Egg-splore in Oxfordshire this half-term
Embark on a family adventure at Blenheim Palace and their Walled Garden with egg-citing activities like egg-trail, mini-golf, dress up, balloon modelling, and bubble performances. Plus, enjoy a variety show and meet the Easter Bunny!
Website: https://www.blenheimpalace.com
Opening hours: 10.30am to 4.45pm
Waterperry Gardens: Big Easter Bunny Hunt at the ornamental gardens. £3.95 per child with a prize! Gardens open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, including Easter period. Trail open March 30th to April 14th, 10am till 5.30pm. Happy Easter hunting!
Website: https://www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/event/big-easter-bunny-hunt-2/
Evelyn Wood Gardens: Embark on an egg-citing adventure this Easter season! From March 16th to April 14th, 2024, explore Easter activities at Evelyn Wood Gardens. Join their Easter hunt by following the arrows on the map to discover spring friends and claim your treat from the Easter bunny! On Easter weekend they offer a special prize: search for the elusive golden bunny for a chance to win a giant chocolate egg.
Website: https://www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk/bouncing-bunny-hunt/
Opening hours: 9am to 3pm
Discover a fun-filled day at the Old Farm Shop between 10am and 4pm! Experience the excitement of lambing season and much more. On these weekends, enjoy activities such as tractor rides, face painting, delicious BBQ, and much more. Also get the chance to interact with their farm animals, including: sheep, lambs, pigs, cows, and more.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/407600551787080?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D
Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm
Join Hadsham Farm as they welcome the arrival of new life on the farm! Witness the magic of lambing season as they care for 330 ewes in their barns and watch over 600 lambs take their first steps on the spring grass. Experience the joy of birth and the beauty of nature as you explore their farm. In addition to lambing, enjoy our play areas, a sensory walk, a colouring corner, and the opportunity to hold a chick as well as cuddle a lamb. Refreshments will be available at our tea/coffee station (proceeds goes to charity)
Website : https://www.hadshamfarm.co.uk
Explore the sheep-themed Adventure Trail at High Lodge Farm this Easter! Hunt for creatively decorated sheep hidden in the woodland from March 29th to April 7th. After the trail, enjoy woodland games, tractor rides, and tasty treats. Tickets include access to the trail, a chocolate treat, and fun games at the Field of Fun. Plus, free parking!
Website: https://www.highlodgefarm.com/easter-trail-2024
Opening hours: 10am to 4pm with last entry at 2pm.
Egg-citing adventure with Poppet Ponies Easter Egg Hunt rides and games! From Thursday, March 28th to Saturday, April 6th, they welcome children of all ages and abilities to an unforgettable experience. Whether you're an individual rider or coming with friends and family, the Easter Egg Hunt rides promise an egg-stravaganza of excitement and joy!
Website: https://www.poppet-ponies.com/contact
Cholsey & Wallingford Railway: Celebrate with an exciting Easter Egg Trail event! Hop aboard the Bunkline for a delightful ride and embark on a thrilling adventure as you follow the Easter Egg Trail.
Website: https://www.cholsey-wallingford-railway.com/events/easter-egg-trail/
Join Waddesdon House & Gardens this Easter for an exciting adventure filled with hidden bunnies to find inside the house and an outdoor Easter Adventures Trail. Visit their refurbished playground and enjoy delicious food and drinks Don't miss out on a jam-packed Easter trail with fun games and activities, finishing with a chocolate egg reward! Get your trail sheet at the entry kiosks and explore the grounds from the North Front of the Manor to the Coach House.
Website: https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/easter/
Opening times: 10 am to 5pm
How to Navigate Bicester Village Stores
Only 15 min from Panshill, nestled in Oxfordshire, since 1995, Bicester Village is a retail haven. With 150+ boutiques, it's a shopping haven, offering year-round savings on luxury brands and designer goods with visitors from around the globe. Although the shopping is the highlight of a visit, the village itself is pedestrian friendly, very cosy and definitely insta-worthy. Especially beautiful during the festive season, as the village turns into a little winter wonderland with stunning window displays and sparkly visual merchandise. You will find restaurants, such as Cecconi’s, La Tua Pasta, The Mayfair Chippy, cafes like Pret & Ralph’s Coffee and smaller eateries, food trucks and stalls. By skipping the restaurants and opting for the smaller, quicker and cheaper eateries, you will save time and money, so more money to spend in the Bicester Village stores.
Bicester Village offers discounted shopping for women, men, beauty, kids and homeware. Here you will find anything from Prada sunglasses, Gucci & Louis Vuitton bags, Jo Malone perfumes, Moncler Jackets, Tory Burch Wallets, McQueen & Valentino Shoes, Ganni Dress or a Celine tote.
With a wide range of brands, finding specific sizes or the latest collections might be challenging. However, the substantial discounts often make it worthwhile. Always come with an open mind and not too high expectation of what you will find or want to buy. Don’t be disheartened if you find items similar to something you already have in your wardrobe, but for a much more affordable price. Always ask store assistants for insights and use the free WiFi to price compare prices online.
1. Transportation
Operating seven days a week, Bicester Village provides services like a multilingual Concierge and Personal Shopping. Less than an hour from London and only 15 min away from Panshill, it's easily accessible by car and a direct train from London Marylebone to Bicester Village Station.
2. Timing is Everything:
Usually queues can be somewhat avoided by arriving an hour before opening or after 3 pm. Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more relaxed shopping atmosphere. Consider enjoying breakfast before exploring or making it an evening trip.
3. Transportation Alternatives:
Opt for the stress-free train journey from London, Oxford, or Birmingham. Alternatively, indulge and splurge on the Valet Parking package starting at £35 for a seamless experience.
4. Exclusive Extra Discounts:
While Bicester Village already boasts reduced prices, discover additional discounts with our VIP Pass, which gives you additional 10% discount on selected stores.
5. Best Bargains:
Contrary to expectations, January proves to be a goldmine for bargains. Uncover hefty discounts, although availability in all sizes and the latest collections may vary. The end of 2023 to January 2024 sales is looking really exciting, with bargains up to 70% off.
Conclusion:
Bicester Village Stores offers a unique shopping experience with its upscale boutiques and exclusive deals. Armed with these tips, you're ready to make the most of your visit, scoring jaw-dropping discounts and stylish finds. Happy shopping!
Regular opening hours until Christmas
- Monday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Tuesday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Wednesday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Thursday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Friday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Saturday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 19.00
Christmas opening hours week 18th to 24th.
- Monday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Tuesday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Wednesday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Thursday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Friday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Saturday: 9:00 - 21.00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 19.00
- Sunday 24* 10.00 - 18.00
- Monday 25 Christmas Day CLOSED
- Tuesday 26 Boxing Day 7.00 - 21.00
- Wednesday 27 8.00 - 21.00
- Thursday 28 8.00 - 21.00
- Sunday 31* 10.00 - 18.00
*On Sundays Burberry, BOSS, Coach, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Michael Kors, Moncler, Polo Ralph Lauren Men and Women, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Prada, Ted Baker and Tod's open at 11.30am for browsing, with shopping from 12pm and close at 6pm.
Always double check, Bicester has weekly updated opening hours:
https://www.thebicestercollection.com/bicester-village/en/opening-hours
Address: Bicester Village, 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX26 6WD
A United Kingdom Holiday with Alpacas
Having alpacas is a fun-filled adventure! Here at Panshill, we are excited to offer the opportunity to see these amazing animals up close.
There are various enlightening facts about these unique creatures, the main being they are not small llamas! Not only do they differ in size, weight, faces and other characteristics, Alpacas eats less and does not require as much space as the Llama. They do not mature as early and unfortunately they do not live as long as the Llamas. Alpacas needs to be sheared every year, while Llamas are only sheared every other year.
Alpacas has longer pregnancies than humans, their pregnancies span 11 months. And when they give birth to their cria (babies), it’s usually done in the morning. Alpacas communicate with their tails, as well as snorting, screeching, clucking, and humming. Alpacas come in two breeds: Suri and Haucaya. The huacaya alpaca offers fluffy, thick fiber that is wavy with a crimp. Tighter crimps signify higher-quality fiber. The suri alpaca has longer fiber that is straight and without a crimp.Our favourite fact about Alpacas is that they are clean freaks! They are super vigilant when it comes to keeping their teeth and fur clean.
There are many more wonderful, fun and adorable facts about Alpacas, but the best way to learn is by coming down to Panshill to document them!
Group Stays in Oxfordshire, near Bicester Village
Staycations in England, UK are fast becoming one of the preferred ways of travelling for those seeking an escape, but that wishes to avoid the hassle of going abroad. No delays and no passport required, arrive at your lodge ready to relax. In the heart of Oxfordshire, just an hour away from London, lies a haven for unforgettable self-catered group stays.
Exploring Nature's Embrace in Oxfordshire:
Panshill stands as a testament to the perfect blend of nature and luxury. Immerse yourself in our spacious bungalows, each thoughtfully designed to connect you with each other and the surrounding natural beauty. Nestled in secluded woodlands, these bungalows offer an exclusive retreat for groups, ensuring privacy and tranquility for an unforgettable stay. The comfort of ample space allows you to discover expansive lodges tailored to accommodate large groups, providing spacious living areas and well-appointed bedrooms. Indulge in the luxury of private hot tubs, elevating your group stay to a truly extraordinary experience.
Panshill isn't just about space; it's about creating moments. Families can enjoy nature walks, lakeside activities, alpacas and a range of adventures, providing the perfect setting for quality family time. Our bungalows are can accommodate five, ten and twelve people. Our bungalow can also be rented as individual rooms for a very affordable price.
Versatility extends beyond families, catering to various groups seeking a unique retreat near Bicester and London. Whether it's a reunion, stag/hen do, or hosting wedding guests, Panshill offers an idyllic stay in nature.
Indulge in Romance: Your Escape to Panshill
If you're all about romance and quality time, Panshill is your dream getaway. Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, just an hour away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Picture this – you and your partner, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Oxfordshire. Our lodges offer an intimate escape where you can disconnect from the digital world, recharge, and reconnect with each other.
Luxury & Nature Redefined:
At Panshill, we redefine luxury. Our self-catered lodges blend modern amenities, while providing couples their own slice of luxury. Think well-appointed spaces and private hot tubs, all amidst the peaceful rural woodlands. And don't miss our exclusive celebration packages, perfect for marking any special occasion. We're your go-to for a celebration that's truly special. Speaking of celebrations, our exclusive add-ons and trusted local suppliers, like Ambience Beauty for couples' massages, make every moment extra memorable.
Creating Moments:
Panshill is more than luxury; it's about crafting moments. Take a hand-in-hand stroll or discover the surroundings on our rented bikes through scenic woodlands, soak in breathtaking views, and revel in the beauty that is our lakes. Quality time amidst nature is what we promise and you can be sure to deliver.
Versatile Celebrations:
Whether it's a romantic staycation, mini-moon, or honeymoon, Panshill caters to all romantic celebrations. Our accommodations offer varying levels of intimacy, ensuring your stay is tailor-made for your unique love story.
Top 10 Tips for a Romantic Stay:
- Soak in the private hot tub – pure bliss!
- Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars.
- Stroll hand-in-hand through scenic woodlands.
- Make your stay extra special with our celebration package.
- Surprise your loved one with breakfast in bed. (We have trusted local suppliers: https://feastgrazing.co.uk)
- Watch a romantic movie night in the cozy lodge.
- Take a nature walk and explore the rural woodland and fishing lakes. Or venture around the corner for Nature Reserve.
- Create a scrapbook to capture your cherished moments.
- Toast your love with a bottle of our complimentary Prosecco.
- Indulge in a couples' massage & treatments for ultimate relaxation with: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ambience-Beauty-100049820738414/.
Come join us in Oxfordshire, where romance meets luxury, and every moment is a chance to celebrate your love. Your unforgettable romantic escape is just an hour away from the heart of London. Get ready for a stay that's all about you and your special someone!
Included in this package is a vibrant 'Happy Anniversary,' 'I Love You,' or 'Happy Birthday' sign, matching balloons, delicate silk rose petals, number lights (you choose!), and the cherry on top – a link to Ambience Beauty for that extra pampering.
Embrace the Magic: Celebrate Christmas in Oxfordshire at Panshill
We are so excited that we are heading towards December and Christmas.
There are few places as magical as Oxford & Oxfordshire is during Christmas. This is where the holiday spirit comes alive, just an hour from the busy bustling city of London. Discover the enchantment of Christmas with a touch of magic in every corner. From festive family activities in Bicester to the allure of whimsical Oxford, we have listed our favourites event that is on in Oxfordshire & neighbouring areas with Panshill Accommodation.
Oxford Christmas Light Festival: Various locations in Oxford. Enjoy creative workshops, performances, exhibitions, music and markets as lights pop-up all over the city in a joyous celebration. Follow trails and parades in the city and your local area. Make lanterns or displays and light up your neighbourhood.
17th to 19th November
https://www.oxlightfest.com/
The Cutteslowe Light Trail: Self-led with amazing Christmas activities. Marvel at a magical lantern display, enjoy a shadow theatre performance, immerse yourself in music, unleash your creativity with crafts, dance at the sensory baby disco and join the fun of Zumba in the dark or perhaps snap a pic with a giant Santa.
https://redkitedays.co.uk/event/cutteslowe-light-trail-2023/
Save the North Star: Experience the magic of the Christmas Light Festival with 'Save the North Star,' an interactive family walking tour by WhatNot Theatre. Led by Mother Christmas and her Woodland Elf, dive into festive fun, magic, and mischief as we explore the nooks and crannies of the covered market to rescue the fallen light of the North Star, just in time for Christmas Eve.
https://www.oxlightfest.com/save-the-north-star
Oxford Christmas Market: Held in the heart of the city, featuring festive stalls, crafts, gifts and seasonal foods.
https://theoxfordmagazine.com/event/oxford-city-christmas-market/
Christmas at Blenheim Palace: Spectacular light displays, exquisitely themed Palace interior and festive activities at the historic Blenheim Palace. Their Light Trail, now firmly established as an unmissable date, their after-dark trail makes for an unforgettable time, with the possibility to see Santa along the way. Additionally; From Friday 17th November until Sunday 17th December shoppers and foodies can escape the bustle of The High Street and stock-up on festive goodies at the celebrated Christmas Market in The Great Court.
https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/christmas/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0JnctqXDggMVVMftCh2vFwaiEAAYASAAEgJBH_D_BwE
Local Carol, Theatre & MusicServices: Various churches and venues host traditional carol services throughout the Christmas period. Below are some of them:
“Swing into Christmas” - The Olivier Hall: https://theoxfordmagazine.com/event/swing-into-christmas/
“Fairytale of New York” - New Theater Oxford: https://theoxfordmagazine.com/event/fairytale-of-new-york/
“The Mulberry Carol Service” - St Barnabas Church, Jericho: https://theoxfordmagazine.com/event/the-mulberry-carol-service/
“Follow the Starts, Macmillan Carol Event 2023” - Christ Church Cathedral: https://theoxfordmagazine.com/event/follow-the-stars-macmillan-carols-event/
“Oxford City Singers Christmas Concert 2023” - SJE Arts Oxford
“G4 Christmas” - Oxford Town Hall: https://www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk/whats-on/upcoming-events/event/g4-christmas/
“Christmas by Candlelight” - Sheldonian Theatre: https://www.dailyinfo.co.uk/events/261149/christmas-by-candlelight
“ Dear Father Christmas” - Oxford Playhouse Pantomime: If there's a pantomime scheduled, it's a great family-friendly Christmas activity.
Christmas adventure at Basildon Park: Step into the holiday magic at Basildon Park, celebrating 'The Wind in the Willows' from 18 November. Enjoy enchanting trees, garlands, and fairy lights inspired by the timeless tale. Wander through the gardens, where whimsical decorations and woodland creatures add to the festive wonder
Bicester Village Events:
- Bicester Village Christmas Lights: The shopping outlet typically decorates with festive lights and offers special promotions during the holiday season.
- Late Night Shopping Events: Bicester Village often extends its opening hours during the Christmas period, providing an opportunity for late-night shopping.
Be sure to check official event websites, local news, and social media closer to the time for the most accurate and up-to-date information on Christmas events in Oxfordshire, Oxford, and Bicester Village.