10 Family-Friendly Shopping Centres to Visit by Car

Looking for shopping centres with easy parking, soft play zones, and somewhere the kids can let off steam while you grab a coffee? We’ve rounded up 10 of the best family-friendly shopping centres in the UK that are easy to reach by car. All offer free or affordable parking, EV charging, and things to do for all ages. Perfect for rainy weekends, school holidays, or stop-offs on longer road trips.

This list ranks the best UK shopping centres for families travelling by car, based on how easy they are to reach and park at, the quality of their family facilities, child-friendly food options, variety of shops, and nearby entertainment like cinemas and play zones.

Key Information:

• Location: Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 8AA
• Number of shops: 200+ shops and 60+ eateries
• Number of parking spaces: 11,500+ free spaces
• Electric car charging points: Multiple EV chargers and Tesla Superchargers
• Accessibility: Family-friendly layout with accessible toilets and lifts
• Additional services: SEA LIFE Centre, LEGOLAND, 20-screen Odeon cinema

Trafford Centre is a large indoor shopping centre and entertainment complex in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester, with over 200 stores, a themed food court, and family attractions. Kids will love SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, located nearby. Just off the M60 (Junctions 9 or 10), it’s clearly signposted. There are 11,500 free parking spaces, including wider family bays and EV chargers, plus the option for premium paid parking.

Key Information:

• Location: Ariel Way, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W12 7SL
• Number of shops: 300+ shops, 90+ eateries, and 10 attractions
• Number of parking spaces: 5,200 spaces across 3 car parks (charges apply)
• Electric car charging points: 56 charging points plus 24 Tesla Superchargers
• Accessibility: Parent-and-child facilities and baby changing rooms
• Additional services: Car wash and valet service

Westfield London is one of the UK’s and Europe’s largest shopping and leisure destinations. It is located in West London with over 400 stores, 90 eateries, and 10 attractions, there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. Kids can ride Kiddy Cars, chill at Playworld, or take a break in the family room. A short drive from Central London via the M4 or A40, the centre is located within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), so be sure to check your vehicle before travelling. Our ULEZ Compliant Cars blog can help. Parking is easy, with 4,500 spaces across three car parks including parent-and-child bays, EV chargers, Tesla Superchargers, and even a car wash.

Key Information:

• Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9YG
• Number of shops: 250+ stores and 60+ restaurants
• Number of parking spaces: 10,000+ free spaces
• Electric car charging points: EV chargers available in multiple car parks
• Accessibility: Disabled bays, ramps, and lifts
• Additional services: Soft play areas and Odeon IMAX cinema

Metrocentre is located near Newcastle and is a go-to destination in the North East. With over 250 stores, 60 eateries, and entertainment options like an IMAX cinema and soft play, there’s something for everyone. It’s easily accessible from the A1 (Junction 71) and has over 10,000 free parking spaces with accessible bays and EV charging. Parking has no time limits, making it ideal for long shopping trips.

 Key Information:

• Location: Montfichet Road, Olympic Park, London, E20 1EJ
• Number of shops: 200+ shops and 100+ food outlets
• Number of parking spaces: 4,500 spaces (charges apply)
• Electric car charging points: EV charging in all car parks
• Accessibility: Free wheelchair and scooter hire, accessible toilets
• Additional services: Vue cinema, bowling, and rooftop restaurants

Westfield Stratford City is located in East London with over 200 shops and 100 food options. Entertainment includes a Vue cinema, a bowling alley, and a casino. It’s a lively centre close to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Driving is straightforward via the M11, A12, or A13, but the centre sits within the ULEZ, so check compliance before visiting. It offers 4,500 multi-storey spaces with contactless payments and family facilities.

Key Information:

• Location: Moor St, Birmingham, B5 4BU
• Number of shops: 200+ stores and 40+ restaurants
• Number of parking spaces: 3,000 spaces (charges apply)
• Electric car charging points: Available in selected car parks
• Accessibility: Shopmobility, lifts, accessible toilets
• Additional services: Link to train station, striking Selfridges building

Bullring & Grand Central is Birmingham’s flagship retail complex with over 200 shops and direct access to New Street Station. A great place to break up your city drive, the centre is reachable via the M6 and sits within the Birmingham Clean Air Zone. It has 3,000 paid parking spaces with EV charging and family facilities. It’s worth considering if you’re shopping for a new lease car in Birmingham or simply want easy access during a family day out.

Key Information:

• Location: Thurrock Way, West Thurrock, Essex ,RM20 2ZP
• Number of shops: 150+ shops and 50+ eateries
• Number of parking spaces: 11,000 free spaces
• Electric car charging points: EV chargers in multiple locations
• Accessibility: Parent-and-child parking and play areas
• Additional services: Seasonal Aqua Park, cinema, bowling, mini-golf

Lakeside is a large out-of-town shopping centre located in Essex, combining retail therapy with waterside relaxation. With over 150 stores, 50+ restaurants, a cinema, bowling, and even an inflatable Aqua Park in summer, it offers more than your average mall. Located just off the M25 at Junctions 30 and 31, it’s easy to reach from East London and Essex and sits outside the ULEZ zone. With 11,000 free parking spaces, including colour-coded zones, family-friendly bays, and EV chargers, it’s a practical destination.

Key Information:

• Location: St James Quarter, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AD
• Number of shops: 60+ premium shops and 40+ eateries
• Number of parking spaces: 1,600 paid spaces
• Electric car charging points: 45 EV charging bays
• Accessibility: Fully accessible layout, level access, lifts
• Additional services: Rooftop views, boutique bowling, social darts

St James Quarter is a modern shopping destination in the heart of Edinburgh, just over an hour's drive away from Glasgow. With 60+ high-end shops, 40+ dining options, a boutique cinema, and social darts at Flight Club, there’s something for everyone. Easily reached from the M8 or A1, it sits within the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). The multi-storey car park offers 1,600 paid spaces, smart guidance systems, and EV charging.

Key Information:

• Location: Dewsbury Road, Leeds, LS11 8LU
• Number of shops: 100+ shops and 20+ restaurants
• Number of parking spaces: 4,800 free spaces
• Electric car charging points: EV charging bays available
• Accessibility: Family facilities, lifts, and accessible toilets
• Additional services: Cineworld cinema, children’s play area, The Village outdoor zone

White Rose Centre is a family-focused shopping centre located just off the M621 in South Leeds. It has over 100 stores, a Cineworld cinema, and The Village, an outdoor leisure and dining area with a play zone for kids. It’s ideal for families wanting a quieter alternative to city centre shopping. Parking is free all day with designated family spaces and EV charging available.

Key Information:

• Location: Barrhead Road, Glasgow, G53 6AG
• Number of shops: 120+ shops and 30+ restaurants
• Number of parking spaces: 3,000 free spaces
• Electric car charging points: EV chargers in main car park
• Accessibility: Step-free access, accessible toilets, parent facilities
• Additional services: Cineworld cinema, Tesco Extra, soft play

Silverburn Shopping Centre is situated in the southern area of Glasgow and offers a diverse range of retail options, along with indoor entertainment facilities that include a cinema and various leisure activities. With over 120 stores, 30+ eateries, and a large Tesco Extra on-site, it’s a good stop for all-in-one shopping. Located just off Junction 2 of the M77, it’s easily accessible by car and offers ample parking with EV options.

Key Information:

• Location: Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AQ
• Number of shops: 200+ stores and multiple food outlets
• Number of parking spaces: Multiple paid car parks nearby
• Electric car charging points: Available in adjacent NCP sites
• Accessibility: Shopmobility services, Changing Places facility
• Additional services: Urban Playground, The Cube Live, international food court

Manchester Arndale is situated in the heart of Manchester’s shopping district, boasting over 160 stores, a diverse food court, and the Urban Playground, featuring activities such as The Cube Live. It’s an easy drive from the M60 ring road with nearby NCP and city council-run car parks.

All the shopping centres in this blog have something to offer, but some stand out in particular areas. Here's a quick look at which centres are best for each category:

Before You Go

• Check for event listings and quiet hours if travelling with sensory-sensitive children.
• Use centre apps for maps, parking updates, toilet locations, and discounts.
• Pre-book restaurants or view menus online to avoid delays or awkward waits with hungry kids.

On Arrival

• Arrive early to get parent-and-child bays and avoid peak-hour crowds.
• Pack a change of clothes for younger children using soft play or splash areas.
• Use click-and-collect where possible, great if you’ve got little ones and want to avoid queues.

While You're There

• Take advantage of free activities like treasure hunts, craft tables, or kids' club events.
• Build in rest stops, find family lounges or quieter zones to let everyone recharge.
• Bring snacks and drinks to bridge gaps between meals and keep energy levels up.

Family shopping trips can be enjoyable, practical, and stress-free with the right destination. The ten centres listed here cater to real family needs: space to park, activities for kids, good food, and facilities that make visits smoother. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of EV support and parent-friendly access. Plan ahead, make the most of the free parking and entertainment, and you’ll have a day out that works for everyone.

Take a look at our Unforgettable UK Road Trips and Destinations blog for similar content. We also publish weekly blogs on a variety of topics, browse them all in the blog section of our website.

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