Imagine a shopping center that truly captures the spirit of community and celebration—Castlepoint in Bournemouth proves just that. In 2025, during its most bustling day, over 19,000 eager shoppers flooded through its doors, making it the busiest day in the center's history. But here’s where it gets interesting: on December 23rd, just days before Christmas, nearly 20,000 visitors visited Castlepoint, all gearing up for the festive season. This remarkable surge highlights how the center becomes a hub of holiday joy and activity when it counts the most.
Adding to the holiday magic, Castlepoint launched its new holiday attraction, the gingerbread-themed ‘Candy Lane’ grotto. It became a winter wonderland that enchanted 669 families, who enjoyed displays of twinkling Christmas trees, enchanted snow globes, and a grand total of 990 gifts donated to children across Bournemouth. This effort not only brought smiles to youngsters’ faces but also demonstrated how shopping centers can serve as meaningful community spaces during special times.
Castlepoint's dedication to creating memorable experiences doesn’t go unnoticed—success has been recognized nationwide. The center earned three prestigious awards, celebrating its excellence in customer experience and overall performance, as covered in local reports highlighting its achievement and reputation. Notably, it was named the best shopping park in the UK for the first time in 2025, according to a respected retail industry report by Trevor Wood Associates.
The center also scored big early in the year, securing two awards at the Savills Property Management Marketing Awards. Its commitment to social responsibility was recognized with a Green Organisation CSR Excellence Award for the innovative ‘Chatty Benches’ initiative, which partnered with Dorset Mind to turn bottle caps into trolley tokens—a clever way to promote sustainability and mental health awareness.
And it’s not just about awards—Castlepoint continually strives to keep visitors engaged through diverse events. From the Christmas attraction 'Candy Cane Lane' to summer entertainment at their Garden Stage featuring local artists, the center provides ample reasons for families and friends to gather and have fun. Their eco-friendly initiatives, like collaborating with Brothers Make to repurpose bottle tops, underscore their commitment to giving back and supporting the local community.
All these efforts have paid off—over 8 million visitors in 2025 attest to how much people cherish what Castlepoint offers. Looking ahead to 2026, center management is eager to expand upon this success by introducing new events, bringing in popular retail brands, and continuing to serve as a vibrant hub for Bournemouth’s residents and visitors alike.
On behalf of everyone at Castlepoint, we wish you all a joyful and prosperous new year, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more exciting experiences!
