Banbury is a town with a special place on the map of British folklore, mainly thanks to the nursery rhyme Ride a Cock Horse. The cross mentioned in the nursery rhyme could be one of three destroyed by the Puritans in the 16th century, and the custom of riding a hobby horse was also stamped out at the same time, only to return triumphantly at the start of the present millennium.

A new cross was built in 1859 and can still be seen today. And Princess Anne unveiled a large bronze statue depicting the Fyne Lady upon a White Horse of the nursery rhyme. It stands on the corner of West Bar and South Bar, just yards from the present Banbury Cross.

Castle Quay shopping centre, so named because it is on the site of the former Banbury Castle, is a very popular shopping destination. Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, built the castle in 1135 AD.

Places To Go

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: This is a mainly Tudor castle, although some parts date from the early 14th century. It is open on Wednesdays and Sundays until September 15. It is also open on Thursdays during the months of July and August, as well as on bank holiday Mondays and Sundays throughout the year. Call 01295 276070 for more information or visit the website: www.broughtoncastle.com
Farnborough Hall: This is a stone-built Georgian house with landscaped gardens. The current visiting season runs until September 30.
Opening times for the house are 2pm to 6pm. The gardens are open from 2pm until dusk. For information, call 01295 690002.
Bygones Museum: A museum that explores our past with a unique collection of antiques and memorabilia. Open 10.30am to 4.30pm, from Wednesdays to Sundays, until the end of October. Call 01295 690258 for more information.

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