Between London And Birmingham Is A Town With Medieval Vibes And Bustling Market Square Shopping

Sitting just 63 miles northwest of London, England, is a thriving market town that blends its 16th-century traditions with modern shopping outlets. Bicester sits between the big cities of London and Birmingham, making it an ideal choice for a day trip or for an overnight stay. Many of its buildings are historic landmarks, with some dating back more than 1,000 years, offering visitors a glimpse into the medieval history that helped mold the town's personality.

Retail therapy is abundant here, especially within the shopping center of Bicester Village. This modern, open-air outlet mall is considered one of the biggest outlet malls in the United Kingdom, showcasing more than 150 unique brands. Its size, variety of shops, and reputation as a luxury shopping experience brings in more than 3 million visitors each year. There are also plenty of coffee shops and restaurants on site to keep hungry shoppers fueled.

The modern shopping complex ties in well with Bicester's history as a market town. That history is seen in full every Friday when its beautiful market takes over the town, just as it always has since the 1200s. The monthly farmers' market hosted here is also a popular attraction for those looking for locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

While Bicester celebrates its heritage as a 16th-century market town each week, the square in which its market is held is surrounded by ancient buildings. Situated near the hustle and bustle of the market is a historic merchant's house, which has stood near the square since 1698. Bicester's nearby 18th-century gardens along the River Cherwell are a popular tourist stop rivaling some of London's most gorgeous gardens for an idyllic nature escape.

Nearby, the historic Sheep Street remains an echo of Bicester's past. Its origins reach back nearly six centuries ago when the town needed to accommodate not only the many farmers who would bring their produce to the market, but their livestock as well. Today the street is lined with several notable historic buildings, including the Bear/London House, which was one of the most popular pubs and inns during the 19th century.

The town's history with religion is also reflected through its ancient architecture. The 16th-century Old Priory was once the site of a guesthouse run by the Augustinian priory. Perhaps the most well-known religious site in Bicester, however, is St. Edburg's Church, believed to be the oldest building in the town. St. Edburg's was built in the 12th century and boasts medieval architecture and a graveyard full of headstones, providing a quiet escape for lovers of history.

Visiting Bicester for its weekly market and exploring its medieval past are both great ideas.  However, you can also use the town as a base to venture into the nearby historic castles and towns of the English Cotswolds. The town's location makes it easily accessible. Not only is Bicester easily reached from London and Birmingham, but it's located less than 20 miles from nearby Oxford, home to one of the most beautiful universities in Europe. Chiltern Railways runs regular train routes between Oxford and Bicester about every 30 minutes. Bus routes from Oxford to Bicester are also accessible via Stagecoach. The company also operates the Stagecoach tube, which provides bus service around the clock between London and Oxford, making it a viable option for those choosing to avoid the hassle of a car rental.

Accommodations in Bicester range from high-end resort experiences like the Bicester Hotel Golf & Spa to the Holiday Inn Express Bicester. Those looking for a more intimate stay may enjoy the boutique possibilities in the village, including The Lion. Plenty of private homes, cottages, and rooms are also available in Bicester through vacation rental sites like Airbnb.

Several of the accommodations in Bicester offer on-site dining, but for true local dining, guests may want to venture into the village. The Double Red Duke, for example, is a traditional British restaurant offering all-day dining. It's also known for its cozy afternoon teas. The Plough is among the newer establishments in the village and offers familiar pub food and has rooms for rent on its second floor.