Days out from Bicester give families plenty of choice without spending hours in the car. From animals and outdoor adventures to motoring heritage, historic gardens and countryside walks, there is a varied mix of places to explore within easy reach of the town.
Bicester itself is in Oxfordshire, but it is easy to venture across the county border into Buckinghamshire too. Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park is approximately 10 miles from Bicester, making it a convenient option for families looking for a full day built around animals, play and time outdoors.
Here are five ideas worth considering when planning a family day out from Bicester.
1. Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park
Just across the county border in Buckinghamshire, Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park offers 44 acres of animals, wildlife, play and countryside. It sits at Claydon Road, Hogshaw, MK18 3LA – around 10 miles from Bicester, or approximately 15 minutes by car.
The farm brings together farm animals and wildlife alongside outdoor play areas, keeper encounters and hands-on experiences. There is enough variety to move naturally between seeing animals, burning off energy and slowing things down outdoors. A good starting point is the Explore the Farm page, which shows what is included in a standard visit.
For children and adults who want to get closer to the animals, Hogshaw offers a range of animal experiences designed around different ages. The Mini Farm Keeper Experience is designed for children aged 5-7, the Junior Farm Keeper Experience suits ages 8-13, and the Keeper Experience is the wildlife-focused option for teens and adults aged 12+.
That range makes Hogshaw a practical choice for families where children have different interests or ages. One child might be most excited about meeting the animals, another might want to head straight for the play areas, and a teenager may be more interested in a keeper session than a general visit. Having all of those options in one place means the day does not have to be a compromise.
For families travelling with younger children, having animals, play, food and outdoor space together can also make the day easier to pace.
Hogshaw also offers birthday parties for local families, and annual membership is worth exploring for those who plan to visit more than once or twice in a year.
Planning Days Out From Bicester: Make the Most of Hogshaw Farm
One advantage of choosing Hogshaw is that the visit can move at your own pace. The Farm Kitchen provides somewhere to stop for food and drink, and the Farm Shop can be part of the visit too.
It is also worth checking the What’s On calendar before travelling. Seasonal events at Halloween and Christmas add something different to a visit at certain times of year.
2. Bicester Heritage
For families interested in cars, engineering or aviation history, Bicester Heritage offers a very different kind of day out. Based on a former RAF site, it centres on motoring and automotive heritage – a strong option if you have children or adults with a particular interest in historic vehicles.
3. Rousham House and Gardens
Rousham House and Gardens, near Steeple Aston, offers a quieter alternative for families who enjoy historic surroundings and landscaped outdoor spaces. Its 18th-century landscape garden makes it better suited to a slower, heritage-focused visit. Children must be accompanied throughout.
4. Cotswold Wildlife Park
Families prepared to travel a little further could consider Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford – around 25 miles from Bicester, which, depending on the route, may take closer to 35-40 minutes. It offers a larger-scale wildlife park and gardens with a focus on exotic species, and works well for families specifically looking for an animal-based day out on a bigger scale.
5. Heyford Wharf, Upper Heyford
For a simpler outdoor option, Heyford Wharf at Upper Heyford offers canal-side countryside for walking and picnics. A useful choice when you want fresh air and outdoor space without an entrance fee or a planned activity programme.
Choosing the Right Days Out From Bicester
The best days out from Bicester depend on what your family actually enjoys. Motoring enthusiasts may be more drawn to Bicester Heritage, while families looking for a quieter walk or heritage setting might prefer Heyford Wharf or Rousham House. Those happy to travel a little further for a larger wildlife attraction may consider Cotswold Wildlife Park.
For families who want animals, play, outdoor space and the option to add hands-on experiences to the same visit, Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park brings several different activities together in one place – and its location just across the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire border makes it accessible from Bicester without a long journey.
Before setting off, check the Times & Prices page and the What’s On calendar so you can plan around opening hours and any seasonal activities.
Plan Your Visit