Banbury, and the villages nearby, are popular for weekend breaks to explore the Oxfordshire countryside and the Cotswolds.

Banbury is a historic market town famous for Banbury Cakes, the Nursery Rhyme “…….to Banbury Cross” and the Oxford Canal that passes through the historic market town.

Places to Visit

Banbury Museum

Banburys Museum is situated in an attractive canal-side location in the centre of Banbury. Exciting modern displays illustrate Banburys history. FREE ADMISSION

Tooley’s Boatyard

Tooley’s, the oldest working dry dock in Britain, has been in continuous use since 1790 when it was established to build and repair the wooden horse-drawn narrowboats.

Broughton Castle

Historic House built in 1300 and enlarged in 1550s. It is surrounded by a large moat and set in parkland

Local Arts & Crafts – Hook Norton Pottery

Hand produced stoneware pottery. The showroom exhibits a wide variety of work including casseroles, mugs, jugs, bowls as well as individual pieces.

For more Tourist Information: www.visitnorthoxfordshire.com

History

Banbury Castle was built from 1135 by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, and survived into the Civil War, when it was besieged. Due to its proximity to Oxford, the King’s capital, Banbury was a Royalist town, but the inhabitants were known to be strongly Puritan. The castle was demolished after the war.

Banbury played an important part in the Civil War as a base of operations for Oliver Cromwell.

The opening of the Oxford Canal from Hawkesbury Junction to Banbury on 30 March 1778 gave the town a cheap and reliable supply of Warwickshire coal. In 1787 the Oxford Canal was extended southwards, finally opening to Oxford on 1 January 1790.

Bicester Village

A Stylish Getaway in Oxfordshire

Bicester Village is located just an hour from London and 15 minutes by train from the centre of Oxford and within easy reach of the Deddington Arms Hotel.  This luxury shopping destination is home to over 160 boutiques of world-famous brands, each offering exceptional value with savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price.

Bicester Village also had a great selection of restaurants and cafés, as well as luxury services that include Valet Parking, Hands-free Shopping, the  Bicester Visitor Centre, and onsite tax refund services.

Our VIP Luxury Shopping Break with Dinner is a great way to enjoy all that Oxfordshire has to offer with the added bonus of a VIP invite which entitles you to 10% reduction on food, drink and clothing on the already heavily discounted prices at the outlet

Oxfordshire Hotels  Group are 3 star and 4 star hotels located close to Bicester Outlet Shopping. Book a Weekend Break or Mid Week Break at one of our quality country hotels, including the Deddington Arms Hotel:

Relax with friends after your Shopping

Be pampered by our hotel personal friendly service

Unwind with a glass of wine with our AA rosette dining in a comfortable environment.

Book early for great value!

Many of the Towns and Villages in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire also have spectacular Street Fairs and Farmers Markets.

For bargain hunters, explore the lanes of Banbury, Deddington or Buckingham and discover the wonders of what these markets offer!

Bicester Village – Outlet Shopping address:

50 Pingle Drive
Bicester,
0X26 6WD

Bicester Village Visitor Centre
Tel: +44 (0) 1869 366 266

OPENING HOURS

VILLAGE OPENING HOURS

Monday – 09.00 – 20.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

*On Sundays Burberry, Coach, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Boss, Gucci, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren Men and Women, Prada, Ted Baker and Tod’s open at 10.30 for browsing, 11.00 for shopping and close by 17.00.

Deddington Arms Hotel, Deddington, Banbury – 12.5 miles / 25 minutes

Cartwright Hotel, Anyho, Banbury – 9.3 miles / 19 minutes

White Hart Hotel, Dorchester-on-Thames – 22.7 miles / 34 minutes

Free Secure Car Parking with CCTV
Free Wifi

Broughton Castle is a moated and fortified manor house near Banbury in North Oxfordshire. Set in parkland and built of the rich local Hornton ironstone, it was selected by Simon Jenkins as one of only twenty to be awarded five stars in his book England’s Thousand Best Houses.

The core of the house was built in 1306 and the gatehouse in the early fifteenth century, but most of what you see today dates from the 1550’s. It was a centre of opposition to Charles I and was besieged and damaged after the Battle of Edgehill in 1642.

Broughton Castle was one of many fabulous locations used for BBC2’s Wolf Hall series starring Damien Lewis, Mark Rylance and Claire Foy. Filming took place in 2014 and the series is showing on BBC2 in Jan/Feb 2015, and on PBS from April 2015.

Cotswold Wildlife Park is located 2 miles south of Burford, mid-way between Oxford and Cheltenham.

“Set in over 160 acres of beautiful parklands the Park has an amazingly diverse collection of species many of which are endangered in the wild. Our dedicated and caring Keepers are passionate about the animals in their care and the opportunity to share their knowledge with the public.

Our beautiful Gardens are carefully tended by our creative team of Gardeners who make every corner of the Park a joy to visit.”

The centuries-old tradition of a Saturday market in Deddington, which ceased in 1830, has been revived – and it’s been thriving since the new millennium. It was the winner in the South East region in Country Life’s “Britain’s Favourite Farmers’ Market 2006” competition. It was also joint runner-up for the 2005 and 2006 National Farmers’ Market of the Year Award. The market featured once again in Rose Prince’s book The Good Produce Guide 2012. The market’s founder, Charles Newey, was honoured posthumously when the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) awarded him with its “Community Spirit Award for 2006”. The market has also been a finalist in the Banbury Guardian’s Community Awards as Rural Project of the Year and Community Group of the Year in 2005 and 2006.

Located a little over an hour from London, the Great Tew Estate encapsulates much of what might be considered the archetypal English Country Estate. Spring lambs playing in rolling grassland, oak woods with a carpet of bluebells, chocolate box thatch cottages… the Great Tew Estate is all this and much more.

Located inear Banbury in North Oxfordshire, set in 200 acres of rolling countryside, with dramatic lakes and both park and heath land features.

Back in 1950 Silverstone was the birthplace of today’s FIA Formula One World Championship and, to this day, remains one of the world’s most historic and challenging tracks.

In addition to Shakespeare and the plays of the Royal Shakespeare Company, there is a variety of additional events and attractions on offer throughout the year to enthrall, divert and distract visitors and townsfolk alike.

There’s so much happening throughout the year in Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s why visitors keep coming back again and again. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre offers it’s usual array of exciting, world renowned plays, but there’s so much more on offer. Many festivals run throughout the year, some of which are hosted by the Civic Hall. Discover new authors at the Literary Festival, or sample the delights of local produce at the Food Festival.

Catch a film in the town cinema, take one of the many organised Walks and Tours on offer or simply stroll the town taking in the atmosphere of Stratford-upon-Avon’s unique street entertainers. An event definitely not to miss are the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations, every year in April. The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the Procession through the town, and the unfurling of the flags.

Further afield you might want to test your luck and spend a day at the races, at Stratford Racecourse, or dance the night away at the Global Gathering.

The Claydon Estate has been the home of the Verney family since 1620.

The Estate has a proud tradition of looking after the land, wildlife, property, its employees and latterly visitors. The Verney family is keen to encourage visitors to Claydon where they are ensured a warm welcome to enjoy the Estate and its surroundings.

The Estate as you see it today was originally laid out in the 1700s and successive generations have sought to maintain its features in a traditional way meaning that they remain largely unaltered, although modern uses have been established.

On your visit to Claydon there is much to keep you occupied, including the impressive gardens and mansion house, as well as the range of shops in the Courtyard. When it’s time to stop and relax you have the choice of the Tea Room or The Carriage House Restaurant for delicious meals using the Estate’s own produce.

The MK Dons Football Stadium is a brand new facility mainly hosting MK Dons football matches but also used for World Cup rugby.

How to get there:

By Road

SOUTH BOUND M1: Exit the motorway at Junction 14 and turn right at the roundabout at the top of the exit slip road towards Milton Keynes.

NORTH BOUND M1: Exit the motorway at Junction 14 and take the left-hand filter lane towards Milton Keynes.

Continue straight over the roundabout (Northfield) on H6 Childs Way. At the next roundabout (Fox Milne) turn left onto V11 Tongwell Street. Continue straight over next roundabout (Monkston) along the V11 Tongwell Street. At the next roundabout (Brinklow) turn right along the H8 Standing Way (A421). Continue on the H8 Standing Way (A421) following signs for Buckingham continuing over a number of roundabouts, on reaching the Bleak Hall roundabout turn left onto the V6 Grafton Street and follow signs for the stadium.

Vehicles traveling from other areas should follow the brown football signs which are located on all main approaches to the area.

The stadium can also be accessed easily from the northbound A5 running from Dunstable. Exit the road signposted Central Bletchley and take the first exit off Redmoor Roundabout. The stadium turning is on the left.

Away supporters should follow the brown signs for Football Coaches and enter the stadium site via the Saxon Street entrance (between KFC and McDonalds) which is the most convenient for Gate 3.

Parking

Those traveling to the match by car should follow the brown stadium signage. Limited parking is available at the stadium – car parking fees of £7 will be charged.

Milton Keynes Shopping areas are situated in the heart of Milton Keynes and are well signposted offering extensive parking.

Milton Keynes is a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a state-of-the-art modern shopping mall, traditional boutique shops, farmers’ markets or even a Swedish superstore, Milton Keynes has it all. You can shop with your family, spend with your friends or just come by yourself to experience what Milton Keynes has to offer.

Below are some of the best areas for shopping in Milton Keynes and remember we couldn’t be easier to get to the city centre is just 5 minutes’ drive from Junction 14 on the M1 and there are over 16,000 parking spaces waiting for you when you arrive. If you’re looking for shopping heaven then look no further.

thecentre:mk and intu Milton Keynes combine to make one of the largest covered shopping centres in Europe

The city centre alone has over 400 shops

Check out The Hub in Central Milton Keynes for a mix of shops and lively restaurants and bars

The Kingston Centre, close to the M1, offers a range of big brand names including Next, Boots and M&S as well as a large Tesco Extra and some smaller shops including a gallery and a model shop

The recently opened MK1 Shopping & Leisure Park at stadiumMK houses a huge Primark store as well as M&S, River Island, Outfit, BHS and H&M

In the surrounding market towns and villages, you’ll find a wealth of traditional boutique shops offering designer clothes, crafts and gifts, galleries and antiques and much more

Five farmers’ markets operate each month within the surrounding areas of Newport Pagnell, Olney, Woburn, Stony Stratford and Wolverton

Regular genuine French, German and Italian markets are held within the city centre

Home of the British Grand Prix, British Grand Prix Moto GP, British Touring Car Championship and many other events.

The end of Second World War had left Britain with no major race track but an abundance of airfields. One of these surplus airfields was located outside the village of Silverstone and being roughly in the middle of England was seen as an ideal location, to bring back international motor racing to Britain.

By 1948 The Royal Automobile Club arranged a 1 year lease with the Air Ministry in the spirit of optimism and possibility that characterised the time. An ex-farmer, James Wilson Brown, was employed by the RAC and given just two months to turn the site from a wartime airfield and farm into a race track for the first RAC International Grand Prix.

Today you can discover all Silverstone Circuit has to offer by visiting the Silverstone Visitor and Tourist Information centre.

Situated at the main entrance to Silverstone, the Centre is the perfect place to stop off and find out what’s on not just at Silverstone but at attractions all over the region. Visitors can book tickets, find out about travel arrangements and accommodation, or just browse and have coffee.

Visitor Centre Opening Times

Monday to Friday – 9am to 4pm
Saturday and Sunday – 11am to 4pm

The scale and beauty of Stowe have attracted visitors for over 300 years. Picture-perfect views, winding paths, lakeside walks and temples create a timeless landscape, reflecting the changing seasons. Full of hidden meaning, the gardens were created as an earthly paradise, and still cast their spell today.

Your visit starts at the New Inn visitor centre outside the gardens. This fusion of modern and restored 18th-century buildings was where visitors of the past were welcomed to Stowe.

Stop by the light and airy café for delicious fresh food and the shop for unique products inspired by the gardens. The sheer size and space is perfect for those who love the outdoors and enjoy walking. A short walk or a ride in a buggy from New Inn takes you into the gardens, where another world awaits.

Open from dawn to dusk each day

A superb venue for National Hunt Racing and Greyhound Racing

Towcester Racecourse, one of the country’s most scenic National Hunt Racecourses, provides a stunning setting to enjoy the thrilling spectacle of racing ‘over the sticks’

Experience the thrill of the greyhound track like never before with a unique night of entertainment and quality dining. Greyhound racing at Towcester Racecourse offers a fantastic night out.

Woburn Safari Park is only accessible by car and you must arrive in your own vehicle. Woburn Safari Park stretches across 360 acres of Oxfordshire.

For a day packed with animal encounters and wonderful wildlife, visit Woburn with over 80 species of animals including lions, tigers and bears. Today, it is an award winning attraction which makes a valuable contribution to conservation. Most of all, it is a place where families can enjoy being together and seeing animals in a beautiful environment.

Your day out includes unlimited repeat circuits of the Road Safari drive through animal reserves, followed by adventures in the Foot Safari with a fantastic daily programme of keeper talks and demonstrations. Most of the leisure activities at Woburn Safari Park are included in your great value ticket price.

Adjacent to the River Thames, Henley is overlooked by a beautiful Chiltern landscape of wooded hills and green fields. Its historic church, Town Hall, market square, many local shops, plus its own theatre/cinema, mean Henley is a delightful place for mooching about.

Best known for its annual Royal Regatta, Henley attracts some of the world’s finest rowers. Why not enjoy your own boat trip down the Regatta course and stop off at the town’s award-winning River and Rowing Museum.

The stretch of river between the regatta finish and Henley Bridge is the location for the annual Henley Festival of Music and Arts. Now a popular hospitality venue, it attracts some of the world’s top entertainers to perform on a floating stage in front of a dinner-jacketed audience; as well as holding exhibitions of art and sculpture.

Henley is 25 miles south east of Oxford and there are delightful walks around the town, leading you along the Thames Path and up into the Chiltern Hills for wonderful views of the Thames Valley.