Retail and Leisure
Our Retail and Leisure category brings together the places, products and experiences that shape how we shop, stay, unwind and explore. From independent boutiques and high-street favourites to standout hotels and leisure destinations, discover what’s new, what’s worth your time, and what’s making an impact across the sector.
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Diddly Dog Show to make debut at Cornbury House Horse Trials this September
A new Diddly Dog Show will bring a celebration of countryside dogs to Cornbury House Horse Trials in September, with entry fees donated to the Ernest Cook Trust.
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Grove rider Eva Reichardt selected for England endurance squad at Home Internationals
Grove-based endurance rider Eva Maria Reichardt has earned selection for England at the Home Internationals, following two years of building a successful partnership with her Arabian horse JT Roulette.
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The Game Fair to return to Blenheim Palace in 2027 for landmark 69th anniversary celebration
The Game Fair will return to Blenheim Palace from 23 to 25 July 2027, celebrating its 69th anniversary with what organisers promise will be the event’s biggest and most ambitious edition in recent years.
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Californian athleisure brand Vuori opens first UK discount boutique at Bicester Village
Californian performance apparel brand Vuori has opened its first UK discount boutique at Bicester Village, bringing its coastal-inspired activewear collection to Oxfordshire’s luxury shopping destination.
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Richard Hammond set to return to Blenheim Palace for Salon Privé 2026
Former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond will return to Blenheim Palace this September as one of the headline guests at Salon Privé 2026, where he will judge the Concours de Vente and meet visitors during Supercar Saturday and Supercar Sunday.
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Leys Pools & Leisure Centre shortlisted for national ukactive award after community transformation
Leys Pools & Leisure Centre has been shortlisted for a 2026 ukactive Award after transforming into a community-focused Active Wellbeing Hub. The Blackbird Leys facility has seen participation rise by almost 60%, with thousands more young people using its new Active Zone and Youth Hub.
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Two Oxford hotels retain prestigious Four-Star AA ratings and earn culinary awards
voco Oxford Spires and voco Oxford Thames have retained prestigious Four-Star AA ratings and secured AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, with one team member also receiving a national award for outstanding customer service.
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The Art of White: Salon Privé’s extraordinary collection of white automotive icons coming to Blenheim Palace
From pearl-finished hypercars to rare classics, Salon Privé’s White Collection will bring together some of the world’s most desirable automobiles in a celebration of one of motoring’s most timeless colours.
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Salon Privé introduces second Best of Show award as Concours enters a new era
Salon Privé will introduce a second Best of Show trophy for the first time in its 21-year history when the prestigious concours returns to Blenheim Palace this September, alongside the competition’s first-ever electric entrant and new classes celebrating modern collector cars.
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Westgate Oxford hosts free Natural History Museum trail for summer holidays
Families can explore a free interactive Natural History Museum trail at Westgate Oxford this summer, with 26 discovery stations featuring dinosaurs, fossils, wildlife and hands-on challenges.
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Oxford Ladies Golf Club celebrates 125th year with members reflecting on decades of friendship
Oxford Ladies Golf Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary, with two of its longest-serving members sharing nearly a century of combined memories while encouraging more women and girls across Oxfordshire to discover the sport.
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Rally of The Giants returns to Stonor Park for 60th anniversary celebration of classic American cars
Hundreds of classic American cars will descend on Stonor Park this August as the Rally of The Giants celebrates its 60th anniversary. The annual showcase promises a spectacular day of motoring history, live entertainment, food, family activities and access to one of Oxfordshire’s most historic estates.
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City Sightseeing Oxford launches biggest-ever Passport Trail with six iconic attractions for 2026
City Sightseeing Oxford has unveiled its largest Passport Trail to date, bringing together six of Oxford’s best-known attractions in a family-friendly adventure running until 30 September.
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TRAX Silverstone 2026 to bring 4,000 performance cars and live motorsport action this August
TRAX returns to Silverstone on Sunday 16 August, bringing more than 4,000 display vehicles, live drift demonstrations, celebrity drivers and family entertainment to Britain’s most famous race circuit.
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Frilford Heath celebrates hosting prestigious R&A Senior Amateur Championships in Oxfordshire
Frilford Heath Golf Club has hosted The R&A Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships, welcoming elite amateur golfers from around the world to Oxfordshire for a prestigious week of championship golf.
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David Clulow opens new flagship eyewear store at Westgate Oxford
Eyewear retailer David Clulow has opened a redesigned flagship store at Westgate Oxford, featuring luxury eyewear brands, advanced eye testing facilities and an experience-led optical retail concept.