Retail and Leisure
Discover Retail & Leisure businesses in Oxford and just beyond, from independent shops and high-street brands to shopping destinations, leisure venues, new openings and sector developments.
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Oxford University Golf Club and Oxford Golf Club launch partnership to strengthen sport in the city
A new partnership between Oxford University Golf Club and Oxford Golf Club has relaunched a historic Town versus Gown fixture while introducing coaching and facility improvements to support golf’s future in the city.
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Westgate Oxford launches free Easter family events with character visits
Westgate Oxford is offering free Easter meet-and-greets, craft sessions and themed family trails with popular children’s characters this holiday season.
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Graven Hill launches free Easter egg hunt for families during the holidays
Graven Hill is offering a free Easter egg hunt with woodland clues, hidden eggs and prizes for children during the school holidays.
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City Sightseeing Oxford launches Easter Bunny Hop Trail with city museums
City Sightseeing Oxford and city museums have relaunched the Bunny Hop Trail, offering Easter activities for families across Oxford attractions.
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EV chargepoint operator RAW Charging and Landsec launch £24.5m EV charging rollout
RAW Charging and Landsec are launching a £24.5 million electric vehicle charging network across 28 retail and leisure destinations, including Bluewater, where the UK’s largest destination charging hub will open.
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Ferry Leisure Centre swim coordinator completes Ice Mile challenge
Oxford swim coordinator Joanne Jones has completed the Ice Mile, one of the world’s toughest cold-water challenges, after months of pool and open-water training, becoming one of fewer than 700 people worldwide to finish the event.
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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt sensory trail arrives at Cliveden this spring
Families visiting Cliveden this spring can follow a new We’re Going on a Bear Hunt sensory trail featuring interactive story scenes and augmented reality activities.
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National Trust unveils Easter trails across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire
National Trust Easter trails will return this spring with family activities across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, including Cliveden and Greys Court.
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What I’m giving mum this Mother’s Day — and why it isn’t flowers
Mother’s Day is the perfect moment to give something more lasting than flowers. In this editor’s column, we explore why an Audible Standard subscription – with audiobooks, podcasts and monthly titles to keep – makes a thoughtful, modern gift for busy mums.
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Oxford Half outpaces competition as 2026 race sells out in weeks
The Oxford Half has sold out in under three weeks for 2026, with 15,000 runners set to take part. Rising demand and a fast city-centre course continue to make the race one of the UK’s most popular half marathons.
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Oxford United secures Section 106 planning approval for new 16,000-capacity stadium
Oxford United has secured full planning approval for its new 16,000-capacity stadium, including a hotel, restaurant, conference centre, and community spaces, following the signing of a Section 106 Agreement with local councils.
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99 days to go until Supertri Blenheim Palace 2026 triathlon
Supertri Blenheim Palace returns on 06 to 07 June 2026, bringing 7,000 athletes and elite Pro Series racing to the UK’s largest triathlon at the iconic UNESCO-listed Oxfordshire venue.
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FunParx to open 50,000 sq ft indoor adventure park at Banbury’s Castle Quay in 2026
Castle Quay will welcome FunParx, a 50,000 sq ft indoor adventure park, in summer 2026. Featuring inflatables, obstacle courses, slides and arcade games, the park will create 50 jobs and add a major new family-friendly attraction to Banbury’s canalside leisure and retail destination.
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Westgate Oxford unveils free half-term family event programme
Westgate Oxford is hosting a week of free half-term fun, including an Alice in Wonderland trail, craft sessions, story times and interactive play on Leiden Square for families to enjoy.
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Bicester Avenue Garden Centre reveals major new nursery and play area plans
Bicester Avenue Garden Centre has unveiled plans for a new Canopy Children’s Nursery and an upgraded indoor play area, investing £100,000 to enhance family-friendly facilities ahead of 2026.
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Oxford United hopeful of starting stadium construction this year
Oxford United says it is hopeful construction of its new 16,000-seat stadium near Kidlington can begin this year, with completion targeted for the 2028/29 season.