A Visitors Guide To Banbury – Oxfordshire
The charming town of Banbury, Oxfordshire lies in the northern tip of the county in the wonderful country of England. It is possible that you have heard of the town through means such as the “Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross” rhyme or by eating a Banbury Cake, which can be tasted as far away as India.
The area of banbury Cross has also been made famous because of the nursery rhyme. Banbury once had several crosses within its boundaries. These were all torn down by the group known as the Puritans in the 1600s which provided the inspiration for the rhyme. The town has one cross now which was erected in 1859 and is surrounded by many great monuments.
Indeed, there is lots to see and do for visitors to the town of Banbury apart from the cross and its traditional buildings. One of the best things to see and do is the Banbury Museum, a building filled with great exhibits, including a fascinating collection of clothes from the 17th century. The museum is housed near the canal next to a traditional boatyard which is recognised as a scheduled ancient monument. Also worth seeing when visiting the town is Brook Cottage Garden. Situated on sloping hillsides and covering 4 acres, visitors will love this beautiful, neat garden which has been tended to lovingly by only 2 people since 1964!
For those who love their activity, there are a range of sports and leisure attractions available for guests to enjoy. The town has several leisure centres where visitors can enjoy a spot of swimming, football, basketball, squash or weight training. Outdoor activities available in and around the town include golf, tennis, horse riding, archery and cycling.
No matter what your taste in food or what budget you have, there are plenty of places to enjoy food in Banbury. From the small cafes on the street to the charming, traditional British pub, there is something for everyone here. Not only will you be able to sample local delicacies and traditional British cuisine, many of the establishments cater for international tastes too.
The nightlife in Banbury is somewhat subdued compared to other areas of the country but it is still possible to have a good night out. As well as a theatre and a cinema, the town has a couple of nightclubs. Many of the pubs have live music to enjoy throughout the week.
Banbury – Oxfordshire is a great place to explore if you have retail therapy on your mind. As well as a range of shops on the High Street to rummage through, there is the Castle Quay Shopping Centre. Here visitors will find a variety of stores selling high-end fashion and well known brand names. Castle Quay regularly holds fun events and fundraisers, making your shopping experience more pleasant and exciting. For a slower pace and to pick up a bargain, a visit to the Banbury market is a must. This is held every week on a Thursday and Saturday.