Bicester: Vintage Cars, History and Family Experiences

Bicester combines unusual technological history, medieval traces, green recreational areas and a wide range of outings. Anyone planning a trip with children or looking to combine culture with special experiences will find a variety of reasons here to shape their daily itinerary. The direct train connections to Birmingham, Oxford and London are also an important factor when choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Bicester.

History between the Church and the Vintage Car Centre

One of the town's historical points of reference is the Old Priory. It may have been the hospice of Bicester Priory. The medieval history becomes even more tangible at St Edburg's Church: it is the oldest surviving building in Bicester. The St Edburg's Foundation puts together exhibitions and organises walks around the church and its immediate surroundings. These introduce numerous points of interest that convey the history of the church. For visitors who would like to approach Bicester through its past, this area offers a suitable cultural focus.

Bicester Heritage reveals a completely different historical dimension. The centre is the first in the United Kingdom to have been specifically established for the restoration and exhibition of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and aircraft. The history of Bicester Motion began in 2013 with the purchase of the former WW2 RAF Bicester Bomber Training Station, a 444-acre site of national historic significance. Under the management of Bicester Motion, 99% of the buildings have been carefully restored or reactivated for modern commercial use. This is how preserved history and the world of classic vehicles come together on the site.

Experiences for Active and Relaxing Days

Garth Park has a natural playground with climbing frames, climbing nets, slides, bridges, stepping stones and pebble streams. An outing with children can combine physical activity with time spent in the countryside. Garth Park's gardens also host a summer programme of musical events. Depending on the time of year, the park can therefore be appealing both for an active family afternoon and for a more relaxed time outdoors.

The first community orchard in Bicester is open to visitors and is suitable for walking, picnicking and relaxing. This place provides a deliberate contrast to the more culture- and technology-oriented destinations. Anyone wishing to take different daily rhythms into account when planning their trip can combine a visit to the orchard with historical sightseeing, time in a park or a shopping trip.

Shopping and Local Discoveries

Bicester Village is a car-free open-air shopping centre with more than 150 boutiques. It complements the town's historical and green aspects with an independent shopping experience. For another special item on the programme, Sky Wave offers a 75-minute event. The hosts introduce the history of Sky Wave, show the stills and conduct a guided gin tasting. This offering is aimed at travellers who would like to combine an insight into production and history with a tasting.

The Right Base for Your Trip

The rail connections expand the scope for holiday planning: Bicester has direct connections to Birmingham, Oxford and London. In addition, a direct train runs regularly from London Marylebone to Bicester Village station; the journey takes 46 minutes. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore weigh up whether to focus on experiences in Bicester itself or on a trip involving other cities as well. A holiday apartment in Bicester provides a suitable starting point for this as part of your individual planning, without requiring individual outings or daily itineraries to be predetermined.

If you would like to continue your search beyond Bicester, you can also look at Benson, Shipton Under Wychwood, North Stoke, Minster Lovell, Garford, Wallingford, Clare and Middle Aston.

For the higher-level travel overview: Oxfordshire.