LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT
During your stay at Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa why not take some time to visit one or two of the many great places to see.
Select a place to visit from the list below to find out more.
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Bicester Village is Europe’s leading luxury outlet shopping destination.
Located in a unique, chic village setting, only minutes from Bicester Country Club. Tatler once referred to Bicester Village as "the most fashionable street outside of London". As Europe's leading luxury outlet shopping destination, Bicester Village has become the label-lover's number one haven.
With over 95 irresistible stores, Bicester Village offer the perfect mix of fashion's most-wanted designer brands such as Donna Karan, MaxMara, Mulberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, Wedgwood and others.... all reduced by up to 60%. From cashmere to cufflinks, books to baby wear, shoes to scented candles - Bicester Village has become one of Britain's best kept shopping secrets for those who appreciate indulent names at forgiving prices.
Amenities include an Italian restaurant, two cafes, ATM and tax refund facilities. It is now open 10am-7pm from Thursday to Saturday and closes at 6pm for the rest of the week. Closed on Christmas Day.
Further 10% discount available – ask reception for details.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Mon, Tues, Weds & Sun
10am - 6pm
Thurs, Fri & Sat
10am - 7pm
Closed Christmas Day
Website: www.bicestervillage.com
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Blenheim Palace - Britain's Greatest Palace.
On passing through the triumphal arch at the Woodstock entrance to Blenheim Palace, it is clear to see why Lord Randolph Churchill proclaimed "This is the finest view in England".
The towers of the Palace appear some way off to the left, while far away to the right the Column of Victory, topped with its statue of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, rises nobly above the trees. But what takes the eye and holds it is the great lake and its island of poplars, with Sir John Vanbrugh's Grand Bridge and 'Capability' Brown's hanging beech woods beyond. This awesome view appears so effortless and natural, but in reality was designed to take the breath away.
The Palace was built on Queen Anne’s orders for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704; a victory that saved Europe from French domination.
It is clear to see why Blenheim Palace deserves its World Heritage status. The splendour and tranquillity of the 2,100 acres of landscaped parkland and the formal gardens are unrivalled anywhere in Britain and the Palace interiors beautifully balance the delicate with the awe-inspiring, from the imposing vastness of the Great Hall, to the intricate detailing of the Red Drawing room.
Blenheim Palace is still home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and his family, and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Through its timeless sophistication, beauty and overwhelming scale, and through its inspirational history, the allure of Blenheim Palace will make a return visit irresistible.
The Park and Gardens
The splendour and tranquillity of the 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and the Formal Gardens are unrivalled in Britain. From the Water Terraces, the Rose Garden and the Grand Cascade to the magnificent lake, fringed by majestic oaks and maples, there is beauty to be found in all seasons. Visit the Secret Garden with it’s winding paths, streams and water features, or cross Vanbrugh's Grand Bridge to walk up to the Column of Victory.
Blenheim Palace is set in 2,100 acres of spectacular parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and is only eight miles from Oxford.
OPENING TIMES
Exact dates, times and prices for the current season can be found on the Blenheim Palace website.
Tickets are available from Bicester Country Club reception with 10% discount off published rates.
Website: www.blenheimpalace.com
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Waterperry Gardens - eight acres of beautifully landscaped ornamental gardens.
Eight acres of beautifully landscaped ornamental gardens, a quality plant centre housed in our Victorian walled garden, Art Gallery, Museum of Rural Life and Teashop offering home-baked lunches and some of the best cakes in the county! Join us for one of our wonderful annual events or sign up for our inspirational Arts, Crafts and Gardening courses.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Open 10am - 5.30pm (summer). 10am - 5pm (winter).
Except between Christmas and New Year and during the Art in Action event.
Website: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
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The Oxfordshire Market Town of Woodstock
Legend has it that King Alfred stayed here in the year 890 although the first firm evidence of a Royal Domicile is during the reign of Ethelred the Unready (976-1016) when he is known to have held at least one council (Witan) here. This suggests that there must have been either a lodge or some sort of palace large enough to accommodate the King and his entourage. The building does not stand today and it is not known where it stood.
The arrival of Norman Kings brought about great changes to the Country and its inhabitants. The sport of hunting became very important to the monarchy and large areas of forest were given over to hunting with the Saxon inhabitants being driven away. Those of the 'Clearing in the Woods' that was Woodstock were no exception and there is strong belief that they were the founders of 'Old Woodstock' which lies to the north of the River Glyme. The youngest son of William the Conqueror, Henry I is the first to be credited with enclosing what is now Blenheim Park and it is said that parts of the old wall can still be seen. He also built a manor within the wall which stood on the mound which stands across what is now the lake from the Palace we see today.
After Henry's death came nineteen years of anarchy and civil war until the accession of Henry II (Plantagenet) in 1154. He was the first monarch to subdue the Barons and unify the country under one authority. For the first time 'Kings Justice' was available to all - high or low born. He introduced trial by jury and built a professional Civil Service.
With his wife Eleanor D'Aquitaine, Henry Plantagenet held sway from England through to the Pyrenees in the South of France. Henry II often stayed at Woodstock with his mistress 'The Fair Rosamund' and during his time spent here granted parcels of land to build hostelries for the use of his men. A weekly market, on Tuesdays was also established and a three day fair at the feast of St. Matthew.
By the end of the Thirteenth century this 'new town' Woodstock had grown important enough to be taxed as a borough. The official date of this was May 24th 1453 according to the charter of Henry VI. The old manor stood until 1715, it had probably been subjected to considerable bombardment during The Civil War, and it was demolished by order of Sarah, the 1st Duchess of Marlborough
The Palace that stands today was built in 1715 by the architect Vanbrugh with the park landscaped by Capability Brown. With the building of the new palace came much new building in Woodstock itself and many of the old timber-framed buildings were given new fronts of coursed stone and reroofed using slate from nearby Stonesfield. Woodstock became renowned for two crafts, those of glove making and decorative steel work. Woodstock steel, said to be made from horseshoe nails, was cut to make jewellery and other decorative items.
The Town Hall, built in 1766 dominates Market Place. To the south is the Bear Hotel, world famous and dating back to the 13th century. Across Park Street, behind the Town Stocks, Fletcher's House – a 16th century merchant's house – is home to the Oxfordshire County Museum. Park Street - quiet and tree-lined - leads to Blenheim Park and to one of the most breathtaking views in England. In contrast, Market Street and High Street bustle with activity, as does Oxford Street, the main thoroughfare. Each is a pleasing mix of small shops, inns and private houses where car parking is convenient and free.
From pre-Conquest times closely associated with a royal manor and ducal palace, the town nevertheless developed its own character through glove making, bell foundry and manufacturing steel articles. A fine church, elegant houses and substantial inns are visual reminders of this market town’s prosperity.
Website: www.wakeuptowoodstock.com
