From city to countryside
Destination31 May 2024
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.
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 one of its award-winning exhibitions. 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

ORP

£450

Village

£328

Sale

£199

Linda Farrow

Tortoise shell acetate 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.

Did you know? You can discover London by the Piccadilly Line with everything from The British Museum to Buckingham Palace all within walking distance of the tube.

ORP

£279

Village

£186

Maje

Studded strappy 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 Maje boutique, are beautiful.

Day 2

Hop on the train to Bicester Village, where this summer you’ll find a sensory-sparking journey through several custom-designed gardens – not to mention new openings from the likes of Anine Bing and the first outpost from Yotam Ottolenghi's esteemed line-up of London restaurants and delis, Ottolenghi .

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
Get the look

ORP

£159

Village

£107

Sandro

T-shirt in mixed material with plain jersey front

Levi's®

Women's denim midi skirt

ORP

£439

Village

£295

Sandro

Embroidered tote bag with jewelled chain and leather Sandro patch
New Balance On trend sneakers from Bicester Village

ORP

£210

Village

£110

New Balance

On trend sneakers

Shop from home

Can’t come to the Village? Contact your favourite boutique to start shopping from home.

shop from home
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 exploring on foot before heading to dinner at 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

Diesel

Men's S-Ukito low sneakers
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.

Ganni  Multicolor tech backpack   from Bicester Village

ORP

£135

GANNI

Multicolor tech 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.

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

Your essential holiday packing list

Vilebrequin Mahina shorts from Bicester Village

ORP

£230

Village

£145

Vilebrequin

Mahina shorts
Polo Ralph Lauren 1 pcs swimsuit from Bicester Village

ORP

£132

Village

£105

Polo Ralph Lauren

1 pcs swimsuit
Reiss Tina printed bikini set from Bicester Village

ORP

£97

Village

£65

Reiss

Tina printed bikini set

The ultimate guide to your European summer

  • Plan your visit

    From directions and opening hours to guest services, this is all you need to know for a great day out.

    Find out more
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