Bicester Area Guide | Avocado Property

Why is Bicester a good place to live for families?

Bicester, located in Oxfordshire, offers several appealing aspects that make it a desirable place for families to live:

· Excellent Location and Connectivity: Bicester is conveniently situated near major cities like London and Birmingham, with efficient road and rail transport links. It's about an hour's drive from London and Birmingham, and even less by train. This makes it an excellent base for commuting to nearby cities .

· Affordable Living Costs: Compared to London, the cost of renting and buying in Bicester is significantly less, making it a more affordable option for families. Additionally.

· Diverse Housing Options: Bicester has a variety of housing styles, ranging from Georgian and Victorian period properties in the town centre to newer housing estates.

· Education: The town is well-served with Schools, several primary schools, most with nurseries, and secondary schools with sixth forms. There are plans also for additional schools to cater to the growing population .

· Shopping and Leisure: The town centre offers a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, making it a vibrant place for families to enjoy .

· Beautiful natural surroundings: Bicester offers many opportunities to connect with nature. The surrounding countryside features greenery and picturesque villages, ideal for outdoor activities like walking and cycling .

· Community: The town has a warm and caring community, with various social and leisure activities available.

All these factors combine to make Bicester a great place to live for families as it balances connectivity to major cities and picturesque natural surroundings to make it an enjoyable place to call home.

Schools in Bicester

Primary schools in Bicester

Bicester has several excellent primary schools, including:

· Dr Radcliffe's Church of England Primary School: It offers a Church of England-based education and is known for its commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment .

· Fringford Church of England Primary School: This school emphasises a strong community ethos and offers a broad curriculum aimed at developing the child .

· Bure Park Primary School: Bure Park Primary School is recognised for its strong academic program and a wide range of extracurricular activities .

· Southwold Primary School: Known for its vibrant and welcoming environment, alongside a commitment to high academic standards.

These are just a few of the primary schools in Bicester that are worth considering. It is always a good idea to research schools in the area and to visit them in person to get a feel for the school and to determine if it is the right fit for your family.

Secondary schools in Bicester

Bicester is home to several excellent secondary schools, including:

· The Bicester School: Notable for its commitment to academic excellence and personal development, The Bicester School is a well-regarded institution in the area.

· Whitelands Academy: Whitelands Academy is a newer school, focusing on providing quality education to students in the 11-16 age group.

· Bardwell School: Bardwell School caters to a wide age range and specialises in providing education for students with special educational needs. It has a good reputation for its inclusive environment and supportive educational approach.

· Heyford Park School: Heyford Park School provides a well-rounded education and is recognised for its focus on academic excellence and inclusivity.

These are just a few of the Secondary schools in Bicester. It is always a good idea to research schools and to visit them in person to get a feel for the school and to determine if it is the right fit for your family.

What to do in Bicester

Gyms: In Bicester, you have a few good options for gyms and leisure centres, catering to a range of fitness and recreational needs. Bicester Leisure Centre offers a wide range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym with over 90 exercise stations, group exercise classes, a 25-meter swimming pool, and a sports hall. Bicester Performance Centre prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities including a performance gym, a 200-meter open water swimming lake, outdoor assault course tennis courts, a jacuzzi, and spa treatments . PureGym Bicester is a 24/7 gym offering a wide range of equipment and free gym classes as part of the membership.

Shopping: Bicester offers a variety of shopping experiences catering to different tastes and preferences. Bicester Village is a renowned designer shopping outlet located on the outskirts of Bicester, it’s best known for offering luxury shopping with over 160 designer brands, often at discounted prices. Bicester also offers Bicester Shopping Park situated opposite Bicester Village, this shopping park hosts popular brands such as Boots, M&S Foodhall, Next, and Nike.

Places to eat: Bicester offers a diverse dining scene with a variety of restaurants to suit different tastes. Bicester village is home to several places to eat including Farmshop and La Tua. There are also many popular local places, Dipalee Lounge known for Indian and Asian cuisine, Denis which is a Turkish Restaurant and a popular vegan restaurant Delhish.

Nature and Parks in Bicester

In Bicester, you can find several nature and parks that offer tranquil and scenic spots for relaxation and outdoor activities. Here are some of the notable ones:

· Garth Park: This is a beautiful park and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It features a cafe and playground, making it ideal for families. The park is also used for special events and is known for its pleasant walking paths and green spaces

· Island Pond Wood: A smaller, more serene setting, Island Pond Wood is perfect for those seeking a quiet escape in nature. It's a great place for dog walking and offers a peaceful pond and seating areas for relaxation.

· Whitelands Farm Sports Ground: While primarily a sports complex, this site also includes playgrounds and open spaces suitable for various outdoor activities. It's a great spot for families and for hosting larger outdoor events.

Each of these locations provides a unique experience, whether you're looking for a family outing, a quiet walk, or a place to enjoy sports and recreation in a natural setting.