Shirley Yanez / 02 August 2025 / Categories: What to do, Shops, Retail Parks, Coffee Shops, Bakery and Cakes, Restaurants, Product and Brands, Clothes, Accessories, Jewellery, Beauty & Grooming, Skincare, Hair Care, Fragrance

A Day at Bicester Village With Lunch

Discount designer shopping village

A Day at Bicester Village – Designer Shopping in the Heart of the Oxfordshire Countryside

Nestled in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside, just a stone’s throw from the Cotswolds, Bicester Village offers a world-class shopping experience in a charming, open-air setting. As part of The Bicester Collection, this luxury retail destination has become a must-visit for fashion lovers, tourists, and locals alike since its opening in April 1995.

I recently had a day out here having lunch at Ottolenghi restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Expect Southern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with grilled mains, vibrant seasonal salads and iconic cakes to follow. The food and atmosphere here was amazing and very affordable so I would come back.

What sets Bicester Village apart is not just its more than 150 boutiques featuring iconic brands, but the atmosphere it cultivates. The Village is beautifully landscaped and fully pedestrianised, creating a relaxed yet elegant environment for a day of leisurely shopping. Expect to find prestigious labels such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Balenciaga, and Dior, alongside more accessible designers like Coach, Sandro, and Reiss—all offering up to 60% off the recommended retail price year-round. The shopping was not as good as the lunch because I found the discounts to not be as good as they once were but it does make a difference from the dead High Streets and does offer some beautiful designer finds. I loved the Designer exchange boutique here and found some amazing deals on Chanel Jackets preloved and pristine.

Beyond fashion, there’s an impressive array of accessories, beauty, and lifestyle brands, including the likes of Le Creuset, Rituals, and Molton Brown. It’s not just about shopping either—Bicester Village offers a taste of luxury hospitality with its concierge service, hands-free shopping, and multilingual staff.

Dining here is more than an afterthought. Whether you’re grabbing a light bite or indulging in a full meal, the Village features a range of restaurants and cafés, including farm shop restaurant & café by Soho House, Itsu, and Ladurée—ideal for a refined pause between browsing.

Bicester Village also appeals to international visitors with tax-free shopping for non-EU residents and excellent transport links, including direct trains from London Marylebone (just under an hour) and ample parking for those arriving by car.

In summary, Bicester Village is much more than an outlet mall—it's a curated destination that blends luxury shopping, natural beauty, and impeccable service. Whether you're a fashion devotee, a casual browser, or simply enjoying a day out near the Cotswolds, it's well worth the visit.