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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M&S to open new Abingdon food hall creating 75 jobs
Marks & Spencer will open a new food hall in Abingdon on 22 April, creating 75 jobs and offering fresh produce, bakery items and hot food, as part of its wider plan to transform former Homebase sites into modern retail spaces.
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Oxford basketball players inspire next generation through coaching and competition
Oxford Hoops players Malachi Hilsdon and Errol Otto are mentoring young athletes while calling for a permanent basketball facility to help unlock new opportunities for players across Oxford.
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Stonor Park invites couples to exclusive wedding showcase
Couples are invited to discover wedding inspiration at Stonor Park during a special showcase on 18 April.
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Top bluebell walks to enjoy in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire this spring
Explore the best bluebell walks this spring across Bucks, Berks, and Oxfordshire. From Basildon Park to Watlington Hill, National Trust woodlands offer magical trails, scenic views, and family-friendly routes to enjoy Britain’s iconic blooms.
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Ashmolean Museum launches exclusive botanical capsule collection with One Hundred Stars
Ashmolean Museum launches an exclusive In Bloom capsule collection with One Hundred Stars, featuring kimonos and scarves inspired by botanical art.
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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.