Westgate Oxford

800 000 sq. ft of shops, restaurants and a boutique cinema.

Shopping centre

The largest retail and leisure destination to launch in the UK in 2017, we're told. Mostly chain stores, with some local boys like Burrows and Hare and Blackwells. The flagship store is a brand new John Lewis.

The website will usefully tell you whether there is space in the car park currently. Park&Ride buses will stop right outside, and screens in the atrium will tell you when the next bus is due. City centre buses now wind around the centre, and for cyclists there are 1000 spaces to tie up your bike.

Sitting right on the edge of the city centre, Westgate Oxford provides a comprehensive shopping experience. It really is vast and full of shops, restaurants, bars and visitors, but with its high ceilings and open air feel, it's still a pleasant place to wander around.

On the upper ground floor (entry from Bonn Square), you'll find high street shops like H&M and River Island, for everyday shopping. Venture down to the Lower Ground floor for designer brands like Calvin Klein, or at the far end, for John Lewis and his Belgian neighbour Le Pain Quotidien. At the other end of this floor, you'll find a clutch of eateries in the Westgate Social; a dimly lit canteen area with various take-away options.

Check out the roof terrace for a view out over Oxford's dreaming spires, or to watch the sun set. There are plenty of spaces to sit, relax, or chill out, so get exploring to find your perfect spot. There are also a handful of sit-down restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating on this level, so you can continue to enjoy the view while you indulge in a meal.