Bicester lies on the border of Oxfordshire, where the Cotswolds meets the rest of the country, and although these days it is renowned for its popular duty-free shopping village, there is still plenty of typical Cotswold charm to be found in this historic town.
Take a stroll down historic Sheep Street, where Bicester’s market town atmosphere is still very much alive. Its 800-year-old market still runs every Friday in the adjacent Market Square, while Sheep Street’s Farmers’ Market, held every second Thursday in the month, is a must. On November 30 be sure not to miss the festive stalls and live music at this year’s Christmas Lights switch-on.
Explore the little businesses and pretty houses down Bicester’s many side streets, including the marvellous independent bookshop Coles on Crown Walk, then take a stroll through Garth Park and admire Garth House, a grand 19th-century building with a rather charming wonky spire. Formerly a hunting lodge, it now serves as the seat of Bicester Town Council, and is surrounded by recreational facilities and lovingly tended parkland and gardens.
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Cotswold Life.
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This story is from the December 2019 edition of Cotswold Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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