Winter in Bicester: Making the most of shorter days and longer nights

Bicester’s endless charm

Bicester is one of Oxfordshire’s most attractive market towns and is full of charming hidden gems, from historical landmarks to unique shopping spots and cultural experiences. The town’s origins date back to the early Anglo-Saxon period around 600 AD, although further reports show signs of a Roman settlement nearby at Alchester, along with earlier Iron Age and Bronze Age communities.

In addition, Bicester is proud of its military heritage, including the birth of RAF Bicester in 1917 and the establishment of a Central Ordnance Depot during World War II, both of which encouraged 20th-century urban development. The town has experienced sustained growth in residential properties, and in more recent times, the development of the vibrant, open-air retail outlet Bicester Village.

Bicester Village

What better way is there to enjoy those shorter days and lengthy evenings than taking a stroll around one of the biggest outlet shopping centres in the UK? With more than 3 million visitors a year, Bicester Village is a thriving hub of activity, featuring more than 150 boutiques and unmissable restaurants and cafes.

It’s open seven days a week and is situated less than an hour from London and just ten minutes from Oxford. There’s a portfolio of guest services, including a multi-lingual concierge, personal shoppers, and hands-free shopping.

Light Trail

If you fancy getting into the festive spirit, why not head over to Garth Park and enjoy the stunning Christmas Light Trail? This magical event is back for its fifth year and promises to be a twinkling extravaganza.

Take full advantage of these long winter evenings, wrap up warm, and venture along the trail. Don’t forget to grab your marshmallows for toasting, and get into the festive mood with a delicious cup of mulled wine.

Outdoor adventures   

Within easy reach of the picturesque Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Bicester serves as a great base for some amazing winter walks around these idyllic villages.

Make the most of shorter days by embracing the day early with a look at some of the most stunning scenery to be found in the South East of England. Enjoy an early morning stroll through the beautiful 18th-century gardens of Rousham House, or marvel at the magnificence of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cosy nights in

After making the most of the shorter hours of daylight, why not settle down for a cosy night in? Once it gets dark, it’s time to light the fire, gather together some winter treats, and relax.

Some will appreciate the solace of a good book, whilst others will succumb to the charms of a romcom movie. But for some, long winter evenings signal the opportunity for game nights, whether it be board games with friends or playing online games at LeoVegas casino.

Great nights out

Those who wish to make the most of long evenings out can check out the season’s pantomime performances at various theatres across the Cotswolds. Chipping Norton is hosting Beauty and the Beast, while Cirencester’s Barn Theatre offers the seasonal favourite A Christmas Carol and Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre hosts Robin Hood.

For people seeking something more active, why not put on your skates and enjoy some of the area’s winter ice rinks? They are typically available from November to January.

Embrace the season

The nights are longer and the mornings are darker. However, with historic sites on your doorstep, seasonal events lighting up the calendar, and endless ways to make an evening count – whether it’s with a pantomime in Chipping Norton or a quiet night by the fire – winter in Bicester gives you plenty of reasons to get out... or stay in!