Surrounded by green space and only 11 miles from Oxford, Bicester is a perfectly situated town in the heart of Oxfordshire. It’s well-known for its beautifully maintained outdoor shopping at Bicester Village, but the true charms of the town go far beyond designer outlets. For professionals and families alike, it’s one of the most popular places to live in the heart of Oxfordshire countryside.
If you’re considering a move to Bicester, we’ve put together this handy guide to what you can expect.
Is Bicester a nice place to live?
A historic market town, Bicester is considered a lovely place to live. It’s got plenty of charm thanks to its old, winding streets, 21-acre Bure Park nature reserve, and a plethora of independent shops.
The designer outlet, Bicester Village, is nestled right on the edge of town, where pedestrianised streets and superbly maintained shopfronts give the area a Disney-esque feel.
With great city links, good schools, and beautiful countryside on your doorstep, it’s not hard to see the appeal of living in Bicester.
Things to do in Bicester
Bicester Village is, of course, a major draw of the area. It provides an abundance of designer outlet shopping and upmarket eateries (La Tua Pasta and Ottolenghi are standouts).
Beyond this, though, the town has far more to offer its residents, including:
Garth Park
Take a wander through this peaceful park, with ornamental gardens and a recently renovated children’s play park, before stopping for a spot of breakfast, brunch, or lunch at the beautiful Garth Park Kitchen.
Gavray Wildlife Meadows
From Bicester town centre, you can reach these ancient fields in less than 20 minutes on foot. The Gavray Wildlife Meadows are a hub of wildlife and an important conservation area, marking the boundary where town life ends and the countryside begins.
Bicester Motion
Located on a Second World War bomber base, automotive and aviation brands come together to create this wonderful community. Visit throughout the year for exciting events, including their well-known Scrambles.
Island Pond Wood
Stroll past the tranquil pond and through the woodlands to immerse yourself in nature. This is an excellent place for dog walking, bird watching, and seeing the seasons change throughout the year.
Blenheim Palace
Going a little further afield, you’ll have the stunning Blenheim Palace just a 25-minute drive from Bicester. This grand estate features sprawling palace grounds, the Harry Potter tree (used in the films), and a beautiful lake that’s the perfect spot for a Sunday picnic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s truly picture-postcard beautiful and a treat to have so close by.
Excellent city links
A major appeal of Bicester is its fantastic links to both Oxford and London.
Oxford is a quick 15-20 minute journey by train, or a 30-minute drive (depending on traffic, of course). This gives you incredible access to one of the UK’s most beloved historical cities, and excellent education links if you’re planning on moving to Bicester with a family.
London is just an hour away via a direct train service to London Marylebone. You can also drive into central London in an hour and a half, making it easy to reach the UK’s capital for business or pleasure.
Countryside and Cotswolds
If you love cobbled streets and rambling walks through the countryside, Bicester is a fantastic place to live. It’s superbly situated between the Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills, giving you plenty of choice for weekend trips.
Head up the chalk downs for hikes with breathtaking scenery, or enjoy a walk around the quintessentially English village of Bibury - one of the most picturesque villages in the country. Explore the very best of Oxfordshire, all within driving distance of your new home.
Properties in Bicester
Bicester properties for sale are a little more expensive than the national average, sitting at around £370,000. There are plenty of beautiful family homes on new developments, quaint Grade II listed cottages, and red-brick townhouses, many of which come with gardens or courtyards.
There are also a number of more affordable apartments, starting at around £200,000 for a well-presented one-bedroom.
The Bicester rental market is thriving, too, with a wide availability of flats and homes at a range of price points.
Start your Bicester property search
A historic town with both countryside and cities on your doorstep, Bicester is an excellent contender for your relocation.
Ready to start looking for a home? Whether you’re on the hunt for a property for sale in Bicester or a house to rent, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team at Alexander & Co to begin your property search.
