The Inside Story
When you visit, you will see a funky new look that wouldn't be out of place in any of the UK's major cities.
Bright and airy, Drake Circus is a sophisticated, modern shopping environment. The glass roof lets in plenty of light and the wide glass-and-chrome walkways help it to avoid the claustrophobic feel of so many other indoor shopping centres.
The biggest surprise intially was how modern it looked and felt. A great range of shops with really funky displays and a variety of brand names and logos that we all recognise but couldn't previously find south of Cribbs Causeway. Yes, there is a H&M at Exeter, but it's the concentration of these shops that make Drake Circus so attractively convenient.
What's the Catch?
Well nothing is ever going to be perfect and in these early days Drake Circus is not without its flaws.
The car park is easy to get into and the spiral up-ramps are thankfully wider than most, but once you get out of your car a severe shortage of signage means you could be wandering about for a while until you find the way to the shops. At the end of your shopping trip, getting out of the car park is an interesting experience also - put some eye-level signage up, please!
A shortage of lifts means that there can be long queues. The result is that you can see quite a few pushchairs being carried up and down the stairs during busy days. Watch out on the weekends!
The Verdict
Overall this is a great place to shop and a welcome addition to Plymouth's city centre.
Don't judge Drake Circus by its hideous exterior. Once you get inside, all is forgiven! Great choice, spacious walkways and a shopping centre full of light all make Drake Circus a great reason for shoppers to come to Plymouth. This Christmas forget the long slog up to Bristol, it's all in Plymouth.
What You Think of Drake Circus
Read everyone's comments below.
(DISCLAIMER: the views expressed below are those of our readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of InPlymouth.com). Please note: this area is now closed to new comments. Thank you to everyone who commented, keep your eyes peeled for other articles where we invite your comments. |
I work in the new o2 store just outside the centre and think that it looks amazing. it's great for all the people living in plymouth to be able to shop in a range of good stores without having to travel to exeter or bristol.
from: Kerrie Rogers |
I really enjoyed wandering around on the first day. It had a nice atmosphere and interesting looking shops.
from: Linda Wilkins |
At last some really funky shops in plymouth!
from: Tom Cook |
A welcome addition to Plymouth, but it's not very easy for people with pushchairs!
from: Ann |
it looks ok but im not very fond of it.It is full of girls shops not alot for men
from: LEE |
the mall is full of girls shops and not alot of shops for men WE NEED A GOOD MANS GIZZMO SHOP
from: quebert |
The planning of the place is awful, and the architecture does not respect the important post war buildings around it. We yet again put up with a second rate, out of date idea because we think it is modern. Bristol has everything that Drake Circus has, and more. Drake Circus offers nothing that is truly new.
from: Graham Hobbins |
i think drake circus is really nice but busy its a good place to go shopping i cant wait till all the shops are open its gonning to be really good well done to the people who made it !!!
from: parrisse |
how many shops are open in there???
from: natalie woods |
Are there wheelchairs for hire in the centre?
from: Jean Surrey |
I am A Plymouth Resident and I think that the New Drake circus shopping centre is fabulous !
from: Louisa |
I think that the best shop there is probably the Waterstones book shop. The only problem is I can't stop spending money! XD
Also, the chocolate shop is lovely but it's all so expensive. I think that the transparent lift is cool too. ^^
from: Isabel |
It has fish in the floor. Goodbye
from: Elliot |
I think it is horrendous!! The highstreet has moved under a roof...otherwise nothing has changed. Outside is hideous. Inside I hate the way the floor continually changes colour and texture! Spudulike is the only good thing to come of it. £200 million?! I would have redesigned it for free just so I didn't have to look at it!!
from: Rachel |
It's got a very wide range of shops, more so than the rest of Plymouth or many other shopping malls. I was very impressed with the amount of variation.
from: Daisy |
THE NATURAL WORLD IS COOL!
from: Nicholas |
i hate it!!!!!!!!!! its c**p!!!!!!!!111
from: sadie |
PEOPLE!! It is JUST a shopping mall?what's the need to get overexcited??
from: Carla |
i think it is a great store with all th shops in there but i think that kfc should move in there for food because loads of people like it. but t is a great storeand i love it
from: katie |
I havent been in the new mall as im moving to Plymouth soon, i lived there for 3 years prior.
People, welcome to t he world of malls, i have lived in Reading and Bristol, and ALL malls are the same, lots of girls shops and very few for men.
However, they are the future of retail, and Drake Circus does look very nice. Cant wait to come and explore!
from: Rich Hoit |
peeps..yh u lot say its cr**p..iits beta den da ova shop n its jus a place to hang reli innit..so respect wat has bin made for yooh!!!1
from: sophia |
SHINY FLOORS!!!!!!!!!!!
from: Rhianna |
The Mall Is Great! I LOVE IT! The Variety Of Shops Is Incredible With Great Value Chlothes! It Is A Great Place To Chill With Mates. Thankyou For Taking Time To Read This Comment And Thankyou To All The Builders Who Made The Shopping Mall Happen
Yours Sincerly
Alixandra And Rhiannon xx
from: Alixandra*&&*Rhiannon |
the only good bit is the chocolate shop!!! :)
from: Maxwell |
the mall is gr8! i love all the shops there its absolutaly fantastic
from: Hannah |
