The area of banbury Cross has also been made famous because of the nursery rhyme. Banbury once had several crosses within its boundaries. These were all torn down by the group known as the Puritans in the 1600s which provided the inspiration for the rhyme. The town has one cross now which was erected in 1859 and is surrounded by many great monuments.

Banbury has many things to see and do besides it’s cross and charming, traditional buildings. First on your list should be the Banbury Museum which sits by the canal and next to a boatyard that has been recognised as a scheduled ancient monument. Visitors to the museum can find out all about the market town’s history by way of interesting displays. This includes an impressive collection of original 17th century clothing. Visitors may also like to visit Brook Cottage Garden in Banbury. This is a beautiful garden that covers 4 acres on a sloped hillside. All of the plants, lawns and monuments contained in the garden are the hard work of just 2 people since 1964!

For those who love their activity, there are a range of sports and leisure attractions available for guests to enjoy. The town has several leisure centres where visitors can enjoy a spot of swimming, football, basketball, squash or weight training. Outdoor activities available in and around the town include golf, tennis, horse riding, archery and cycling.

Visitors will find that there are a range of places to eat out when visiting Banbury. From small street cafes to traditional English public houses, there is something to suit everyone and every budget. A range of cuisine can be sampled including traditional English fare and international dishes.

The nightlife in Banbury is somewhat subdued compared to other areas of the country but it is still possible to have a good night out. As well as a theatre and a cinema, the town has a couple of nightclubs. Many of the pubs have live music to enjoy throughout the week.

Banbury – Oxfordshire is a great place to explore if you have retail therapy on your mind. As well as a range of shops on the High Street to rummage through, there is the Castle Quay Shopping Centre. Here visitors will find a variety of stores selling high-end fashion and well known brand names. Castle Quay regularly holds fun events and fundraisers, making your shopping experience more pleasant and exciting. For a slower pace and to pick up a bargain, a visit to the Banbury market is a must. This is held every week on a Thursday and Saturday.