The team at Somerset’s Kilver Court Designer Village and Gardens – an outlet retail village with landscaped gardens, a restaurant, and the world-famous Mulberry Factory Shop – share why a visit makes a wonderful day trip and is perfect for solving your gift dilemmas this Christmas.
A 35-minute drive south of Bath brings you to Shepton Mallet, and Kilver Court – owned by Mulberry founder Roger Saul. A maze of charismatic buildings transformed into an emporium of discounted fashion brands, food produce, homeware, and gifts. The acres of gardens, nursery and newly refurbished Garden Restaurant also make a visit so much more than just a shopping experience.
Uncover a Treasure Trove of Gifts
On entering the Great House, you’ll spot plenty of high-end food and homeware brands in the food hall. Look out for Roger’s organic range of spelt-based products from his nearby farm, Sharpham Park, Averys fine wines, local cider, and gifts galore for cheese, chocolate, and tea lovers. The gin display, loaded with pretty bottles from a range of brands, is particularly eye-catching.
Don’t miss the Garden Trading room with heavily discounted products from classic garden and homeware brands, and the doggie room, with a range of gifts to guarantee plenty of tail-wagging!
On the first floor you’ll find more gift inspiration. The children’s room features soft toys, puzzles and more, the candle room stocks brands like Collingwood and St. Eval, and the luxurious bedding and interior textiles room features discounted Anthropologie treats. Sniff out the fragrance room, with a range of heavenly soaps and toiletries, find the kitchen room with cookware from German brand Zwilling, and, lastly, visit the charming Christmas Room bursting with glittering decorations, baubles, trinkets, and fairies for the tree – many made by renowned designer Gisella Graham.
Bag a Style Bargain
Kilver Court boasts a range of fashion labels offering up to 70% off normal retail prices – many of which you won’t find in Bath or anywhere else in Somerset. From winter accessories, footwear, pyjamas and loungewear to luxurious outerwear and chic separates, you'll be spoilt for choice choosing a gift for that special someone in your life.
Browse more than 50 brands including high-end high street favourites like Whistles, Joseph and LK Bennett, The Fold, with its feminine and sharply cut day-to-evening wear, Cefinn, the eponymous brand from Samantha Cameron, and wellbeing label Bamford, plus many more. Men are certainly not forgotten about either, with stylish labels including Paul Smith, Bjorn Borg, Hackett and Lavenham.
Wander Around Tranquil Gardens
The gardens at Kilver Court have a dramatic backdrop of an old viaduct, which on a sunny day casts a beautiful reflection onto the boating lake and weir. Explore the planting, starting with the geometric designs of the parterre, and walk through the rockery, herbaceous borders and lawns under the arches with golden and pewter hues and vibrant reds and purples. The distinct areas of the gardens have been influenced by Roger’s world travels and long-standing passion for horticulture.
Complete your garden visit by stopping off at the nursery and Wiggly Nursery Shed – named after its corrugated roof – full of indoor plants, gardening accessories and gifts.
Have a Local and Tasty Bite to Eat
Drop in for breakfast or a light lunch at the newly refurbished Garden Kitchen Restaurant, a casual dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a beautifully painted fern wall and murals, and greenhouse plants. The menu features dishes made with produce from the organic vegetable garden and Sharpham Park’s spelt, and includes a full Somerset breakfast, delicious pancakes, porridge, light bites, salads and sandwiches. For something more warming, try a stew, risotto or wholesome pasta dish.
Photo credit: @kilvercourt on Instagram
Make It Mulberry
Tucked behind Kilver Court’s main cluster of buildings, you’ll find the Mulberry Factory Shop. Housed in a former school building and with striking oak beams arching over the ceilings, it is perfect for picking up a treat for yourself or someone special. Look out for bags, purses and accessories in every colour, from bold and bright hues to pastel shades and classic neutrals in all the iconic Mulberry styles. Carefully curated rails of Mulberry clothing at fabulous prices also adds to the selection on offer!
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