Planning a trip to Bicester? Here are five fantastic shopping and sightseeing hotspots that you might like to visit:
Bicester Village
Home to over a hundred stores, Bicester Village is a fantastic Outlet shopping area set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. You’ll find high street favourites and boutiques as well as designer brands like Alexander McQueen, Dior, Gucci and Jimmy Choo in the outdoor outlet; perfect for shoppers looking for luxury fashion at a discounted price. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants that make the ideal pit stop for a coffee, a quick bite or a fancy dinner, like Villandry Grand Café, Stone Ground Donuts and Pret a Manger.
Blenheim Palace
Visit Blenheim Palace to add a touch of history, culture and opulence to your sightseeing trip in Oxfordshire. Built in the 1700s, the Baroque Style building was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and is now the home of the Duke of Marlborough. Take a tour of the inside of the palace to view stunning architecture, tapestries and furniture and then head outside to experience the grandeur of the landscaped gardens. You can take a buggy tour of the parkland or follow a suggested walking track towards the picturesque waterfall called the Grand Cascades. See the Pleasure Gardens with a short trip on the miniature train, wander through the Marlborough Hedge Maze or marvel at the dozens of exotic butterflies found in the Butterfly House.
The Pitt Rivers Museum
Home to one of the world’s finest collections of anthropology and archaeology from around the world, the Pitt Rivers Museum is just across the street from Bicester Village. There are new exhibitions held all year round as well as talks, workshops and special events. Plus there are lots of free family friendly activities too, such as family trails and half-term events that are held over the school holidays.
Tour the city of Oxford
Famous for its world-renowned university, the city of Oxford is lovely place to visit for the weekend and is just 10 miles south of Bicester. Boasting beautiful architecture, a selection of ancient colleges and museums, there’s plenty to see from the Ashmolean Museum and Christ Church College to the Bodleian Library. Why not book a river cruise down the Thames or hire a punt, pedallo or rowing boat for the afternoon to experience the very best that the water has to offer?
Minster Lovell Hall
Situated in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, you’ll find the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall. The 15th century Manor House is set beside the River Windrush and is a wonderful sightseeing spot that makes the perfect place to picnic with the kids. The children can play on the ruins, walk through the trails and stroll down the river bank.
Bignell Park Hotel 