Bicester spectator guide
Bicester will host the AJ Bell Women’s Tour stage one start on Monday 4 October.
Bicester will host the AJ Bell Women’s Tour stage one start on Monday 4 October.
Please consider the following information when planning your journey ahead of race day.
Bicester is an easy place to get to with a variety of excellent transport links.
Train
Bicester has two train stations. Bicester North is about a 10-minute walk into town. Bicester Village is slightly closer, taking less than five minutes to get into the centre.
Visitors coming from Birmingham will go into Bicester North, while visitors from London have the option of both Bicester North and Bicester Village stations. People coming from the south coast can come through Oxford and change to go Bicester Village. The race is due to go past both train stations.
Bus
Bicester is served by a number of bus routes, coming from Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Brackley, Aylesbury and Oxford to name just a few.
Click here for the latest timetable details.
Road
Bicester is just off the M40 at junction 9. You can also reach Bicester by following the A41 from Aylesbury. From Milton Keynes, drivers will go through Buckingham on the A421.
Car parking
There are a number of car parks in Bicester but be mindful that road closures might affect your ease of access to them.
Cattle Market Car Park is a good long stay option, providing charging points for electric vehicles.
Claremont Car Park is even closer to the town centre, providing a good mid-term option.
Click here for details of other council owned car parks.
Cycling
Bicester is very flat and has a network of cycle lanes throughout the town. Some of these are shared use with pedestrians, so please do take extra care when using them. There are a number of places to park your bike, but with the town centre expected to be very busy, it may be best to use the facilities at either Bicester North or Bicester Village train stations. At Bicester Village station there is a selection of tools available, should your bike need running repairs.
Bicester is a friendly, welcoming visitor destination with many excellent hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Hotels
In the town centre, we have a variety of places to stay.
The King’s Arms Hotel & Restaurant
40 Market Square, Bicester, OX26 6A
The Littlebury Hotel and Restaurant
Kings End, Bicester, OX26 6DR
Wesley Lane, Pioneer Square, Bicester, OX26 6JU
Food and drink
There are cafes a-plenty in Bicester with something to take everyone’s fancy!
Stansfield and Hoole is a private coffee shop on the market square.
Nash’s Bakery is on Sheep Street is a popular for its fresh baked goods throughout the day.
The Little Blue Bakery can also be found on Sheep Street with a generous area for indoor dining.
Staying for more than a quick bite? Why not try The Torino Lounge or Amici, both on Sheep Street.
Road closure info for the whole stage is available on the Oxfordshire County Council website.