7 reasons to shop till you drop at Bicester Village

Home to many of the world’s best-known designer brands (well, hello Gucci, Dior and Prada) – as well as quintessential English names (how do you do, Penhaligon’s, Burberry and Vivienne Westwood?) – Bicester Village is synonymous with luxury shopping. The designer outlet centre boasts enticing discounts – up to 40 per cent off retail prices – across more than 150 boutiques.  

A stone’s throw from the historic university town of Oxford and on the edge of the bucolic Cotswolds – one of the UK’s certified Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Bicester Village offers unique luxury shopping experience. This British outpost is one of 12 Bicester Collection Villages located around the world – with other Villages in Barcelona, Milan, Paris and Shanghai, among other cities. Here, the multi-storey mall experience is eschewed in favour of personable customer service and rows of gabled, timber structures that evoke storybook England.

Just an hour from London by train , Bicester Village has everything within one, easy-to-navigate village setting – and it’s no surprise that the destination is a hit with visitors from far and wide. Best of all, Cathay members will also be able to earn GBP1 =  1.25  when presenting their membership card and receipts at the Concierge Services counter at Bicester Village only. High-end men's and women's fashion is a given, but here’s our guide to what else you need to know.

1. The best beauty brands at Bicester Village 

Skincare aficionados rejoice: collections from leading cosmetic brands Nars, Shiseido and Narciso Rodriguez are all on sale at Beauté Prestige International, while beauty powerhouses Charlotte Tilbury and Benefit Cosmetics boast standalone spots in the village.

Lotions and potions abound at the range of premium skincare stores – including dedicated boutiques from the award-winning Elemis and L'Occitane en Provence. The fragrance selection doesn’t disappoint either, with several houses to choose from, including heritage perfumer Penhaligon’s and a recent pop-up from celebrity favourite Byredo.

2. Bicester Village’s best sports and outerwear stores 

Fitness enthusiasts are similarly spoilt for choice. From bestselling yoga apparel at lifestyle brands Lululemon and Sweaty Betty to quality footwear at New Balance and Under Armour, Bicester buyers take sportswear seriously. For aspiring skiers, trekkers and trail runners, The North Face has you covered. And Timberland ensures hikers are fully kitted out.

Of course, no luxury shopping destination near Oxford could operate without one of the most iconic of British heritage brands: Barbour. Elsewhere, Holland Cooper celebrates the English countryside, Belstaff brings modern biker cool into the mix, and Moose Knuckles captures the spirit of the Canadian outback.

3. Where to find stylish childrenswear at Bicester Village 

Kids aren’t an afterthought here – recent high-end childrenswear collections spotted at Bicester Village have included colourful animal-themed prints from Kenzo and smart sweatshirts at Stella McCartney.

For a youngster-centric experience, Tommy Hilfiger Women & Kids and Polo Ralph Lauren Children both boast dedicated boutiques, while prestige fashion reigns supreme at French children’s atelier Bonpoint. For a curated selection of the best in younger fashion, Kids Around features childrenswear and accessories from coveted luxury designers including Hugo Boss and Marc Jacobs.

When the tots tire of shopping, there’s a whimsical playground – complete with a wooden fort, carved-out tree trunk and mini climbing wall – to keep them entertained.

4. Where to eat and drink at Bicester Village 

Staples like Itsu and Pret a Manger offer a mid-shop refuel; you can also enjoy fresh coffee, pastries and quirky snacks at one of the village’s retro food trucks. For a more leisurely affair, savour British seasonal plates at Soho House & Co’s Farmshop Restaurant & Café or traditional Asian cuisine at Shan Shui. There are also outposts of beloved London-born Mediterranean dining concepts Ottolenghi, Cecconi’s and La Tua Pasta.

5. How to get to Bicester Village from London 

Trains run direct and regularly from London’s Marylebone station – taking just 47 minutes – so look out for discounted rail packages. Checking in later? From Heathrow Airport, the Heathrow Express arrives at London Paddington in just 15 minutes, and from there it’s a short tube journey to Marylebone. It’s also possible to take a direct coach, with Evans Tours’ Bicester Village Shopping Express departing from three locations in Central London.

6. Where to stay if you’re visiting Bicester Village 

There’s no shortage of accommodation in Central London, but to keep up your sense of luxury, the five-star The Landmark London and The Marylebone are within walking distance of Marylebone station, as is the four-star The Mandeville Hotel. Alternatively, Oxford is just a 25-minute drive or 18-minute train ride from Bicester Village, so consider a stay at the suitably grand The Randolph Hotel Oxford.

7. More reasons to shop at Bicester Village

Bicester Village’s enticing guest services are offered in a variety of packages that include reserved parking, hands-free shopping and priority access. Shipping options are also available, including tax-free international delivery with items from selected boutiques, all arranged by Bicester Village customer service representatives.   

1st Video Credit: ahei/Getty Images