Ashford has rich and diverse shopping and entertainment facilities and with massive investment planned over the next few years things are only going to get better.

Ashford is a vibrant Kentish market town and boasts a rich mix of historic buildings, some from medieval and Georgian times, which house a range of national and independent retailers - all conveniently located in the traditional High Street. The town centre also boasts two first class shopping centres, Park Mall and the recently extended County Square. Combine the High Street with the nearby, unique Ashford Designer Outlet and you have the perfect combination for a fantastic day of retail therapy.

Ashford encourages café culture, and supports the performing arts with street theatre and music festivals during the year, including the July Summer Sounds Festival. Visit our Parking and Shopmobility webpage for information on accessing Ashford town centre.

Tenterden also offers a fantastic shopping experience as well as a host of fine eateries. Browse for fine antiques, hunt out quality bric-a-brac or find that unusual curio. Spend a leisurely day visiting Tenterden's host of specialist shops and antique rooms.

And if you're in the borough for the day there are a number of good restaurants and plenty of excellent pubs serving good food. Entertainment venues include the Sinden Theatre, cinemas and bowling.

Park Mall Shopping Centre

Situated right in the centre of town, with easy access and parking, Park Mall offers great variety and choice. More than 30 stores, with many of your favourite High Street names, from fashion to footwear with stores such as Top Shop and Dorothy Perkins, as well as gifts to home ware and many individual independent traders offering jewellery and much more. A trip to Ashford would not be complete without visiting Park Mall Shopping Centre.

During the year there are a number of great events at the centre, such as a Talent Competition and Fashion Show, to a Christmas Light Switch-On Show and Grotto where you can visit Santa Claus.

So remember, don’t miss Park Mall Shopping Centre. There’s so much to choose from.  For more information visit the Park Mall Shopping Centre website or telephone 01233 630811.

County Square Shopping Centre

The County Square shopping centre extension opened on Thursday 20 March. More than double its size, the new centre compliments Ashford’s existing retail experience. The eagerly-anticipated County Square is nearly twice its original size and is home to fantastic new fashion retailers including Debenhams, Next, H&M, River Island, New Look and Jane Norman - revitalising the shopping experience in the town.

Debenhams, the flagship department store occupies the key corner site within the newly extended centre. The store is Ashford’s only department store. For more information visit the County Square Shopping Centre website or telephone 01233 634001.

Ashford Designer Outlet

Opened in March 2000, Ashford Designer Outlet was designed by Millennium Dome and Pompidou Centre architect, Lord Richard Rogers. The award-winning shopping centre houses over 70 designer and high street brands offering permanent discounts of up to 50%. Brands include Next Clearance, Marks and Spencer Outlet, Gap Outlet, Toshiba and Nike Factory Store.

To make your visit easy and comfortable, there is a wide range of amenities – including a customer information desk, special needs services, cafés, food court, a children’s play area, baby-changing rooms and ample parking.

For more details and special offers, please visit the Ashford Designer Outlet website or call 01233 895900.