Ashford Designer Outlet
McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet, located in the Heart of Kent, stands as the prime retail destination, delivering a compelling shopping experience in Ashford.
Ashford Designer Outlet opened in 2000 and it success can be attributed to its fantastic location next door to Ashford International Station, ensuring it is attracting shoppers from far and wide – less than 30 minutes away from Dover Port, and just 38 minutes away by High-Speed rail from the capital, shoppers visit from London - as well as from Kent and across the English Channel.
“Ashford Designer Outlet has 110 brands and annually we get around 3.5 million visitors. We are a significant employer in the area, around 1,800 people work here and 74% live in Ashford.”
Peter Heritage, Centre Manager
Surrounded by picturesque grounds and featuring a distinctive tented structure designed by Lord Richard Rogers, the Designer Outlet expanded in 2019 to include one of Europe’s largest living walls, adding to its architectural allure. Ashford Designer Outlet has evolved since its expansion was completed in 2019, which included Europe’s largest living way and a new food piazza. Since the expansion opened, we’ve welcomed many fantastic new brands, including the likes of Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Sweaty Betty, Rituals, The North Face and many more.
“Working with local businesses is really important to us. We sponsor a student at Jasmin Vardimon Company every year and we work very closely on a number projects with Ashford College and there are lots of plans to do more with them in the future. We have also welcomed the opportunity to promote businesses like Gusbourne and The Ashford Cinema.”
Peter Heritage, Centre Manager
Peter Heritage continues: “We have a charity partner every year, this year it is Dandelion Time who we have fantastic projects with and we also work very closely on a number projects with Singleton Environment Centre.”
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Ashford Designer Outlet provides an array of dining choices to refuel during a day of designer shopping. From popular eateries like Pizza Express and Wagamama to casual spots like Pret, Starbucks next to the beautiful living wall, or Caffe Nero under the unique tented structure. If you fancy something different, sample the range of ever changing street-food pop-ups.
Ashford Designer Outlet boasts ample parking with 1,900 spaces, offering free parking after 5pm, along with electric charging points and coach parking facilities. There’s fun for everyone: within the beautiful settings you’ll also find Kiddy Cars, a play park with a seven-meter tree house and sensory equipment, and 14 cafes and restaurants.
