A holiday in Glencaple needn’t be all bird-watching and country rambles. If you fancy a bit of retail-therapy we’ve got that too – with a difference!
Gretna Green (a 30 minute drive along the A75) is probably best known for runaway English lovers desperate to marry without their parents’ consent. Famously weddings were performed by the local blacksmith using his anvil as an altar, a tradition that still exists for romantic couples from around the world. But Gretna Green and the attached village of Gretna has more modern day attractions!
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village has over 50 stores including brands with up to 70% off high street prices including Nike, Polo, Boss, M&S, Next, Clarks, ProCook, Berghaus, Klass, Molton Brown, Gap and loads more. There are also some top name designer stores like Jacques Vert, Jeff Banks and Julian Charles. Adidas is coming soon. Last time we visited I bought a very nice pair of shoes at Clarks for less than half price. Plenty of places to eat too like Costa, Pizza Express and Masserellas. Our favourite is The Village Restaurant where you can get an excellent Scotch pie, beans, chips and gravy – not very sophisticated but delicious!
Just down the road at Gretna Green is the famous Blackmith’s Shop Since 1754 shop, home to some of the most famous luxury-end brands like Harris Tweed, Barbour, Swarovski and the Cambridge Satchel Company. The Whisky House is right next door where friendly staff are always happy to give advice and sometimes even a wee taste. And the Food Hall is stuffed with yummy goodies to buy. www.gretnagreen.com.
But if you want a break from all this shopping you can always get yourself a coffee, find a comfortable place to sit and watch the wedding parties come and go in all their finery! The Old Blacksmith Wedding Room is probably the best spot for wedding watchers but Gretna Hall is also worth a visit.