Bluewater Shopping Centre — Attraction in Dartford

When I visited Bluewater Shopping Centre, I wondered to myself why they called this place, 'Bluewater', especially as the water area in front of the shopping centre was all green! Why didn't they call it: 'Greenwater Shopping Centre!' This would have perhaps been a better name. But then as I strolled through the Shopping centre, I could see a theme developing, but you have to look to the ceiling that was decorated with blue sails, patterning perhaps a boat sailing along some Bluewater. The ceiling again had an interesting poem, in marble about the River Thames, linking it to time, 'Kingdoms may Rise, Kingdoms may fall, but like Time, The Great Father Thames Keep Rolling On..." or something to that effect. But you really won't appreciate or see this message unless you are on the upper floor and paying close attention to the writings in the concrete on the top of the ceiling area. Here, you can also find several intricate carvings of the variety of professions that could be found in London (or was it in England's as a whole? All this could have been made clearer) Apart from the subliminal historical messages, which I was more fascinated by, there's much more to Bluewater than meets the eyes. Loads of shops, you can literally shop till you drop! There's something here for everyone. Lots of restaurants that served good portions at a reasonable price and some activity areas, where both kids and teenagers can venture.

It was challenging to find a parking space, but that was because the place was just so busy! But once we found one, it was spacious and well marked with letters so that we could return to our vehicle with ease, with the added bonus that we didn't have to pay for parking.

We went into the Marks and Spencer, which had loads of fresh food products, including special deals on their seasonal fruits and vegetables.

We then went through one of the food court area (I think it was called: 'The Rose Garden) where we were greeted with a Nandos restaurant, pity it wasn't halal, so we gave it a miss and tried out the food from Wings Stop instead, which was tasty and reasonably price.

So, what could Bluewater do differently? A wider variety of food, perhaps an ice-cream parlour. They could have more engaging activities, with so many shops perhaps there could be something on each day, including live performances as is done in places like Covent Gardens. For those like me, who like the historical side of things, they could perhaps have a walking tour that explain the history (or meaning) behind the art form in the ceiling, linked with the background of the Shopping centre, so that the hidden themes of the designs can become clearer. Then again, it's a shopping centre, not a museum!

To be honest, I wasn't there long enough to really explore the shopping centre properly, but the impression that I got from the limited time that I was there was positive.

I will have to return to Bluewater at somepoint in the near future, when I do, I will provide further updates, but if you're looking for a sense of adventure, Shopping heaven and somewhere to have a good time with your friends, then Bluewater may be just the place for you.

While I'm more used to shopping centres around London, such as Westfield, it's hard to compare. Yes, Westfield Stratford, especially, was more techy, with loads of gadgets and interactive features, with perhaps just a little more buzz than Bluewater, but that's not to say that Westfield is better, but rather, it's different. I like the setting of Bluewater more, but the traffic in the surrounding area, and especially on the way back to London, was a nightmare. I know this was perhaps due to the wider traffic management issues around the local area, than a reflection of the amazing shopping experience at Bluewater, but it's something that you have to consider, if you're planning to drive down to Bluewater.

There was just so much that we didn't get the time to do, like check out the trampoline Park with my kids, the rock climbing area and the amusement Park. These will now be on the list...

We (my wife and I) have visited Bluewater Shopping Centre many occasions since when the complex first opened. Built in one of the larger original chalk quarries where chalk was once extracted in the heyday of the 1960s, 70s, 80s from the Portland and Blue Circle Cement Companies; this iconic Shopping centre echoes a retail popularity serving Kent, London and the South-East general and proven a healthy rival choice to Lakeside Shopping Centre opposite side of the Thames in Essex. Plenty of parking spaces at various levels outside and in cover, and also for the disabled too including eide disabled access points, walkways and enough conveniences. Purpose built to cater for larger masses of consumers and customers attracting from far and wide. Obviously such a large national retail complex can intensify very busy with visitors....'even manic' depending on time of year, month, week, or day especially the festive season. But overall, a Centre that attracts, far and wide also, many customers to brand named retailers selling high quality goods. The Centre has a cinema, plenty of hospitality outlets too. I love Waterstones, W.H.Smiths, and HMV branches for my books, magazines, music etc. Many choices of trendy clothes - merchandise retail outlets, cosmetic shops, jewellers, gift shops, and other specialist commodities. My wife and I visited recently Monday 31/8/23 to buy some curtains from John Lewis store, we ordered some extra curtains and they arrived right on time the given date! 👍They were exactly the type and brand we wanted, and may I praise the very friendly, kind, helpful, and professional female staff who provided an excellent professional service to help us with our purchase. We'll done and thank you staff at John Lewis...10/10 A1. I also like the fact there is a place for wildlife and nature surrounding the present day leafy, thick wild vegetated chalk face cliffs claiming back nature from the once huge chalk quarry. Today, the circular structure ( ground, Ist floor walkways inclusive) sits within the quarry. Plenty of seating rest points around the large circular/ hexagonal style structure which overall is kept very clean and hygenic inside. A modern shopping centre displaying some engraved sculptured wall art of the River Thames. A complex bright and airy, with wide marbled foor walkways bordered with the many shops either side of you. Plus, a disability hire scooter and wheelchair pick-up point on the ground floor. Escalators and lifts to assist from ground to 1st floor. Nearest rail station is GREENHITHE Network South- Eastern, plus several bus routes flow into and connect neighbouring local destinations in Greater London and the South-East. Easily reached off the main A2 London to Dover ( via Canterbury) road and also close in proximity to the M25 Dartford Crossing. Thank you Bluewater for providing all those gifts and personal items purchased here in the past...im sure the trend will continue on our part in the future to shop...

Bluewater, 1st off, you need better organisation around your festivities! I expected better, I mean, it's Bluewater! And definitely more staff that aren't aggressive, ganging up or wanting to intimidate paying customers!! Visited this past Saturday, 9 December 2023, as my friend and family are Kent locals, so we decided to take the kids on a Festive day out.

Believe Ice Rink: You need to educate your staff on what your actual terms and conditions are first off! The kids were all in the range of 9+ but due to some looking smaller than their age your staff abruptly stopped my friend who arrived there before me to get on the ice rink resulting in the kids missing almost half of the booked session. Upon my arrival, my child was let in however it took my having to speak and draw your staffs attention to the clearly signposted t&c's which she so rudely pulled me up to to prove a point but was embarrassed as turns out she had no clue!! She quickly walked ahead of me, at which point this man - in the picture aggressively approached me saying I made "the lady cry & that was why she had walked off"! Then, went on to accuse me of being miserable and I should "lighten up " because it was Christmas?? Which I was very much taken aback. I proceeded to state to him as a customer, he as his colleague did has approached me in a very intimidating manner and without asking me any question or trying to sort the situation has aggressively concluded I had a problem. I went on to ask this man for his name and if he was a manager, as I would expect more from a manager, of which he rudely responded, his name doesn't matter! At this point, I realised he was most definitely not a manager and asked to speak to one, but again, I was shut down! In addition to this already distressing incident, my friend had a bad fall at the entrance of the rink - pictured! There were no signs indicating customers should be aware of the heightened level??! Serious safety issue!

Believe Grotto Elves were amazing and really made magical for the kids which was great! Special shout out to Robert and Jomy- pictured! They were amazing. Things that need to be fixed; clear signage showing families where exactly your grotto is located?? Took us almost 20mins trying to locate it!! Also the picture prices, we opted for the cupid package, 2 pictures at £16-£18 can't quite remember the exact price but was then told we couldn't pick 2 different pictures and it had to be the same picture?? Why, for goodness sakes, would I want 2 copies of the same picture??!

All in all, a less than average experience this Christmas, frankly quite disappointing!! 2 stars were because of the Elves...