We were invited to go and visit Smiggle’s newest store – in Doncaster’s Frenchgate Centre. We were given a £25 voucher to treat ourselves to some new stationery kit and so we could go and see their brand new store for ourselves. We love Smiggle, so decided today was a good day to have a girly shopping trip to Doncaster.

Our day started on the train. We live about an hour away from Doncaster, and we love going by train. Thanks to Northern Rail for getting us to our destination bang on time!

The Frenchgate Centre is directly accessible from Doncaster train station. So handy!

We really liked the Frenchgate Centre. It’s the first time I’ve ever been. I didn’t think it was so big. They have a great range of shops including Debenhams, Build-a-Bear, and Next, and a good range of eateries. We stopped at Subway for our lunch.

Then we headed over to the new Smiggle store. My shopping companion was so excited, I feared she would explode.

The new store is great. Not very big, but the usual Smiggle colour and atmosphere. The staff were on hand to help and were very knowledgeable about the products. We didn’t have any difficulty choosing what to buy with our voucher – the tricky part was knowing when to stop!

We chose two animal notepads and two A4 lined pads from the 2 for £5 range, and my little shopping star decided on a pencil case bundle. The pencil case she had already fallen in love with, when a member of staff pointed out that that particular pencil case was available in one of the value bundles for £16.50, where you also got a pad, some pencils, a rubber, some scented stickers, and a couple of other little bits too. Who could say no to that?

My wannabe shopping channel presenter can take you through the finer points of our haul! Please watch this super video – her first vlog. Do you like?

Total Smiggle haul price – £26.50 including a free glow-in-the-dark slinky.

After I managed to drag us both out of the shop, we had a further explore of Doncaster’s shopping areas. I was very impressed not only with the Frenchgate Centre but also with the high street, and with the market. It’s really well laid-out, has a fantastic range of shops, and is all within walking distance of the train station. I may have bought myself a new handbag (desperately needed, honest), and some other little essentials. We also managed to get all the shopping done for Father’s Day. Win! My arms felt like they were going to drop off by the time we got back to the train – I almost considered buying an old lady shopping trolley from the market, but I think I can avoid that one for at least another ten years. Once Smiggle start making them, then maybe………

We had an ace day shopping with just the two of us. It felt like a mini holiday for me. She could even do some colouring on the train in peace without having the pens wrestled off her by her little sisters.

Thank you Smiggle for the invite to visit you and for the lovely things. We wish you every success with your new Doncaster store.

Disclosure  – totally bribed by free Smiggle things to go and visit them. We will be back soon!