When Are The Quietest Times To Visit London Shopping Centres?

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 97 months ago

Last Updated 02 November 2016

When Are The Quietest Times To Visit London Shopping Centres?
Westfield Shepherd's Bush in 2008. Photo: Alex Ingram

Hitting London's shopping centres can often be a nightmare. Particularly at weekends. We contacted some of the best-known shopping centres in London to find out when the best times to avoid the crowds are.

To state the obvious, weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, but as you'll see below, this isn't always the case.

Westfield (Stratford City and Shepherd's Bush)

Both Westfield behemoths seem to operate on a similar timescale, with the best time to visit apparently before 12pm on weekdays, and before 11am on weekends.

See websites for opening hours and further information: Stratford City | Shepherd's Bush

One New Change

It's based in the City, so weekends are the best times to visit One New Change shopping centre, when the area is bereft of the weekday worker crowds. Top tip: while you're there, take the lift up to the roof terrace. It's free entry with great views over the dome of St Paul's Cathedral and beyond.

See website for opening hours and further information.

Angel Central

Generally, Wednesdays and Thursdays around 5pm-6pm are quietest at this Islington shopping precinct, so try heading there straight from work.

See website for opening hours and further information.

London Designer Outlet

Unsurprisingly weekday morning are the quietest at this Wembley Park outlet, with weekends and school holidays the busiest. The good news is that, being an Outlet centre, there's no need to battle the Boxing Day/Black Friday crowds for a bargain.

See website for opening hours and further information.

Lewisham Shopping Centre

Unsurprisingly, Sundays are good for beating the crowds, followed by Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It's also worth knowing that throughout December, it's only £1 to park after 5pm Monday-Friday, so consider doing some evening retails therapy (price correct in 2015).  

See website for opening hours and further information.

intu Bromley

During the week, Monday and Tuesday mornings or Thursday evenings (late night shopping until 9pm) are recommended. On weekends, it's worth getting there for when the shops open at 9am on Saturday (cafes are open from 8am if you get there early), or take advantage of the Sunday browsing time from 10.30am, before tills open at 11am.

See website for opening hours and further information.

Got any other London shopping tips to share? Let us know in the comments below.