Clarks Village is an outlet shopping center located in the village of Street, Somerset, England. It was opened in 1993 and has since become a popular shopping destination, attracting both local shoppers and tourists.
The center features over 90 outlet stores, offering a wide range of products including fashion, beauty, sports, electronics, and home goods, among others. Many of the stores offer discounted prices, making Clarks Village a great place to find bargains and deals.
In addition to shopping, Clarks Village also has a variety of food and beverage options, ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. The center also features ample parking, as well as facilities such as baby changing rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a tourist information center.
Some of the brands you may find in Clarks Village shops are: Calvin Klein, Radley, Marks and Spencer, Hobbs, Jaeger, Osprey London, Phase Eight, Roman Originals, Mint Velvet, Jules, Ernest Jones, Jack Wills, Barbour, Levi’s, Vans, French Connection, Clarks of course and so on.
A paradise for shoppers.
As a matter of fact, I’ve seen this concept right in Paradise Island, Bahamas, while being on a round trip cruise New York – Bahamas, about three years ago. Lots of separate interesting shops in a relatively small “village”, mixed with coffee shops, bars and restaurants, even a playground for your kids.
Everything is organized so that you can have an enjoyable shopping day. I noticed on their website that every Thursday Clarks Village is open from 8 a.m to 9 p.m. so I decided to go this last Thursday, as I was looking to find a pretty dress for attending a wedding at the end of the May and, knowing me, I thought I need more time (and shops) to make up my mind.
It was incredible easy and cheap to go to Clarks Village from Bristol, and I deeply regret it didn’t cross my mind to go there sooner. Just buy a single day ticket for West England (that would be only 6 pounds) and take bus number 376 from Bristol Coach Station to Street and you can travel all day long on all buses in West of England area. The bus stop closest to Clarks Village is the Library in Street, and you’ll know you’re there when most of the passengers get off the bus. 🙂
From the bus stop you need to walk about 10 minutes and you’ll find the stunning entrance of Clarks Village. This Thursday they were mowing the grass and the heavenly smell of freshly cut grass stirred up some of my sweetest childhood memories.
In spring – but in summer as well – together with my brother, cousin and few neighbours, I used to disobey my grandpa’s interdictions to roll over the grass, as he wanted to save it to be mown for the few sheep and a cow that we owned at that time.
A shopping day at Clarks Village can be a fun and exciting experience for both locals and tourists.
While stepping inside the Clarks Village, I felt a sudden urge to rest my head upon the grass and listen to it grow like I did back then…No, I didn’t dare to act on this, not that crazy yet, I’ll save this fantasy for my Alzheimer years, haha.Â
 My shopping session lasted for about 3 – 4 hours, partly because I arrived there already tired after a sleepless night, but I promised myself to spend more time next time. After wandering around between Hobbs, Phase Eight, Yumi and Roman, I finally decided I’ll go for my last two years favourite color pink. At the Romans Original they had this lovely dress, which I fell in love with at the first sight. BUT…there is but. Although I found the right size for me, I decided to buy a smaller size in order to challenge myself to lose 5-6 kilos in three weeks. Wow, kind of already regretting that decision. What if I don’t manage to do that? Well, the good news is that I have 30 days to return the dress, however, will I find another dress in time for the wedding?Â
Anyway, if you decide to take a trip to Clarks Village to satisfy your shopping urges, here are some tips for a great shopping day:
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes – You will likely be doing a lot of walking around, so it’s important to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Plan your route – Clarks Village has over 90 outlet stores, so it’s a good idea to plan your route ahead of time to make the most of your shopping day.
- Check for discounts – As an outlet center, many of the stores at Clarks Village offer discounts and deals, so be sure to check for these before making your purchases.
- Bring cash and a credit card – While many stores accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to bring some cash with you just in case.
- Take breaks – Shopping can be tiring, so be sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
- Try local food – Clarks Village has a variety of food options, including local specialties, so be sure to take a break and try some of the local cuisine.
- Check the opening times – Make sure to check the opening times of the stores you plan on visiting to avoid disappointment if they are closed.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of your shopping day at Clarks Village and enjoy all the great deals and stores it has to offer!
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