Premier Inn Bicester

Yes, Bicester is well worth visiting – especially if you're into shopping, a bit of local history and relaxed countryside surroundings. It's home to Bicester Village, a world-famous designer outlet that attracts visitors from around the globe. But there’s more to the town than just luxury shopping. You can explore Garth Park, a well-kept green space with a cafe, play area and regular events in summer. The town centre has traditional markets, historic streets like Sheep Street and Market Square, and a mix of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. It’s also well connected by train and car, making it an easy stop for a weekend away.

Bicester is popular for a few key reasons. First and foremost, it’s the location of Bicester Village, one of the most visited luxury outlet shopping centres in Europe, with over 150 designer boutiques. It’s also close to Oxford and only about an hour from London by train, which makes it super convenient for both UK and international visitors. The town has grown rapidly in recent years and now combines modern amenities with historic character. On top of that, the countryside surrounding Bicester is dotted with picturesque villages, walking routes and pubs—making it a great base to explore north Oxfordshire.

What makes Bicester special is the mix of big-brand shopping and small-town atmosphere. You can spend the morning hunting for bargains at Bicester Village, then head into the historic town centre to explore Market Square, which still hosts regular markets and has local shops and eateries. The town is also close to Bicester Heritage, a former RAF base turned vintage motoring hub that sometimes opens to the public for classic car events. Bicester also has lots of green spaces like Langford Fields and Jubilee Lake, and plenty of cosy cafes and pubs to unwind in after a day out.

Bicester is a town, not a village. Despite the name of the popular shopping centre (Bicester Village), the town itself is quite large and one of the fastest-growing in Oxfordshire. It has two train stations – Bicester North and Bicester Village – along with shopping areas beyond the outlet. The name “village” in Bicester Village refers just to the style of the outlet centre, which is designed to look like a boutique high street.