Lots of choice
20 May 08, 13:15
Above expectations
Castlepoint is like an open air mall with a range high street shops.
It's sometimes difficult to get in because of traffic and then find a space - but it's worth it in the end.
It would be better if there were a few more less-mainstream stores
Groups: 2cr
Parking's not ideal
16 May 08, 11:14
As expected
I agree with the other reviewers... the car park is a nightmare, because of the support posts everywhere it can be difficult to navigate your way through on a busy Saturday... and getting out isn't ideal either, because of the main road...
Inside there's lots of choice though - my particular favourites are Gap and M&S. I went here recently with a friend and had coffee in Waterstones bookshop- a lovely little place to catch up.
Groups: Southern FM
What's the point?
12 May 08, 18:26
As expected
The only reason I go is because it's not far from where I live and on a good day it's hassle-free, free parking (although on a bad day it can take you as long to find a space as the time spent shopping). Then leaving the centre can take you a while as well. There's a reasonable mix of shops and the Thorntons cafe is a definate winner - a cafe that specialises in chocolate...heaven! I'm not sure whether you need an ASDA AND a Sainsbury's, maybe the space could've been used for something totally different. There are a couple of places to eat as well (Nando's/Frankie & Bennys). If you want clothes, groceries or DIY then Castlepoint is for you (I wonder if the workmen propping up the carpark get their tools from the B&Q?). Overall - handy but the roads are a nightmare.
Groups: 2cr
Great - shame about the work in progress
12 May 08, 13:54
Above expectations
The shopping here is great quality. The M&S is superb, the Sainsbury's well stocked and the clothes shops have something for everyone. The parking is free, although on a Saturday afternoon it's probably a good idea not to buy frozen food as it may very well have defrosted by the time you fight your way out of the car park.
Groups: 2cr
Nina H.
Bournemouth
80 reviews
Good shops, busy car park, lack of places to eat!
12 May 08, 08:45
As expected
The only reason I chose to shop at Castlepoint is because of the free parking! The choice of shops is good, although the actual layout is a bit odd as if you want to shop at Argos and Sainsburys its a bit of a walk from one side to the other. Parking is always busy, although the top layer gets busier than the bottom one. And there isn't much choice for food. Frankie and Bennys and Nandos are on site but if you want a quick sandwich you're limited in options.
Groups: 2cr
Good range of shops
07 May 08, 11:53
As expected
There's a good range of High Street shops at Castlepoint - M & S, Next, H & M - but if it's something a bit different you want, it's not the place to go.
Parking is Free, but can be a nightmare, and getting away at the end of the day can take up to an hour depending on where you park, and if it's really busy.
Groups: 2cr
One Stop Shop.
30 Apr 08, 16:11
Beyond expectations
Great place to shop because you can park for free and there are plenty of spaces. Be careful to make a note of the spot though as I have been lost on a couple of occasions. There is everything there you could want and all under cover for rainy days.
Groups: 2cr
Don't mention the car park...
21 Apr 08, 14:03
As expected
...mentioned it once; think I got away with it.
There's no denying that there are some great shops at Castlepoint. Marks and Spencers in simply cavenous on three floors. Next is also on two floors, as is the huge B&Q. With two supermarkets in Asda and Sainsburys and other large stores like Gap, River Island, Top Shop, parking can sometimes be at a premium.
At a premium that is in a car park that is difficult to park in with poles all over the place. You can sometimes take ages to leave the car park too as it is very close to a main road.
Groups: 2cr
Every changing views
17 Apr 08, 16:54
As expected
Sometimes, you can go to Castlepoint and there'll be never a problem with parking, and it's got a great range of retail outlets. Other times, you can never find a parking place, if you're lucky enough to find one it takes half an hour to leave because of the traffic, so my recommendation would be to shop outside normal busy periods.
Groups: 2cr
Lots of shops to shop in... Excellent!
16 Apr 08, 13:18
Above expectations
Castlepoint is an excellent place to go shopping - or at least it is now they've solved all the initial worries of the carpark falling down... There would have been nothing worse than spending a day shopping only to come out to discover your car had fallen through the floor and you had to walk home, or worse still, get the bus...
All the big high street shops are here - clothing, music, books, I'm yet to visit Castlepoint and come away without anything! Parking can be a nightmare of a weekend/bank holiday, but just be patient and you'll find a space eventually!
Groups: chiltern96
Heaven!!
16 Apr 08, 13:09
Beyond expectations
All the shops a girl could want - Top Shop, DP, Monsoon, Boots to name a few - PLUS it's a massive FREE car park!!
No digging for change - or having to walk a mile to get to the shops!
Cash Machines are at the ASDA and Sainsburys there - but if one's not working - you've got a bit of a trek all the way around to the other ones - they're both at opposite ends of the complex!
Groups: 2cr
Great range
14 Apr 08, 14:18
Above expectations
Well laid-out and easy to navigate at a glance, the range of shops at Castlepoint is excellent. It might take you a while to park on a busy day, but there's a whole shopping experience waiting for you as soon as you're ready to go.
Groups: 2cr
