The Daycation: What To Do In Oxfordshire

As domestic travel continues to flourish, more of us than ever are picking destinations closer to home to escape to this year. If you want to be amongst the 30million annual visitors to Oxfordshire, how about squeezing the region’s most tempting delights into one day of fun? The daycation industry is booming, with day-trippers heading to the Cotswolds to experience stunning countryside, historical architecture, and world-class dining. Considering a mini road-trip? Here’s how to spend the perfect day in Oxfordshire…

The Oxfordshire Daycation

VISIT

Oxford

Spend the morning exploring this beautiful and historic city, home to one of the world’s finest universities, five world-class (and free) museums, outstanding dining, headline exhibitions and, of course, many locations from the Harry Potter films. If you’re blessed with fine weather a spot of punting is, of course, a must.

Blenheim Palace

The birthplace of Winston Churchill, this baroque palace is upstaged only by its breath-taking gardens. The palace itself is home to awe-inspiring palace state rooms and has featured on the big screen in the likes of Harry Potter and James Bond. You could spend the entire day exploring the world-renowned gardens, from the two-mile Marlborough Maze to the quiet lakeside walking trails.

Bicester Village

Of the many and wondrous therapy options available in 2021, retail remains our favourite. Take a break from historical architecture and country ramblings and find time for a visit to Bicester Village, home to more than 160 boutiques at its chic open-air home in the heart of Oxfordshire. From Isabel Marant and Stella McCartney to Le Creuset and Mulberry, there is something for everyone at this retail haven. We are particularly loving the sustainable pop-up series, featuring eco and vintage pop-ups such as the Designer Exchange Boutique, the perfect place to find a pre-loved designer treasure. There are kids shops and a playground, plus family-friendly dining options if you have kids in tow, too.

Daylesford Farm

Head to the spa to unwind, learn something new on a cookery course or simply stock up on award-winning produce in the Daylesford farm shop. This is the perfect pit-stop for hungry day-trippers and a haven of wellness and wonder.

EAT

Photo by Carson Vara 

Oxford is packed with culinary delights, from The Alice to Pompette, check out our guide to the best restaurants here. If you’re heading to Blenheim Palace, the Winston Churchill Afternoon Tea is an absolute must in the beautiful Orangery Restaurant, served with Churchill’s favourite champagne, a glass of Pol Roger Brut Réserve. If you’re finishing off your day with some serious spending at Bicester Village, grab a bite at the award-winning La Tua Pasta, Café Wolseley or Shan Shui, which serves up absolutely delicious Asian Cuisine in a pretty setting.

STAY

Want to turn your daycation into a staycation? Check into local favourite The Bell Inn in Langford, which is half way between Blenheim Palace and Bicester Village. There are more Cotswolds hotels we love to check out in this year’s Great British & Irish Hotels Guide.

HOW

Visit tbvsc.com for more daycation ideas or check out experienceoxfordshire.org.  

Main picture: Oxford by Andrea De Santis