There are two sides to Bicester — the historic which has its roots in the 16th century Market Square, and the ultra-fashionable that centres on Bicester Village designer outlet.

Shoppers from all over the UK head for Bicester Village, which has more than 130 stores including Burberry, Armani, Calvin Klein and Dolce et Gabbana, plus restaurants and cafes.

Market Square is the venue for a traditional street market on Friday and a farmer’s market on the second Thursday of every month.

Located out-of-town, Bicester Avenue features one of the largest Wyevale Garden Centres in the UK, next to other big-name retailers such as Lakeland and Laura Ashley.

The town has grown in recent years, mainly through new housing developments on the edge of the town, and is well-placed for the M40 and access to Oxford, the Midlands and London.

Bicester North is its main railway station on the Chiltern line, connecting to London Marylebone and Birmingham. The smaller Bicester Town station is the terminus of the branch from Oxford.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Rousham House: Steeple Aston. Built by Sir Robert Dormer in 1635. Visits by appointment only. The gardens are open 10am to 6pm, with last admission at 4.30pm. Nearest railway station is Heyford. For information, call 01869 347110, or visit the website: www.rousham.org

Bicester Village: Pingle Drive. A factory outlet featuring more than 130 stores. Open 10am to 6pm Monday to Wednesday and Sundays, and 10am to 7pm Thursday to Saturday. Call 01869 323200, or visit the website: www.bicestervillage.com

USEFUL INFORMATION

Bicester Town Council: The Garth, Launton Road, Bicester, Oxon OX26 3YH. 01869 252915, www.bicester.gov.uk

Post offices: 48-50 Sheep Street and 9 Bassett Avenue.

Bicester Visitor Centre: 01869 369 055. Located at the Bicester Village shopping centre. Open 10am-7pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am-6pm Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, e-mail: bicestervillage.tic@cherwell-dc.gov.uk

Bicester Leisure Centre: 01869 253914

Newspapers: The Bicester Advertiser, 35p, every Thursday, website: www.bicesteradvertiser.net, Oxford Mail, daily, 40p. The Oxford Times, Thursdays, 80p.