"Still the biggest in Europe?" Top 5 Page for this destination Metrocentre Tip by toonsarah

When it was built the Metro Centre was the biggest shopping mall in Europe. I think it was briefly overtaken by Lakeland and possibly others but it’s recently expanded and is now making the same claim. Whatever – it’s pretty huge, and you’ll need plenty of stamina and a real enthusiasm for shopping to do it justice!

There are apparently nearly 330 shops (no I haven’t counted them for myself!) and these include most of the major high street names plus quite a few smaller and more individual shops. Some of the latter are located in two slightly twee indoor “streets” known as the Village and the Forum.

The major department stores include Debenhams, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer; my favourite UK fashion chain Monsoon has a large branch; there’s Gap, Next, Wallis and so on ……

To help you navigate the mall is divided into four colour zones, each on two floors. You can approach this place in several ways:
We try to be systematic if we’re there for a serious shopping trip, e.g. during the sales, so take each zone in turn, one floor at a time.
If you’re looking for a particular shop or type of shop there are plenty of maps (located at each junction).
Or you could just start walking and see what you stumble across!

What to buy: [This isn't "what to buy", which is entirely up to you, as they have just about everything, but VT wouldn't allow me to put all this in the section above!]

In addition to the shops there are plenty of places to eat, from fast food outlets to quite decent family style restaurants – try the Mediterranean Village area for somewhere with a bit more character. And if you’re bored with all that shopping, the Metro Centre also has an eleven-screen cinema, a bowling centre and Metroland – an indoor funfair. At certain times of year entertainment is laid on for children, eg a panto show at Christmas.

Parking at the Metro Centre is free and there’s plenty of it, though you may have to hunt for a space if you don’t come early when the sales are on. The lots are colour-coded in the same way as the malls, so make sure you remember whether you’re in the blue, yellow, green or red car-park and use the exit from the corresponding mall when you want to go home – or you could be wandering outside for a long while! Alternatively take the bus – there’s a regular shuttle from the city centre (Monument and Central Station) or from Gateshead Metro station.

Address: Metro Centre, Dunston
Directions: 3 miles southwest of the City Centre
Theme: Other
Website: http://metrocentre-gateshead.co.uk