Banbury, a Market Town on the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire, England
The market town of Banbury is located at the border of the Oxfordshire Cotswold on the River Cherwell. For centuries past, it has been a thriving market town that has grown considerably in size and economy during the last half of the 20th century. At present, it is an important, industrial, retail and commercial centre of the surrounding area which is predominantly rural.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Banbury
The town is a flourishing busy town with plenty of shops which provide excellent retail therapy. There is the Castle Quay Shopping Centre with its fascinating mix of old and new stores. There are also quaint antique stores, gift and speciality shops, a farmers market and a flea and street market
Visitors will never go hungry in this town. The town boasts of a huge number of places to eat; from the best restaurants offering gourmet food to cheap eats and fast food joints. Traditional British dishes, American steaks and burgers, exotic Asian fusion, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and more can be had in town.
Being the centre of commerce and industry of the surrounding area, this town has become a base for people visiting the other towns and villages nearby, thus the proliferation of places to stay in this town. Aside from hotels and B&Bs, there are self-catered apartments, glamping and camping sites, hillside cottages for visitors to choose from.
Things to See and Do in Banbury
In spite of the recent growth and development of the town, it has retained its charm with some quiet corners and old alleys that are fun to explore. It has also preserved two of its famous old inns such as the 17th Century Whately Hall, now the Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel and the Reindeer in Parson Street. There is also the legendary Cross, the subject of the well-known nursery rhyme “Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross”.
In this town, there are landmarks, museums, parks, a wildlife sanctuary worth exploring. The Upton House and Gardens with its art collection and the town offer guests a glimpse of the town’s history.