Oxfordshire is a place with a wealth of luxury. Home to famous literary figures and unique traditions, there is so much to explore. On your trip to Oxfordshire be sure to spend some time strolling the cobbled streets of Oxford, before taking some tranquil time out by the river. Only an hour away from London, Oxfordshire is the perfect destination for rest and relaxation. This 3 day itinerary will guide you through Oxford, a stop at Bicester Village, and some time in Woodstock, on the edge of the Cotswolds.

 

Day 1 – Oxford

Morning

Start your day by exploring Oxford city centre. A city steeped in history, there is so much to explore in Oxford. Get your bearings by pre-booking an Oxford Official Walking Tour for a family-friendly guided walking tour around more of Oxford’s iconic sites and locations. Tours are led by skilled and knowledgeable guides who will tell you about the University’s most famous buildings and the city’s history. For a more personalised experience, book a private walking tour of the city.

Whilst you’re exploring the heart of Oxford, don’t miss the incredible Ashmolean museum, Britain’s first public museum and home to world-famous artefacts and collections. Take a slow morning stroll around inspiring exhibitions, soaking up the culture and history of Oxford.

Nearby are the Bodleian Libraries, among the most famous libraries in the world – for their exceptional collection of books and manuscripts, but also for their historic buildings, some of which have remained in continuous use since the Middle Ages. Take a tour of the libraries, including the Divinity School, a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, and the medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library. The more modern Weston Library offers free exhibitions featuring notable works from the Bodleian’s collections which are well worth a visit.

Afternoon

Then, walk north from Oxford city centre through University Parks. The beautiful park offers a choice of peaceful walks through. Feed ducks at the pond and discover the park’s Genetic Garden and collection of rare trees, before wandering along the river Cherwell and through Park Town to the Cherwell Boathouse.

Why not make the most of your trip and take part in the quintessentially Oxford activity of punting? At Cherwell Boathouse you can hire a punt! A timeless classic, take your punt and journey upstream or down river, admiring Oxford’s beautiful architecture and landscape from a unique perspective.

After your punting adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant, renowned for its creative cooking. Idyllically located on the riverbank, soak up the tranquil atmosphere whilst indulging in fine food and wine.

Alternatively, after punting wander back towards the city centre through University Parks. Back in the city centre, take a stroll around cobbled Radcliffe Square to drink in 360 degree views of the Radcliffe Camera.

After lunch, do some shopping in Westgate Oxford – the city’s shopping and leisure centre – where you will find an eclectic mix of global fashion brands, restaurants, bars and a boutique cinema.

During the afternoon, treat yourself to a tour of The Oxford Artisan Distillery. One of the world’s very few craft distilleries, they use ancient heritage grain to create the finest spirits. Discover the principles and production processes that make their spirits, from their bespoke copper stills to the grain they grow themselves. Finish with a chance to taste their wonderful spirits.

Hotel Options

The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels: The Randolph Hotel is an iconic 5-star hotel in Oxford and offers luxurious accommodation, delicious food and a sensuous spa haven in the heart of this world-famous University City. Located in Oxford’s city centre, the hotel is a landmark building with elegance and charm aplenty. Guests will love the Alice Restaurant, serving mouth-watering seasonal dishes prepared by their highly skilled chefs.

The Store: The Store is an inviting luxury lifestyle hotel in the heart of Oxford, with 101 rooms, destination restaurant, rooftop bar, restorative spa and plenty of spaces to discover and explore. Located on Broad Street, in the historic Boswells department store, The Store delights guests with a labyrinth of welcoming and beautifully designed spaces, that awaken a sense of exploration and wonder.

Day 2 – Bicester Village

Morning

Make time in the morning to wander through Oxford’s historic city centre. Balance on the cobbled Radcliffe Square, see the stunning Bridge of Sighs, and meander along Oxford’s winding High Street, home to small galleries, antiques shops and flamboyant coffee shops.

When you’re ready, travel north of Oxford to Bicester Village. This unforgettable shopping destination is home to more than 160 boutiques of world-famous brands – including Soho Home, Charlotte Tilbury, Manolo Blahnik, Mulberry, Smythson, Vivienne Westwood and more.

Afternoon

Have a spot of lunch at Café Wolseley, an all-day café-restaurant, inspired by the iconic London flagship – The Wolseley. Combining British heritage with European grandeur, The Wolseley is one of London’s most admired restaurants in the heart of Mayfair. Café Wolseley at Bicester Village will make your luxury shopping day that extra bit special.

Continue to shop til you drop, making use of Bicester Village’s luxury services that include Hands-free Shopping, an onsite tax refund and money change service, and valet service.

Evening

For a truly unforgettable evening, travel from Bicester Village south into the Oxfordshire countryside, to Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons for dinner.

Chef Raymond Blanc’s Restaurant is not only one of the best places to dine in Oxford, but one of the best places to dine in the country. Relish in an unforgettable culinary experience prepared with fresh ingredients from the 2-acre kitchen garden and treat yourself to one of the 600 specially selected wines from around the world.

Stay the night at Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons – the rooms and suites are each a unique example of the best in design and comfort. The hotel is set in elegant gardens in the Oxfordshire countryside and provides an idyllic setting in which to savour magical cuisine.

Day 3 – Blenheim Palace

Morning

Travel across to Woodstock, at the edge of the Cotswolds. With streets of attractive honey stone buildings, Woodstock is a great place to spend a relaxed morning strolling through the town. If you have time, pop into its sweet bookshops and cafés.

Afternoon

Reserve the afternoon for exploring magnificent Blenheim Palace on the edge of Woodstock. Home to the 12^th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting beautiful Baroque architecture, 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland and stunning formal gardens. Enter the Palace and explore the gilded State Rooms for yourself or organise a private tour to see even more of the Palace.

Treat yourself to lunch in the grand setting of Blenheim Palace. Visit the stunning Orangery Restaurant for lunch or a traditional afternoon tea.