From city to countryside
Destination29 May 2022
From world-class museums and a thriving restaurant scene to the prettiest corners of the Cotswolds, explore the best that London and Oxfordshire have to offer over a long weekend.
Linda Farrow Kew brown frame from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£630

Linda Farrow

Kew brown frame
Go green

Explore the city easily with Santander Cycles. Simply download the app or go to any docking station terminal to get started. These sunglasses are perfect for sunny city cycling.

Day 1

Start your day at London’s best new(ish) brunch spot, The Barbary Next Door – the little-sister restaurant of The Barbary – nestled in Covent Garden’s colourful corner, Neal’s Yard.

Culture vultures should visit the Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition or 180 The Strand for its immersive Future Shock exhibition. For a food-fuelled afternoon, try Taste of London in Regent’s Park instead.

Sitting in the heart of Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel has one of London’s most prestigious addresses. Known for attracting royalty, dignitaries and local luminaries, you’ll be in good company.

Colourful curiosities
Day 2

Hop on the train to Bicester Village, where this summer you’ll find live music, soundtracked by exciting local musicians – not to mention new openings from the likes of Maison Margiela and authentic Italian gelato from Vero Latte.

Take to the Village terraces to enjoy al fresco dining at farmshop restaurant & cafe, from the minds behind Soho House, La Tua Pasta or Shan Shui, before catching the train to Oxford.

Fresh air, fresh fashion
Bally Emma leather sandals from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£460

Dinny Hall

Emma leather sandals
Style tip

Opt for a chic but effortless pairing – a classic tank, wide-legged trousers and your go-to summer sandals. These, from the Sandro boutique, are beautiful.

Get the look

Original Retail Price

£239

Maje

Straight-cut tailored trousers
Annoushka Mini cable chain 45cm from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£675

Annoushka

Mini cable chain 45cm
Mulberry Small canvas and leather tote from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£695

Mulberry

Small canvas and leather tote
Jil Sander Logo tee shirt from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£270

JIL SANDER

Logo tee shirt
dunhill Rodial 2.0 runner from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£475

dunhill

Rodial 2.0 runner
Don't miss

The popular filming spots throughout the city. From Harry Potter and X-Men: First Class to Inspector Morse – a must for film fans. These sneakers will make exploring a breeze.

Day 3

Drop your luggage (and any Village purchases) at the newly renovated Randolph Hotel. From here you're within walking distance of some of Oxford’s most renowned landmarks: the Ashmolean Museum , Botanic Garden and the Radcliffe Camera, home to the Bodleian Library.

Spend the afternoon behind-the-scenes at The Oxford Artisan Distillery, sampling award-winning, locally distilled spirits. Then, for dinner, try one of the city’s most-loved neighbourhood restaurants, Gees. Set in an iconic Grade-II listed Victorian conservatory, this newly renovated gem serves up a unique Oxford-meets-Mediterranean menu.

Finish your day in Jericho, Oxford’s coolest neighbourhood, to catch an indie film at Phoenix Picturehouse, go wine tasting at The Oxford Wine Café or settle in for the evening in a historic pub.

Stroll between dreaming spires
Day 4

With its honey-hued buildings and rolling hillsides, you'll need a full day to explore the Cotswolds. Begin at Blenheim Palace: from historical exhibitions and sporting events to the Blenheim Palace Flower Show, there’s plenty to enjoy this summer.

Then, head to the picturesque village of Great Tew for a quick lunch – Quince and Clover serves exceptional seasonal salads and freshly made cakes. For that idyllic countryside experience (and picture for your Insta) take a walk around one of the county’s most beautiful lavender fields at Snowshill.

Just 15 minutes by car (nestled in charming Broadway), The Lygon Arms is the perfect pit stop. Expect a warm welcome, rural charm and a relaxing spa from this country retreat.

Dreamy fields
MCM Stark backpack from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£850

Stark backpack
Go green

Enjoy a day out with a difference – leave the car behind, put on your best activewear and explore the Cotswolds on foot or by bike.

Your essential holiday packing list

Villeroy & Boch Perlemor plates set from Bicester Village

Villeroy & Boch

Perlemor plates set

Village price

£36

Original Retail Price

£49.80

Sandro

Women's knitted t-shirt with high collar and two-tone ruffle

Original Retail Price

£149

Sandro

Men's hoodie in brushed fleece

Original Retail Price

£232.48

The ultimate guide to your European summer

Shopper strolling through Bicester Village with guest hands-free shopping service, surrounded by greenery and boutique storefronts on a sunny day.

Plan your visit

Your Village Guide

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