There’s plenty going on in the Gloucester Quays Outlet this spring. We pick our favourite events (and help you with your perfect spring look)

Great British Life: Mini golf at Gloucester QuaysMini golf at Gloucester Quays (Image: Archant)

An exciting mix of high street and designer labels to buy, a ten-screen state-of-the-art Cineworld cinema and endless restaurants and bars, the Gloucester Quays Outlet is much more than just a shopping centre.

This is where Peel Lifestyle Outlets excel; offering visitors dining, entertainment and plenty to keep little ones busy, alongside all the much-loved stores shoppers like to visit.

‘We’re changing the world of outlet shopping and redefining perceptions of what an outlet can be, because we believe it needs to be done,’ says Jason Pullen, Managing Director of Peel Lifestyle Outlets, which owns Gloucester Quays Outlet and Lowry Outlet at MediaCityUK, Manchester, as well as a new retail and leisure development in the making at Glasgow Harbour.

Whereas a traditional outlet may be 91% retail, a Peel Lifestyle Outlet is 36% retail, 27% leisure and 27% dining, enhancing customer experience by combining large-scale events and activities with the perfect fit of brands with a tailored dining and leisure offering.

Great British Life: Market at Gloucester QuaysMarket at Gloucester Quays (Image: Archant)

‘Shopping is a major leisure activity,’ continues Jason. ‘People expect more from a centre than just background music, they want an experience. That’s why great brands and entertainment is an integral part of our appeal, from live fashion shows and music to celebrity chefs and cartoon characters.’

So what’s on at Gloucester Quays Outlet and Lowry Outlet this spring?

Head west to Gloucester Quays Outlet for two weeks of fashion, events and adventure during their Springfest event. The Adventure Zone in Orchard Square, running April 8-23, features a High Ropes Climbing Challenge, dark and thrilling Cave Adventure and Ninja Assault Course, plus lawn games for the little ones and plenty of room for parents to relax (open 7 days a week from 11am-5pm daily).

Great British Life: Spring/summer fashion at Gloucester QuaysSpring/summer fashion at Gloucester Quays (Image: Archant)

Later in the spring, the Orchard Street Market, which has developed a reputation for offering up delicious, locally sourced food and drink, artisan crafts, jewellery, homeware and seasonal goods, returns.

Pop 29 April to Monday May 1 and June 3-4 in your diary.

In May, the award-winning Gloucester Tall Ships Festival returns, following a triumphant parade along the River Thames in London, to take over the city’s historic docks on Spring Bank Holiday (27-29 May). This will be the 10th anniversary of the incredibly popular festival, so expect a few surprises. As well as marvelling at the awe-inspiring ships, berthed right by the shopping centre, you can watch pirate sword fights, catch a sea shanty or two, try your hand at a variety of games, and enjoy plenty of food and drink.

And of course, there’s plenty of shopping to be done. With top name brands such as Osprey London, M&S Outlet, Phase Eight, Calvin Klein Jeans, Crew Clothing CO and, coming soon, Ted Baker London, offering up to 70% off, it’s the perfect way to get your spring-summer wardrobe in shape.

Why not try the Girl Next Door look this spring, with the floral print dress by Lipsy London Loves Michelle Keegan (£27, reduced from £54 at Next Clearance)?

Team it with grey suede ankle boots from L.K.Bennett (£189, reduced from £275), and accessorised with a classic white and silver watch from Calvin Klein (£129, reduced from £185), stone pendant from Phase Eight (£23.20, reduced from £29), Osprey belt (£9.95, reduced from £35), and Osprey Aviators (£59, reduced from £85).

Whatever your spring look, why not head for Gloucester Quays Outlet and make a weekend of it?