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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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.
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Noughts & Nibbles set to open new board game café in Bicester
A new board game café is coming to Bicester as Noughts & Nibbles prepares to open on Sheep Street in March 2026, offering classic and modern tabletop games alongside food, drinks and community-focused events.
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Mollie’s Oxford & Bristol earn four-star VisitEngland recognition
Mollie’s Oxfordshire and Bristol hotels have been awarded four-star VisitEngland status, recognising the brand’s design-led approach, high standards of comfort and service, and growing reputation for accessible, value-luxe hospitality.
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BFFs over boyfriends as Flight Club launches Galentine’s Brunch
Flight Club is putting friendship first this Valentine’s season with its Galentine’s Brunch, combining Social Darts, bottomless drinks, live DJs and pizza for a lively celebration of platonic love from 13 to 15 February.
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Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons appoints three Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Donckele as Culinary Director
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons has announced the appointment of three Michelin-starred French chef Arnaud Donckele as Culinary Director, ushering in a new era for the Oxfordshire destination with a renewed focus on terroir, sustainability and refined French artistry.
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Westgate Oxford helps shoppers beat the January blues with events and winter offers
Westgate Oxford is brightening January with styling events, giveaways and seasonal offers. From free hot chocolate to dining discounts and cinema screenings, the centre is encouraging guests to enjoy the winter months with plenty of reasons to smile.
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Oxfordshire Cricket becomes a registered charity following successful application
Oxfordshire Cricket has officially become a registered charity, strengthening its ability to grow participation, support volunteers and deliver community programmes, as it launches an ambitious new strategy to shape the future of the sport across the county.
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voco Oxford offer free luxury stay to lift Blue Monday blues
voco Oxford is helping locals beat Blue Monday by offering a complimentary luxury stay at one of its Oxfordshire hotels, complete with dinner and breakfast. The annual giveaway returns for its fourth year in January 2026.
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From application to approval: a recap of Oxford United’s Stadium journey
Oxford United secured planning permission for a new 16,000-capacity stadium near Kidlington, following months of delays, a record-breaking council meeting and final sign-off from the Secretary of State. Here’s a recap of the key moments that led to approval.
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City Sightseeing Oxford launches magical elf trail this Christmas
City Sightseeing Oxford is spreading festive cheer with a new Christmas elf trail, encouraging families to solve riddles, explore the city and enjoy festive rewards alongside its popular Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.
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Oliver Bonas relocates to larger store at Westgate Oxford
Oliver Bonas has relocated to a new 2,954 sq ft store at Westgate Oxford, expanding its range of clothing, accessories and homeware just in time for the Christmas shopping season.
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T.H.Baker to open 17th store in Witney marking first Cotswolds location
T.H.Baker is opening its 17th store in Witney in January 2026, bringing fine jewellery, luxury watches and new retail jobs to the Cotswolds for the first time.