a
great place to relax with a coffee, grab a bite to eat,
bowl the night away and, above all, shop! For
Christmas the shopping centre is a really special
place to visit, with a grotto and Father Christmas
there to give out gifts to the little boys and girls. Plus,
there is a procession through the high street that
ends at the centre – it’s full of carol singing, festive
lights, and the goodwill of the season!