The Bicester Collection: Europe’s Most Stylish Villages, Where Shopping Meets Culture

Imagine starting your day with coffee on a sun-warmed terrace, watching the morning light spill over cobblestone paths. The air carries a faint mix of fresh bread from a nearby café and the perfume of newly bloomed flowers in the village gardens. As you stroll, you pass boutique-lined streets that open onto sculpture-filled squares. Later, you find yourself sipping white wine while a local guitarist plays in the background, the music drifting lazily through the air.

This is The Bicester Collection—nine destinations across Europe that take the familiar idea of “a day shopping” and transform it into something far richer. Each Village tells its own story through its setting, its design, and the people who bring it to life. They combine the world’s most sought-after fashion with art, regional cuisine, and warm hospitality, creating a blend that feels both cosmopolitan and deeply connected to its surroundings.

These open-air villages welcome millions of guests each year, and while each has its own personality, they all share the same commitment to detail. It might be in the way a courtyard is landscaped to mirror the region’s natural beauty, or in the seasonal events that draw from local traditions. Personal stylists, hands-free shopping, private lounges—these touches turn a simple shopping trip into an experience that feels curated just for you.

Since its debut in 1995, The Bicester Collection has grown to 12 Villages worldwide—nine in Europe, two in China, and one in the United States. They are more than retail destinations; they are escapes where style meets leisure, and every visit feels like a small celebration.

Bicester Village, London: Thirty Years of Style and Storytelling

Less than an hour from London, Bicester Village rests in the pastoral beauty of Oxfordshire. Step into its tree-lined avenues and you’ll find countryside charm effortlessly intertwined with cosmopolitan sophistication. More than 150 boutiques—from global fashion houses to contemporary lifestyle labels—draw a vibrant mix of international visitors and London’s style set.

This year, the Village celebrates its 30th anniversary with characteristic flair. Guests are invited to explore exclusive collections, discover special events, and take home the debut issue of The Villager—its own newspaper filled with insider stories and cultural highlights. In a nod to one of its most treasured clientele, Bicester Village also offers thoughtful touches for Indian guests: from masala chai served at The Apartment to the newly opened Brilliant Punjabi pop-up, which brings the bold, expressive flavours of Punjab to Oxfordshire.

Kildare Village, Ireland: An Artistic Summer Escape

Just an hour from Dublin, Kildare Village offers a serene blend of retail and culture. Its winding pathways and open-air courtyards create a relaxed, almost meditative atmosphere—perfect for a summer visit. This year, the Village’s creative spirit takes centre stage with a series of activations in collaboration with The Kildare Gallery.

Ireland’s largest outdoor sculpture garden now transforms the Village into a living gallery, with works ranging from contemporary abstract pieces to reimagined traditional forms. The Artist in Residence programme invites guests to witness the creative process first-hand, offering a rare glimpse into the minds of Irish artists. As visitors explore the boutiques, they’ll encounter sculptures and installations that merge fashion, art, and storytelling—turning an afternoon of shopping into an unexpected cultural encounter.

Fidenza Village, Italy: A Celebration of Culinary Elegance

In the heart of Emilia-Romagna—Italy’s cradle of food and culture—Fidenza Village is a living ode to la dolce vita. Just an hour from Milan, its design draws on Italian art and history, with graceful arches, fresco-inspired murals, and sunlit piazzas made for people-watching.

This season, the Village pays tribute to the region’s culinary crown jewel: Parmigiano Reggiano. Guests are invited to savour tastings, join live cooking demonstrations, and hear artisans share the secrets behind this world-renowned cheese. Adding to the excitement, the Village has recently welcomed Pandora and Ferragamo, enriching an already stellar line-up of international luxury boutiques. Here, a day might begin with the aroma of a perfectly brewed espresso, flow into a leisurely stroll past designer storefronts, and end with a feast of flavours that capture the spirit of Italy itself.

Ingolstadt Village, Germany: Bavarian Tradition Meets Modern Design

An hour north of Munich, Ingolstadt Village blends Bavarian heritage with sleek, contemporary architecture. This summer, the Village comes alive as a celebration of heritage brands, regional identity, and modern interpretations of trachten—the iconic attire of Southern Germany.

By late September, it becomes a chic detour for Oktoberfest-goers, with themed menus, exclusive fashion collaborations, and stylish nods to Alpine tradition. Alongside international fashion houses, local names such as Lodenfrey, Sportalm, and AIGNER present limited-edition pieces that honour both craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Adding a playful twist, COCO VERO reimagines the classic Dirndl in unexpected colours and fabrics. Guests can also discover a special anniversary edition of the Village newspaper—published for its 20th anniversary—featuring designer interviews and local stories that offer an intimate look into the artistry shaping Ingolstadt Village.

La Roca Village & Las Rozas Village, Madrid: Catalan Flair and Countryside Calm

Just 40 minutes from Barcelona and 30 minutes from Madrid, La Roca Village and Las Rozas Village are unmissable destinations to refresh your wardrobe with the latest arrivals while enjoying Spain’s distinctive flair for style, culture, and hospitality.

Tucked into the rolling landscape outside Barcelona, La Roca Village feels like a Mediterranean oasis. Picture sunlit terraces, elegant walkways, and over 150 designer boutiques balanced by local favourites. Here, shopping flows effortlessly into long lunches—whether at Atmósferas Mordisco, where seasonal produce reinvents Mediterranean flavours, or at shaded cafés that echo the relaxed spirit of the coast.

On the other side of Spain, near Madrid, Las Rozas Village offers a cosmopolitan counterpoint. Set against the natural backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama, its tree-lined avenues showcase a blend of Spanish and international brands alongside curated seasonal edits from fashion insiders. In 2025, the Village celebrates its 25th anniversary with Mano a Mano, a programme dedicated to craftsmanship. Visitors can watch artisans at work—shaping ceramics, weaving textiles, or crafting natural fibres—while exhibitions spotlight the artistry of handmade goods. As the day winds down, Sunset Shopping evenings extend the experience, bathing the Village in golden light and relaxed elegance.

Each Village in The Bicester Collection is more than a shopping destination—it is a doorway into the spirit of its region. What unites the Villages is a promise: that every detail, every encounter, and every moment has been thoughtfully designed to linger long after you leave.

Begin your journey at thebicestercollection.com and step into a world where fashion, culture, and hospitality meet.