Cotswold Outdoor Reviews 

2,744
TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

2.7

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 475 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many customers reported significant issues with delivery, frequently experiencing delays, missing items, and unfulfilled next-day delivery promises. People also found customer service unresponsive and unhelpful, with calls and emails often going unanswered. Several consumers received faulty products, such as zippers failing or soles detaching, which caused frustration. However, some people were satisfied with the staff. Reviewers consistently praised the in-store staff for being knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Many appreciated the detailed advice and personalized assistance received, especially when choosing specialized gear, which made them feel confident in their purchases.

What people talk about most

Product

Customers had ambiguous experiences with product quality, with many expressing significant dissatisfaction.... See more

Staff

Reviewers mention positive feedback about staff, highlighting their knowledge, helpfulness, and friendly... See more

Customer service

Users describe ambiguous interactions with customer service, with many reviewers expressing significant... See more

Delivery service

Reviewers highlight negative aspects of delivery service, with many expressing significant dissatisfaction... See more

Order

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with order, with many reporting issues such as orders not... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Bought a chair from there earlier today. Customer lift does not go to the top floor, but they did offer to bring things down for me. The three members of staff I encountered were all helpful and fri... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Been using Cotswold for many years, always good. However, bought a pair of Ayacucho trousers for this spell of travelling (8 months) and after two weeks the thigh pocket zipper failed & needed repla... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Based on today's experience, disappointing. Two young women too busy chatting to deal with me. I was planning to buy a £70 gift voucher for a 70th birthday but 12 months to spend it was not enough... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

What a shambles and a far cry from the well respected company that Cotswold outdoors used to be. The product I bought is faulty and totally within the warranty period. I supplied all the photos an... See more


Company details

  1. Activewear Store
  2. Climbing Club
  3. Outdoor Clothing and Equipment Shop

Written by the company

With nearly 50 years of experience, our mission remains to help you enjoy the outdoors. Every piece of advice and kit recommendation is rooted in personal experience – countless walks, daring climbs and stories shared around campfires. We’ve explored new trails, pursued the first light of day and braved the elements. So, count on us to guide your outdoor adventures with people who love the outdoors as much as you.


Contact info

2.7

Poor

TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

3K reviews

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1-star

No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 58% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

How this company uses Trustpilot

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2.7

All reviews

(2,744)

469 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

IF I COULD GIVE 0 STARS I WOULD

IF I COULD GIVE 0 STARS I WOULD. SHOCKING CUSTOMER SERVICE OR RATHER NO CUSTOMER SERVICE.
EACH DELIVERY NEVER ON TIME, WAITING OR JACKET NO.4 AND NO.5 AND STILL NO ANSWER TO EMAILS.

DO NOT TOUCH COTSWOLD OUTDOOR OR SNOW & ROCK. VERY VERY CLEAR THEY ARE SISTER COMPANIES.

March 28, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible experience.I placed an order…

Terrible experience.I placed an order and with no reason what's whether they cancelled it.And I know they will respond with whatever reason they have.However, this is not good.Not significant.More reason I will never shop here ever again

April 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

non existent customer service

my order (worth over £300) was lost by evri. evri were very helpful and contacted cotswold outdoor, who apparently said they’d be in touch with me. 2 emails and one ridiculous phone queue later, i have still had no contact with cotswold outdoor. i have no order and no money!

April 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Utterly dreadful company, sends incorrect items and expects you to sort out their mess

Utterly dreadful company. Sent me the completely wrong running shoes (wrong brand, wrong size), I then had to chase them several times about organising the return via post of the wrong item and getting the correct item sent to me. I then find out that I have to pay delivery costs and packaging for their mistake and organise my own refund and then re-order the item I was supposed to be sent (presumably for the same thing to happen again). Will never use this company ever again! Utterly hopeless.

April 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Poor delivery and slow refund process

Ordered an item from Cotswold Outdoor and unfortunately had a very poor delivery and customer service experience.

The courier (Evri) failed delivery multiple times, and the tracking information was inconsistent and confusing throughout the process.

I had to follow up several times myself to confirm that the parcel was being returned. The live chat system was unreliable – it was difficult to connect to an agent and responses were inconsistent.

Eventually, the item was returned to their warehouse and the refund was processed, but only after I actively chased the case.

Overall, the issue was resolved, but the process was unnecessarily slow and required too much effort from the customer. I would strongly suggest they improve their choice of courier and customer service responsiveness.

April 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Still waiting for refund for item…

Still waiting for refund for item returned back to company 31/3/26. Unable to get through on phone and 3 emails ignored and appears chargeback via CC is only option to obtain nearly £400 refund. Won't use again

April 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I booked an appointment for a Gait…

I booked an appointment for a Gait Analysis at my local Salisbury Cotswold Outdoors (I didn’t even know they did this, so was a bonus when I saw an appointment the following morning). I’d recently got back into running, so felt like this was a necessity.
I arrived and Brandon was helping two other customers, but was quick to find alternative support for them, as he wanted to be able to give his full attention to my appointment. You don’t often find that customer service anymore!!
He couldn’t have been more helpful throughout my appointment. He was so knowledge which you could tell wasn’t just learnt from a training course, but he was actually passionate for running and able to advise me accordingly. Explaining all parts of the gait analysis thoroughly both how it works and the results.
I wanted to make sure I got the right shoes for me and I’m so glad I didn’t buy offline like I was going to do the day before because firstly I’d have got the complete wrong size and secondly I wouldn’t have found the right shoes for me either. I was looking for a hybrid road to trail shoe as I already have road shoes, but he was even able to advise me on my road shoes as I’d bought them to the appointment.
He couldn’t have been more helpful if he tried, he spent near on an hour with me, nothing was too much trouble even after asking so many questions and trying on multiple pairs of shoes in different sizes and styles. Even offered to order in different sizes for me to ensure I got the best for me.
I walked away with a pair of Hoka Challenger 8’s as they’re the shoes that felt best (my road shoes are also Hoka) but tried on New Balance, Brooks and other Hoka’s.
I’ll definitely be back to Cotswold Outdoors for future running kit because Brandon really restored my faith in in-store shopping, so thank you!! He’s a real asset to the store in Salisbury.

April 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is why you should buy in store. Great personal service

I purchased a pair of Scarpa GTX boots in November 2025, the most comfortable boots I have had. A lace cleat broke recently and I took the boots back to the Cotswold Reading branch where they were exchanged immediately, no quibbles. Whilst there I bought a Gore Tex shell jacket as I prefer to buy in store rather than online in case of problems.

April 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Poor customer service

I was gifted the Icebreaker Unisex Sierra fleece gloves for Christmas. Worn 3 times and noted holes in the seam of one glove. Contacted customer service 24 Feb. Returned gloves 26 Feb for 'manufacturer assessment'. No offer of a replacement despite sending photos of holes.
Chased customer service for a update twice - no reply to emails. Eventually spoke to customer service and advised could take up to 6 weeks....Finally received offer of exchange on 15 April. Terrible customer service.

April 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Ordered a pair of walking shoes from…

Ordered a pair of walking shoes from Cotswold Outdoors online. The delivery was arranged with DHL Ecommerce but did not arrive (could not access property!!). Spoke to a Cotswold advisor who promised to get an update from DHL and ring me back. The call back did not happen and Cotswold have not answered the phone on numerous attempts to recontact them. Emailed their customer services and got no reply. Have since contacted my credit card company who have kindly provided a full refund. Very poor customer services from Cotswold Outdoors and woeful service and blatant lies from DHL Commerce.

April 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Really bad customer service

Really bad customer service. Im still waiting after a week for a next day delivery. I ordered things for a trip and now im going to have to get kit from some where else as im out of time now. No replies to emails and no answer on the phone. This used to be a decent company but I will not be using them again. Im now dreading trying to get a refund on my order after reading other reviews and the poor customer service so far.

April 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Don't seem able to deliver anything

Popped in store to ask about a suitcase, they didn't have it in stock but were really helpful and said I could get next day delivery to my house - this was 1 week ago. The first delivery didn't materialise and it was apparently because Evri had damaged it. After initially saying that I would have to wait until it was returned to get a refund (er, why? I didn't damage it and I still want the item) they sent a replacement. I haven't received the replacement, this time it is too big for Evri and I have no idea where it is. I have been waiting on the 'chat bot' for an hour and there is no indication of wait time. I have also requested a callback - nothing yet. Come on Cotswold, you can do better, you are doing a disservice to your staff in store who are very helpful and you aren't delivering on your promise. If you can't do next day delivery then don't offer it to customers. And make sure your chatbot is clearer about wait times, I have no idea whether anyone is going to pick up my query or not, in the meantime you've had my money for a week and I don't have the item (which I can only get from you and is for a fast approaching holiday).

April 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

X ULTRA 360 MID GORE-TEX from Plymouth store

I walk reasonably long distances and my little toes get a pasting in my otherwise wonderful Scarpa boots. So I went to Cotswold to ask about wide toe boxes. The footwear specialist really knew his stuff and was able to recommend a Salomon boot, a half size larger than I usually wear, and some lacing techniques, which feel like they'll really make a difference (early days yet). After getting a discount for NT membership, the price was competitive. I could have saved a bit more by going to the cheapest online, but we must all be prepared to pay for real, intelligent, customer care (that AI cannot imitate) otherwise it will disappear. Sadly, I didn't ask his name, but seriously thank you - you know who you are.

April 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not order from Cotswoldoutdoor.com

The instore experience is good, but do not order from Cotswold Outdoor online. The first time I ordered from them, the order simply never arrived. I received a series of emails that it was delayed. And then they stopped. But no items and no refund. Fool that I am, I tried another order. And now same thing. They take your money and then simply disappear.

April 14, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

In-store good service, online hopeless!

Whilst I got good service in-store the main service is terrible. Was told next day delivery with an email also saying next day delivery expected, no delivery next day or tracking information. Live chat doesn't work and was waiting over 15 minutes on the phone to the service centre which sounds like it's in India. Delivery time was actually 3 days and no next day that I was told.

April 14, 2026
Unprompted review

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