Advertorial • December 2016

Christmas all wrapped up at Bicester Village

As the festive season approaches, Bicester Village transforms into a magical wonderland. And with more than 130 designer boutiques, great savings, and the chance to collect additional Avios, you can tick off your seasonal shopping list all in one go

‘Twas the night before Christmas and… the high street was packed, the shops crowded and tempers beginning to fray. OK, so you may have a little longer than 24 hours until the Big Day, but wouldn’t it be easier if you could make your festive shopping less of a stress?

At Bicester Village, you can do just that. With more than 130 boutiques of world-famous brands – from fashion and jewellery to homewares – this Oxfordshire shopping village is the ultimate one-stop shop for Christmas. Here are five tips tow to make your spree a real success...

1. Fuel up

You’ll need sustenance before you embark on your spree. Whether it’s a luxurious Belgian hot chocolate on the terrace of Le Pain Quotidien restaurant, a glass of bubbly at Villandry Grand Café or a full-blown Christmas lunch at Soho House & Co’s chic farmshop restaurant & cafe, soak up the seasonal atmosphere at one of the Village’s many eateries.

2. Nothing but the (style) hits

You’re buying gifts for Auntie Joan, your fashion-loving best friend and a gaggle of cheeky nephews and nieces – where to start? With more than 130 boutiques at Bicester Village, you won’t run short on inspiration. As you wander the pedestrianised lanes (yes, no cars), you’ll discover every leading brand imaginable; the latest Mulberry handbag, a cute pair of pyjamas from The White Company, a Cowshed candle or a Temperley London sequin jumpsuit, there’s something for everyone. And with many boutiques offering up to 60 per cent off the recommended retail price, your wallet will thank you, too.

3. Good wool hunting

Swing by the British Wool Collective’s pop-up boutique, where you can browse through woolly winter staples from such stellar British brands as Markus Lupfer, Pringle of Scotland and Brora. You’ve bought for everyone else, surely you deserve a pair of cashmere gloves?

4. Earn baby earn

While spending, you’re also earning. As an Avios Travel Rewards Programme member you can collect five Avios for every £4 spent in Bicester Village all year round. In addition to this, from 19 November, Avios members and British Airways Executive Club members can earn double Avios. Looks like Christmas just came early. Click here to download your invitation.

5. Home sweet home

Everyone’s ticked off the list and you’ll want to get home to start wrapping your wares, so it’s good to know that Bicester Village is a breeze to visit. If travelling by car, there are three Park & Ride locations nearby. Or there’s the Shopping Express, a sleek coach service between central London and Bicester Village, and it’s just a 46-minute train journey from London Marylebone, with two services per hour. So before you can say Santa Claus, you’ll be back in your living room, listening to carols and tucking into the pink Champagne macarons you bought earlier at the Village’s patisserie L’Orchidée.