Best known for the nursery rhyme Ride A Cock Horse, this market town’s heart is the Banbury Cross, complete with statue of the ‘Fyne Lady’ on her white horse.

Castle Quay, built on the site of what was Banbury Castle, is one of the biggest shopping centres in Oxfordshire with 100 stores, including big high street names, individual local shops, food outlets and two car parks.

Located beside the Oxford Canal, Banbury Museum and Tooley’s Boatyard are a permanent testament to the town’s interesting past.

Sports and leisure are on offer at the Spiceball Leisure Centre, which includes a 25-metre pool, gym, sports hall and squash courts.

In terms of access, Banbury is within easy reach of Oxford, the Midlands and London via its junction with the M40, or by train to London’s Marylebone station.

Market days on Thursday and Saturday are popular with around 130 stalls, and a farmers’ market is held on the first Friday each month.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Banbury Museum and Tooley’s Boatyard: This is at Castle Quay shopping centre on Spiceball Park Road. The museum has a permanent exhibition about the town and region, and there are also other exhibitions which change throughout the year. Open 9.30am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays and bank holidays. Admission is free. 01295 259855

Broughton Castle: The home of Lord and Lady Saye and Sele, this beautiful manor house dates mainly from the Tudor period, although some parts date from the early 14th century. Opening times vary. For information call 01925 276070.

Farnborough Hall: This is a stone-built Georgian house with landscaped gardens. The hall is open from 2-5.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from April 3 to September 29. The gardens are open from 2pm until dusk. For information, call 01295 690002.

Bygones Museum, Claydon: A museum that explores our past with a unique collection of antiques and memorabilia. Open 10.30am to 4.30pm, Wednesdays to Sundays, from April 1 until the end of October. Call 01295 690258 for more information.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Banbury Town Council: online at www.banbury.gov.uk, or call 01295 250340.

Post offices: Chatsworth Drive, High Street, Bradley Arcade, Hillview Crescent, Ruscote Arcade

Information centre: Banbury Museum, Castle Quay shopping centre, 01295 259855.

Spiceball Leisure Centre: Open daily, 01295 257522.

The Mill Arts Centre: Music and theatre, 01295 252050.

Newspapers: Banbury Cake, delivered free on Thursday website: www.banburycake.co.uk, Oxford Mail, daily, 40p, The Oxford Times, every Thursday, 80p.