From city to countryside
Travel guide16 March 2025
From the buzz of the city to the calm of the countryside, escape the everyday with a weekend of culture, cuisine and charm. Explore the best that London and Oxfordshire have to offer over a long weekend – all just a train ride apart.
Day 1

Start your day with a leisurely brunch at The Barbary Next Door, the intimate offshoot of The Barbary, tucked in the vibrant enclave of Neal's Yard in Covent Garden. Expect bold flavours and a warm, convivial atmosphere.

For an art fix, head to the Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition or lose yourself in one of the award-winning installations at 180 The Strand. If your tastes lean more culinary, swap the galleries for Taste of London in Regent’s Park, where the city's top chefs serve up a feast of flavours.

When it's time to unwind, retreat to Brown’s Hotel in the heart of Mayfair. One of London’s most prestigious addresses, it's long been a haunt for royalty, dignitaries and London's local luminaries, you’ll be in good company.

Colourful curiosities
David Clulow Ray Ban meta wayfarer from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£329

David Clulow Sunglasses

Ray Ban meta wayfarer
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.

Gina Bella from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£650

Village price

£425

Gina

Bella
Style tip

Opt for a chic but effortless pairing – a classic shirt, wide-legged denim and your go-to spring flat. These, from the Gina boutique, are beautiful.

Day 2

Take the train to Bicester Village this spring and unlock even more with membership. From 1 - 30 March, members gain access to excluisve events, special rewards – not to mention new openings from the likes of Herno, Gym Shark, Canada Goose and cult beauty favourites Byredo and Creed.

With the sun finally making an appearance, dining al fresco is back on the menu. Savour vibrant Mediterranean flavours at Ottolenghi, the first outpost from Yotam Ottolenghi's celebrated London lineup, or indulge in farm-to-table comfort at farmshop restaurant & cafe, courtesy of the minds behind Soho House. Prefer Italian? La Tua Pasta delivers handmade perfection, while Cecconi's serves up selection of Northern Italian classics – including wood-fired pizza and cicchetti.

Your dream day out
Get the look

Original Retail Price

£219

Village price

£147

Sandro

Women's striped cropped shirt with all-over diamanté
Reiss Amelia wide leg jeans from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£167

Village price

£112

Reiss

Amelia wide leg jeans
ba&sh Khaki suede teddy bag from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£300

ba&sh

Khaki suede teddy bag
Vivienne Westwood Animal Gym Low Top from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£290

Village price

£145

Vivienne Westwood

Animal Gym Low Top
Day 3

Drop your bags – and any Village finds – at the newly renovated The Store, then step straight into Oxford's storied streets. Just a short walk away, you'll find the Ashmolean Museum , the serene Botanic Garden and the Radcliffe Camera, home to the world-famous Bodleian Library.

Spend the afternoon exploring on foot, making your way to Jericho, Oxford’s effortlessly cool neighbourhood. If the weather takes a turn, duck into the Phoenix Picturehouse for an indie screening or refuel with a slice of perfection at artisan bakery Barefoot Oxford.

As evening falls, book a table at Gees, a beloved local institution housed in a Grade-II listed Victorian conservatory. Its refreshed menu brings a Mediterranean twist to Oxford, with flavours inspired by the coasts of Italy and Spain. Round off the night in one of the city's historic pubs – there’s no shortage of character (or pints) to choose from.

A cosy Oxford nook
Givenchy City Sport sneakers in leather from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£496

Village price

£248

Givenchy

City Sport sneakers in leather
Don't miss

Oxford’s historic streets have set the scene for countless films and TV dramas. A must-visit, its grand colleges and hidden alleyways feel straight out of a movie. Comfortable sneakers are a must for exploring every cinematic corner.

Boss Ray backpack from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£229

Village price

£159

Sale price

£127.20

BOSS

Ray 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 villages and rolling green hills, the Cotswolds deserve a full day of exploration. Start at Blenheim Palace, where spring brings everything from historical exhibitions to sporting events – not to mention a breathtaking new rooftop tour that unveils the palace from a whole new perspective.

For lunch, head to postcard-perfect village of Great Tew. Quince and Clover serves up seasonal salads and freshly baked cakes, while Michelin-starred, The Royal Oak in Whatcote offers a contemporary British menu spotlighting local produce.

Seeking countryside Calm? Bamford Wellness Spa is a sanctuary of serenity, offering restorative treatments and movement classes designed to nurture mind and body. If you’re visiting from June onwards, don’t miss the lavender fields at Snowshill – one of the Cotswolds’ most photogenic spots. And, for a quintessential country retreat, The Lygon Arms in Broadway delivers history and charm for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Honey-hued charm

Your essential holiday packing list

Original Retail Price

£249

Village price

£174

Polo Ralph Lauren

Women's belted shirt dress
Vilebrequin Moorea swimming trunks from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£240

Village price

£145

Vilebrequin

Moorea swimming trunks
Vilebrequin Girls swimsuit from Bicester Village

Original Retail Price

£115

Village price

£35

Vilebrequin

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

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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