A Village Built on Style

Opened in 1995, Bicester Village began as a pioneering concept: to bring high-end designer brands together in a beautifully designed village setting. Today, it features more than 160 boutiques, offering reductions of up to 60% on luxury labels such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Dior, and Mulberry, alongside contemporary names including Reiss, The White Company, and AllSaints.

The architecture evokes a quintessential English village, with pretty pastel façades, tree-lined walkways, and stylish outdoor seating. It’s an experience that feels more like a leisurely day out than a shopping trip — complete with champagne bars, cafés, and landscaped spaces perfect for an afternoon pause.

For international travellers, Bicester Village has become a tourism icon — part of the “Collection” of global luxury shopping destinations, which includes sister villages in Paris, Milan, and Shanghai. Convenient train connections from London Marylebone (around 46 minutes) make it an easy day trip for both UK and overseas visitors.

In recent years, Bicester Village has placed growing emphasis on sustainable luxury, blending environmental awareness with community values. Many brands now promote circular fashion, recycling, and responsibly sourced collections, while the village itself incorporates sustainable design, low-impact transport, and green energy use. Its community initiatives support education, opportunity, and local charities — showing how modern luxury can combine elegance with care for people and the planet.

A Day to Remember

Whether you come for a designer treat, a leisurely stroll, or a celebratory lunch, Bicester Village offers a unique escape — where the pleasures of retail, relaxation, and refined design blend seamlessly. It’s not just a shopping destination; it’s a symbol of how luxury can feel both indulgent and accessible, all within the calm rhythm of the Oxfordshire countryside.

Getting There

Plan your visit to Bicester Village here

Follow this link to visit the Bicester Village website

The post Bicester Village: Where Luxury Meets Lifestyle appeared first on Fethiye Times.

After closing in 1927, the jail fell into disrepair. In 2015, Twelve Architects began a major restoration to bring it back to life.

Bodmin Jail by Twelve Architects

After five years of meticulous work, the Grade II-listed building was transformed into a stunning luxury hotel and visitor attraction, reopening in February 2021. 

The £70 million restoration project converted the former prison into 70 unique hotel rooms, each crafted from three interconnected cells, blending original features with modern luxury. Guests can stay in rooms that retain the character of the original cells while enjoying contemporary comforts. 

Dining at Bodmin Jail is stylish and inviting. The Chapel Restaurant and The Champagne Bar serve contemporary meals, or you can relax with coffee and cake while soaking up the historic atmosphere.

Bodmin Jail also offers award-winning tours, paranormal experiences, and the immersive Dark Walk, making it a must-visit for history lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Tales of flickering shadows, mysterious sounds, and ghostly footsteps add an eerie edge, ensuring a stay that is as thrilling as it is educational.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of the unusual, or simply seeking a unique night away, Bodmin Jail offers a captivating blend of intrigue, culture, and modern hospitality. Its central location in Bodmin makes it an ideal base for exploring Cornwall’s scenic landscapes and historic towns.

Click here to visit the Bodmin Jail website for more information.

Click here to find out more about staying at the Bodmin Jail Hotel

Follow The Bodmin Jail Hotel on Facebook: The Bodmin Jail Hotel 

The post Bodmin Jail: Cornwall’s Dark and Fascinating Past appeared first on Fethiye Times.