Make Bicester Village your go-to destination this Mother’s Day
A brilliant breakfast or brunch, hands-free shopping (yes really) and perfect gifts for Mother's Day - and yourself, of course: why you should head to Bicester Village this March
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If you – like us – have left your Mother’s Day shopping (very) late in the day, allow Bicester Village to come to the rescue. The luxury Oxfordshire shopping destination will be home to a series of unmissable offers, which extend well into March, and tick all the Mother’s Day gifting boxes. In fact, why not take mum with you and make a memorable day of it?
The Village is home to more than 150 boutiques – including all top British and international fashion and lifestyle brands – ranging from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Montblanc and Mulberry to Ugg, Hunter, Elemis, Reiss and more. Where on earth will you start? Chocolates, a candle, a cashmere blanket, monogrammed purse or a new pair of earrings? We’re shopping for mum and ourselves so you’ll find us at The White Company and Alexander McQueen…
And whether you’re planning a weekend visit or a trip after a busy week of work with little or no time for retail therapy, there’s never been a better time to visit. Start with an easy train journey. Just 46 minutes of peace and quiet on the direct London Marylebone to Bicester Village line, a steaming coffee or tea in your keep-cup, and your significant other, a great friend, the papers or a podcast for company during the brief but relaxing journey.
If you fancy some weekend shopping away from the hustle and bustle of central London, somewhere you can browse the latest collections from all your top brands – and new favourites – at remarkable prices, Bicester Village is the place for you. And just to be clear: the train goes right into the Village, which makes it almost unbelievably convenient.
Hands-Free Shopping & Reserved Parking
How many times have you wished you had someone to carry your shopping when you’re weighed down like Julia Roberts post-mega-shop in Pretty Woman? The Village has thought of everything with its Hands-free Shopping service at weekends, which is available from now until 26 March for just £10 per person (it’s usually £35) so you can browse unburdened by bags. Happy days, and happier shopping. There’s also free Reserved Parking every weekend from 18 – 26 March too, although we should point out, with 76,000 square metres of parking, and all of it free anyway, you should be OK!
Breakfast (and Brunch) Club
We just cannot shop to the best of our ability when we’re hungry, and retail decision-making is definitely affected. Pre-lunch purchase regret? It’s a thing. Give yourself the best chance of snapping up a must-have by breakfasting or brunching as soon as you arrive; enjoy 20 per cent off food and drink at Cecconi’s, La Tua Pasta, Farmshop restaurant and cafe, and Shan Shui before 11.30 am until 26 March. Cecconi’s has a suitably luxe offering, with fresh buttermilk pancakes, a selection of pressed juices (including a CBD option) and eggs all the best ways. At La Tua Pasta, it’s epic Italian breakfast sandwiches, while Shan Shui serves the best of Asian cuisine. Farmshop is part of the mighty Soho House brand – need we say more? High expectations, always met.
Special Offers & Virtual Shopping
Savvy shoppers know to keep a close eye on the Village’s Offers page for news of special Private Sales and other deals because, if you’re after a luxury shopping destination outside of London, this is it. Can’t get here in person but have major FOMO? Use the Village’s new Virtual Shopping service, which enables you to purchase products directly from boutiques remotely, and have them delivered directly to your home. Simply contact your favourite boutique and speak to a sales consultant by WhatsApp, email or phone – could it be easier? We think not.
Still need convincing that Bicester Village is worth leaving the confines of the M25 for? Well, it also gets bonus points for the prettily landscaped pedestrianised streets, modelled on the villages in surrounding Oxfordshire, the hearty and plentiful on-site sustenance options and thoughtful inclusions like free WiFi and even a Contemplation Room. We don’t remember spotting one of those on Bond Street… See you there?
