News
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Oxford action group threatens legal challenge to congestion charge
A new action group, Open Roads for Oxford, has warned it will launch legal action if the county council approves a £5 daily congestion charge. Campaigners say the scheme threatens local businesses, with strong public opposition already recorded.
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The Ivy celebrates release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with elegant limited-edition menu
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie is marking the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with a limited-edition menu inspired by 1930s dining, complete with refined dishes, indulgent desserts, and Champagne cocktails.
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Heavenly Desserts Oxford celebrates one year of brunch brilliance
One year on from its launch, Heavenly Desserts’ brunch menu has established itself as a signature experience, offering indulgent sweet and savoury dishes from Eggs Benny to Croffles, served daily until 4.00pm
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County Council confirms sale of County Hall for transformation into hotel
Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed the sale of County Hall, with the landmark Oxford building set to be transformed into a high-quality hotel as part of wider regeneration of the city’s West End.
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The MERL celebrates Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with new displays
The Museum of English Rural Life is marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with new exhibits, including a rare surviving letter, a first edition, and a countryside trail, alongside heritage workshops and town-wide events celebrating the author’s Reading connections.
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Harrow Estates secures 300-acre site for landmark Bicester development
Harrow Estates has acquired a 300-acre site in Bicester to deliver 1,500 homes, a 21-hectare Nature Conservation Area, and new community facilities, with works starting in 2027 on what will become a flagship, nature-led Oxfordshire development.
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Kings Education announces the launch of Kings Oxford School of Sciences
Kings Oxford will relaunch as the Kings Oxford School of Sciences in 2026. Timed with the college’s 40th anniversary, the new school will provide science-focused A-levels, degree pathways, and a programme to prepare students for top universities worldwide.
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City council survey respondents support smaller and more localised councils
Respondents to an Oxford City Council survey on local government reorganisation have expressed support for smaller, more localised councils. The online consultation attracted 1,580 responses from across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
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Experience Oxfordshire reports resilient visitor economy despite fewer visitors
Experience Oxfordshire’s latest report reveals that although overall visits to the county fell by 11% in 2024, the visitor economy remains resilient with spend growing by 4% to £2.4b, sustaining 41,000 jobs.
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Heather Ferrier to perform with her trio in Faringdon this October
Heather Ferrier, the Stockport-born accordionist, clog dancer and composer, is redefining alt-folk with bold compositions and magnetic performances, bringing her trio to Faringdon’s St. Nicholas Church this October.
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Zizzi eases back-to-school stress with 30% off food for Zillionaires
Zizzi is making September easier with 30% off food until 26 September at Henley and Oxford restaurants. The discount is available to Zillionaires members, with new sign-ups also receiving a free garlic bread.
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Frilford Heath to host the R&A Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships in 2026
Frilford Heath Golf Club has been selected to host The R&A Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships in 2026, with the prestigious tournaments set to be played on its acclaimed Red Course in Oxfordshire.
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Halloween fun for children at Hughenden’s We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ trail
This Halloween, Hughenden invites families on a magical ghost hunt – We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ – inspired by The Bunny Adventures books. From broomstick races to ghost spotting in the gardens, little ones can enjoy a playful trail before joining the celebration party.
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Oxfordshire County council seeks feedback on OxRail 2040 plan
Oxfordshire residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to help shape the county’s rail future through OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail. The draft strategy outlines ambitious proposals including upgraded lines, five new stations, electrification, and the creation of an Oxfordshire Metro. Feedback is open until 01 October via the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire platform.
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Salon Privé confirms 2026 return after record-breaking anniversary edition
Salon Privé will return to Blenheim Palace from 02 to 06 September 2026, following its largest-ever weekend in 20 years. This year’s edition drew more than 28,000 guests, celebrated global car debuts, and showcased world-class concours winners.
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Oxford’s Adaptix enters Swiss market with new VetSA3D distibution agreement
Oxford-based medical imaging specialist Adaptix Ltd has signed a Swiss distribution deal with Schenk Röntgenbedarf AG to supply its VetSA3D 3D X-ray system. The breakthrough technology delivers high-quality, low-dose imaging at reduced cost, supporting more accurate diagnoses.