Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury stands out in 2026 as one of the UK’s newest and most talked‑about outlet shopping destinations, blending big designer brands, modern facilities, and a Cotswolds‑inspired setting in one easy‑to‑reach location. Situated just off Junction 9 of the M5 at the gateway to the Cotswolds, the outlet offers shoppers an attractive mix of fashion, lifestyle, food, and family‑friendly features that turn a simple shopping trip into a full day out.
Because the centre launched with a strong line‑up of brands and a promise to rival long‑established destinations like Bicester Village, it quickly attracted attention from bargain hunters, families, fashion lovers, and tourists exploring the wider Gloucestershire and Cotswolds area. In 2025 and into 2026, the outlet continued to grow, with more stores open, regular events and seasonal activities, improved transport links, and an evolving range of cafés and restaurants, so visitors now experience a more complete, polished destination than during its early preview period.
Where Is Cotswolds Designer Outlet and Why Tewkesbury Matters
Tewkesbury sits in north Gloucestershire, close to the border with Worcestershire, and enjoys an enviable position between the River Severn and the River Avon, with excellent road connections and a rich medieval heritage that attracts visitors all year round. The decision to build a major designer outlet here takes advantage of this strategic location, since drivers on the M5 can access the site in minutes from Junction 9, and the development forms a kind of modern gateway to the Cotswolds region, signposted clearly from the main A46 route.
The outlet’s address on Platinum Drive in Tewkesbury places it within easy reach of the town centre, yet with enough space to create a purpose‑built retail village with large parking areas, landscaped walkways, and room for future expansion. Local authorities and developers envisioned a site that not only serves passing motorway traffic but also strengthens Tewkesbury’s pull as a destination, encouraging visitors who come for shopping to stay longer, explore the historic abbey, walk the medieval streets, and enjoy riverside views.
A Short History of the Outlet – From Vision to Opening
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet project evolved over several years, beginning as a large‑scale retail vision led by property developer Robert Hitchins, who wanted to create a designer outlet that captured both the charm of the Cotswolds and the expectations of modern shoppers. Planning, infrastructure work, and brand curation took time, and by late 2024 and early 2025, the outlet shifted from concept to reality, with announcements highlighting it as the only major retail destination opening in the UK in 2025 and promising a strong roster of fashion and lifestyle brands.
A structured “Preview Week” marked the initial opening phase, running over a dedicated period in July from mid‑month across about two weeks, so that early visitors could experience the new environment while teams and retailers fine‑tuned operations, merchandising, and customer service. During this early period, commentary from local media and residents mixed excitement, curiosity, and some concern, as people welcomed new jobs and shopping choices while also debating the environmental impact, traffic, and the balance between national brands and more distinctly local Cotswolds businesses.
As summer 2025 progressed, more stores opened their doors, and the outlet edged towards its goal of having around 98% of stores trading by July, with coverage emphasizing that it aimed to rival larger and more established designer villages by combining a curated brand mix with a carefully designed open‑air layout. By early 2026, the outlet had moved firmly beyond its launch phase into everyday operation, supported by seasonal campaigns, Black Friday events, festive activities and ongoing marketing promoting it as a must‑visit stop for anyone traveling through Gloucestershire or exploring the Cotswolds.
The Design and Atmosphere – Cotswolds Charm Meets Modern Shopping
Architecture Inspired by the Cotswolds
Developers designed Cotswolds Designer Outlet to reflect the distinctive aesthetic of the surrounding countryside, using materials, colours, and building forms that echo traditional Cotswold stone villages while still feeling contemporary, spacious, and practical for high‑footfall retail. Walkways and open plazas create a village‑style layout rather than an enclosed, anonymous mall, so shoppers move between brands along outdoor streets framed by landscaping, seating, and play areas that encourage people to linger.
The choice to embed references to Tewkesbury’s medieval history within the visitor experience further strengthens the sense of place, with events featuring costumed historical characters who roam the outlet, share stories, and connect the modern shopping environment to the town’s deep heritage roots. This approach not only differentiates the outlet from other centres but also reinforces local identity and gives families extra entertainment, especially during weekends and school holidays when additional activities and performances tend to appear.
Layout, Comfort, and Facilities
The site’s design prioritises open sightlines, clear wayfinding, and convenient access to anchor stores, so visitors can quickly orient themselves and decide whether they want a focused, targeted trip or a leisurely browse. Benches, covered areas, and thoughtful landscaping make it easier to take breaks between shopping, and the inclusion of play spaces offers families a natural point to pause while children burn off energy.
Practical facilities such as ample parking, EV charging stations, and proximity to main roads reduce friction for day‑trippers and long‑distance travellers, while the on‑site cafés and restaurants ensure that visitors do not need to leave the premises when they want a coffee, snack, or full meal. When you combine these details with the curated store mix and evolving events calendar, the overall atmosphere feels like a blend of leisure destination and serious bargain‑hunting hub, which suits a wide range of visitors.
Brand Line‑Up – What You Can Shop at Tewkesbury’s Outlet
Fashion and Lifestyle Brands
The outlet emphasises fashion and lifestyle brands that appeal to a broad audience, from casual sportswear to smart workwear and premium labels, and by mid‑2025 it reported that over 40 brands would be trading, with around 98% of units open. Notable names mentioned in official and media coverage include Adidas, Levi’s and Guess, which brings international recognition as well as strong discount potential on clothing, footwear and accessories.
In addition to these global labels, early promotional material highlighted brands such as BOSS, Rituals, Hobbs and The Body Shop, giving shoppers choices ranging from contemporary tailoring and occasion wear through to premium skincare, beauty, and everyday essentials. This mix mirrors the strategy of established designer outlets, where visitors can update their wardrobe, refresh home and beauty products, and pick up gifts in one trip while benefiting from outlet‑level reductions compared with full‑price high street stores.
Food, Drink, and Local Favourites
A key part of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet experience lies in its food and drink offer, which blends high‑street restaurant chains with more locally rooted businesses, so visitors have both familiar comfort options and regional flavours to try. Examples flagged in local coverage include 200 Degrees Coffee, known for speciality coffee and relaxed café spaces, and Zizzi, which serves Italian‑inspired dishes such as pizzas and pastas in a casual, family‑friendly setting.
Local independent names like KNEAD Bakery and The Patisserie Box also feature, bringing artisan breads, pastries, and sweet treats that nod to Gloucestershire’s food scene and help the outlet feel less generic. Feedback from some residents suggests that while people appreciate these touches, some still hope for an even stronger emphasis on Gloucestershire‑focused businesses in future phases, which could further strengthen the link between the outlet and its host town.
Visitor Experience – What a Day at Cotswolds Designer Outlet Feels Like
Shopping, Strolling, and Exploring
A typical day at the outlet often begins with visitors arriving by car from the M5, parking in one of the large car parks, and stepping straight into the main pedestrian streets where the designer stores line either side of open walkways. Because the centre layout encourages a circular route, shoppers naturally pass a wide variety of stores without needing to retrace their steps heavily, which makes it easier to compare products, browse multiple brands and return to favourites near the end of the visit.
Families frequently punctuate shopping with café stops or time in the play areas, while groups of friends might plan their trip around lunch at one of the restaurants followed by focused visits to specific brands such as Adidas or Levi’s to hunt for standout bargains. During themed events, seasonal sales, or holidays, the visitor experience becomes livelier, with decorations, extended opening hours, and additional entertainment that adds a sense of occasion and makes the outlet more than a purely functional place to buy discounted goods.
Customer Service and Amenities
Centre management emphasises an elevated customer‑focused environment, which means that individual stores adopt modern store concepts, clear merchandising, and up‑to‑date layouts so shoppers find items easily and feel welcomed from the moment they enter. Public amenities such as toilets, baby‑changing facilities, and accessible routes complement this focus, ensuring that visitors with different needs can enjoy the site without feeling rushed or uncomfortable.
Feedback gathered informally in local commentary suggests that many visitors describe the outlet as a “delightful experience”, praising the clean environment, new job opportunities, and the chance to have a premium‑feeling shopping trip closer to home instead of travelling long distances to older designer villages. At the same time, discussions also reveal ongoing expectations around store variety, pricing, and local representation, which centre management and developers will likely continue to monitor as they refine the tenant mix and programming in coming years.
Getting There – Transport, Parking, and Accessibility
By Car – Straight from the M5
One of the strongest advantages of Cotswolds Designer Outlet lies in its road connectivity, since drivers can exit the M5 at Junction 9 and almost immediately see the outlet as they join the A46, with clear signage pointing towards the car parks. This convenience makes the site an ideal break point for long‑distance motorway journeys as well as a simple day‑trip destination for people in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and the wider West Midlands region who want good shopping without navigating busy city centres.
The outlet provides ample parking spaces, which can absorb significant visitor numbers during busy weekends and bank holidays, and it also offers a bank of EV charging stations for electric vehicles, a feature that aligns with changing motoring habits and sustainability expectations. For many visitors, the knowledge that they can park easily and charge a vehicle while shopping reduces stress, encourages longer stays, and makes the outlet more attractive than traditional high streets where parking might be limited or expensive.
By Bus and Rail – Shuttle Connections
To support visitors who prefer not to drive, the outlet introduced a shuttle bus service on weekends and bank holidays that runs approximately every 30 minutes, linking the centre of Tewkesbury with the outlet and also calling at Ashchurch railway station. This connection allows people who arrive by train to transfer easily to the retail site, and it also makes it simpler for those staying in or exploring Tewkesbury town centre to pop out to the outlet for a few hours without using a car.
Because the shuttle runs at regular intervals, visitors can plan flexible days that combine shopping with historical sightseeing and dining in Tewkesbury itself, knowing they can move between the two locations without complex timetables or long waiting times. Over time, as the outlet grows and demand patterns become clearer, transport options may evolve further, but even in its current form the mix of road, rail‑linking shuttle and town‑centre access already supports a wide cross‑section of visitors.
Events, Seasons, and Special Offers
Launch Events and Preview Weeks
During its initial opening phase, Cotswolds Designer Outlet used a structured preview period with exclusive opening events, special offers, and promotional activities to introduce the site to early visitors and generate word‑of‑mouth buzz. This strategy gave brands and staff time to adjust to real‑world trading while also rewarding those who visited early with unique deals and a sense of being among the first to explore the UK’s newest retail destination.
Local coverage around that time captured a mix of impressions, from enthusiastic shoppers excited about having big‑name brands and outlet discounts on their doorstep to more cautious voices curious about long‑term economic and environmental impacts, and these conversations shaped how subsequent events balanced celebration with community engagement. Because previews and launch weeks served as a test bed, they influenced how centre management later staged seasonal and promotional campaigns, refining crowd management, signage, and entertainment to keep visits smooth and enjoyable.
Seasonal Campaigns and Festive Activities
As the outlet moved into regular operation, it embraced a calendar of seasonal events, from Black Friday promotions to full festive campaigns featuring decorations, extended opening hours, and special experiences designed to make the centre feel extra appealing during peak shopping periods. Winter campaigns focus strongly on creating a warm, sparkling atmosphere where visitors can combine Christmas gift shopping with relaxing meals, coffee stops, and family‑friendly entertainment, turning what might otherwise feel like a rushed chore into a more enjoyable outing.
Beyond the major retail seasons, the outlet also collaborates with local partners to showcase elements of Tewkesbury’s medieval history, with costumed characters sometimes greeting shoppers and sharing stories that connect the destination to the town’s wider tourism narrative. This combination of national retail events and local cultural flavour helps the outlet differentiate itself from generic malls and encourages repeat visits, since every season offers new reasons to return, discover different discounts, and enjoy fresh experiences.
How Cotswolds Designer Outlet Compares to Other UK Outlets
Aiming to Rival Bicester Village
Media commentary early in the outlet’s life highlighted explicit ambitions to rival well‑known centres such as Bicester Village, both by the quality of brands on offer and by the way the built environment channels a distinctive regional identity. By curating a line‑up that mixes international fashion brands like Adidas, Levi’s and Guess with premium labels and beauty names such as BOSS, Hobbs and Rituals, the outlet positions itself firmly in the designer and upper‑mid‑market space rather than simply operating as a discount retail park.
While Bicester Village benefits from many years of establishment, deep tourist penetration and strong links to London visitors, Cotswolds Designer Outlet builds its competitive edge through ease of motorway access, its gateway‑to‑the‑Cotswolds narrative and the ability to attract regional visitors who may prefer a less crowded, more recently built environment. Over time, planned expansions that add around 50,000 square feet of extra retail space are expected to strengthen its position further and broaden the range of brands, services, and experiences on site.
Position within the Outlet Market
Within the wider UK outlet landscape, Cotswolds Designer Outlet stands out for opening at a time when many retail developments slow or consolidate, which underlines the developer’s confidence in outlet formats and value‑driven shopping as consumer habits evolve. Outlets continue to appeal to shoppers who want branded products at lower prices, and newer centres often incorporate more leisure, dining, and family experiences than earlier generations, which helps turn them into day‑trip destinations rather than simple discount clusters.
By combining curated brands, a scenic setting and good transport links, the Tewkesbury site taps into demand from tourists exploring the Cotswolds, locals seeking variety beyond their town centres, and motorway travellers looking for a more interesting stop than a standard service station. This multi‑segment appeal should prove valuable as the outlet matures, because it spreads risk across different visitor groups and seasons while also offering plenty of opportunity for growth in response to changing tastes and economic conditions.
Economic and Community Impact on Tewkesbury
Jobs, Investment, and Tourism
The creation of the outlet brought significant investment to the Tewkesbury area, with reports pointing to the generation of over 300 jobs across retail roles, hospitality, facilities management and centre operations, which supports the local labour market and offers opportunities across a range of skill levels. For many residents, this employment boost counts as one of the clearest benefits, especially for young people or those seeking part‑time work that fits around studies, childcare, or other commitments.
From a tourism perspective, the outlet adds a new reason to include Tewkesbury in itineraries, particularly for visitors who might otherwise only pass through the motorway corridor on their way to other Cotswolds hot spots. Because the town already promotes itself as a beautiful riverside destination with an impressive abbey, medieval streets and a lively programme of events, the outlet slots in as an extra attraction that can lengthen stays and increase local spending in accommodation, independent shops, and restaurants.
Local Debates and Concerns
Not all reactions to the outlet have been uncritically positive, and local commentary reveals a mix of excitement and concern as residents discuss traffic impacts, environmental questions and the balance between big brands and local businesses. Some voices express disappointment that, despite being located in Gloucestershire, the outlet does not yet feature as many Gloucestershire‑focused brands or producers as they would like, even though a few local names such as KNEAD Bakery and The Patisserie Box do have a presence.
Online discussions, including forum threads, show that people continue to explore what the outlet means for the existing high street in Tewkesbury, with some hoping that increased visitor numbers will translate into more customers for independent shops, while others worry about spending being drawn out of the town centre. These debates form a normal part of any large retail development, and their outcomes will depend on ongoing collaboration between the outlet, local authorities, tourism bodies and the town’s business community.
Planning Your Visit – Practical Tips for Shoppers in 2026
When to Visit and How to Make the Most of It
If you prefer quieter browsing and shorter queues, weekdays outside school holidays usually offer a calmer atmosphere, with easier parking and more relaxed store environments where staff can spend more time assisting you. Weekends, bank holidays and major sale periods like Black Friday or the run‑up to Christmas bring more energy, more events and often deeper discounts, but also larger crowds, so planning your arrival time early in the day helps you secure convenient parking and widest choice on popular items.
Checking the outlet’s news and updates before you travel lets you spot current promotions, thematic events, and seasonal campaigns, which helps you decide whether to align your trip with special activities or focus purely on targeted shopping. Because the outlet also sits close to Tewkesbury’s historic centre, you can build a full‑day itinerary that combines a morning of shopping with an afternoon exploring the abbey, riverside walks, or medieval alleyways, before returning for an evening meal or final browse.
Saving Money and Finding the Best Deals
Since outlets specialise in discounted products, you can often achieve significant savings on last‑season collections, overstock items, and selected lines produced specifically for outlet channels, and this holds true for major brands at Cotswolds Designer Outlet. To get the best value, it helps to compare prices between similar brands, look for extra reductions on already discounted items during key sale periods and remain flexible about colourways or minor style differences that do not affect quality but may carry larger percentage discounts.
Many outlets also release information about upcoming promotional weekends, loyalty schemes or additional incentives such as discount booklets, so keeping an eye on official announcements can unlock extra savings beyond the standard outlet price. Celebrity Traitors UK Combining these tactics with a clear idea of what you genuinely need or want reduces impulse spending and ensures you leave feeling that you made the most of both the destination and your budget.
Future Developments – What Might Come Next
The development team behind Cotswolds Designer Outlet has already signalled plans to extend the space by around 50,000 square feet in future phases, which would allow for additional brands, expanded leisure facilities or new concepts that respond to shopper demand. As consumer expectations continue to shift towards experiences that blend retail, dining, culture and family activities, any expansion will likely look beyond simply adding more shops and instead focus on deepening the destination’s all‑day appeal.
Regular news updates from the outlet suggest a commitment to ongoing programming, seasonal campaigns and refinements that keep the site feeling fresh, relevant and responsive to both local feedback and broader retail trends. For visitors, this means that repeat trips over the coming years may look and feel slightly different each time, with new brands, updated events and enhanced services contributing to a sense of evolution rather than static repetition.
FAQs About Tewkesbury’s Cotswolds Designer Outlet in 2026
1. What exactly is Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury?
Cotswolds Designer Outlet is a purpose‑built designer outlet shopping village located in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, offering discounted prices on branded fashion, lifestyle, and home products in an open‑air, Cotswolds‑inspired setting. The site combines big‑name retailers, independent food businesses, cafés, restaurants and family‑friendly facilities to create a full‑day destination for shoppers, tourists and local residents.
2. Where is the outlet and how do I get there?
The outlet sits on Platinum Drive in Tewkesbury, just off Junction 9 of the M5 motorway at the gateway to the Cotswolds, and drivers see the centre almost immediately when they join the A46. At weekends and bank holidays, a shuttle bus runs roughly every 30 minutes between Tewkesbury town centre, the outlet and Ashchurch railway station, so visitors can also arrive by train and transfer easily to the site without needing a car.
3. Which brands can I shop there?
By mid‑2025, the outlet reported that around 98% of its stores would be open, with more than 40 brands trading and further expansion planned in the future. Confirmed names include Adidas, Levi’s and Guess for fashion, along with BOSS, Hobbs, Rituals and The Body Shop, plus a growing mix of other fashion, footwear, accessories and lifestyle labels tailored to a broad audience.
4. What food and drink options does the outlet offer?
Visitors find both well‑known Universal Credit Payments high‑street chains and more local businesses at the outlet, so they can enjoy everything from speciality coffee to Italian‑inspired meals and artisan baked goods. Examples include 200 Degrees Coffee, Zizzi, KNEAD Bakery and The Patisserie Box, offering a range of coffees, pastries, breads, desserts and sit‑down meals that suit quick breaks or leisurely lunches during a shopping day.
5. Is there good parking and EV charging?
Yes, the outlet was designed with ample parking capacity to handle high visitor volumes, especially during weekends and busy seasons, so most drivers find spaces without lengthy delays. The centre also includes an extended bank of electric vehicle charging stations, which lets EV owners recharge while they shop and positions the destination as more convenient for modern motoring needs.
6. How does the outlet link to Tewkesbury’s history and town centre?
Tewkesbury already attracts visitors with its Norman abbey, medieval streets and riverside setting, and the outlet builds on that appeal by presenting itself as a gateway to the wider Cotswolds and the town itself. Promotional initiatives include medieval characters visiting the outlet to share stories about Tewkesbury’s past, which connects the modern shopping environment to local history and encourages shoppers to explore the town centre as part of their trip.
7. What kind of events and offers can I expect?
The outlet hosts a variety of events throughout the year, starting with launch‑period previews and extending to seasonal promotions such as Aston Villa Games Black Friday campaigns and festive winter activities that include decorations and extended opening hours. Regular news updates highlight limited‑time offers, brand‑specific deals and themed weekends, so checking these before visiting helps you plan your trip around the strongest discounts and most interesting experiences.
8. How does Cotswolds Designer Outlet compare to Bicester Village and other outlets?
Cotswolds Designer Outlet deliberately positions itself as a competitor to established sites like Bicester Village by offering a curated mix of international and premium brands in an attractive, regionally inspired environment. While Bicester benefits from long‑term global recognition and strong London links, the Tewkesbury outlet stands out for its immediate motorway access, scenic Cotswolds gateway location and newer facilities, which particularly appeal to regional visitors and tourists exploring Gloucestershire.
9. What impact does the outlet have on local jobs and businesses?
Huddersfield Examiner The outlet has created over 300 jobs across retail, hospitality and operations, providing significant employment opportunities for local people and contributing to the regional economy. At the same time, community discussions continue around how the outlet interacts with Tewkesbury’s independent high street, with some residents seeing it as an asset that attracts more visitors and others urging careful management to ensure that local businesses also benefit from increased footfall.
10. Is Cotswolds Designer Outlet worth visiting in 2026?
For many shoppers, the combination of modern facilities, strong brand line‑up, consistent discounts and convenient access off the M5 makes the outlet an appealing destination in 2026, whether for targeted purchases or relaxed browsing. When you add in the riverside charm and historical attractions of Tewkesbury, plus the wider Cotswolds scenery on the doorstep, the outlet becomes part of a broader day trip or weekend itinerary that offers far more than a single shopping centre.
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