STRATTON AUDLEY CHRISTMAS BARN

If you're still looking for some last minute gifts, head to the Stratton Audley Christmas Barn for a unique line-up of Christmas presents and a lovely day out in rural Oxfordshire. For today only, there's the added bonus of a festive Beer & Sausage Festival, in aid of Save the Children. Santa will also be there in his Grotto and a traditional Punch & Judy, plus friendly farm animals from Ark Farm.

Festive gifts and homeware

Located just ten minutes from Bicester Village, the Stratton Audley Christmas Barn has been a hive of activity over the past weeks, selling and delivering hundreds of Christmas trees. The barn's Defender is a well-known sight around the area laden with firs and even the odd helper, if the 'How to Wrap a Christmas Tree in Style' video on YouTube, is to be believed!

Run by Sara and Richard Howson, the barn also offers a well-considered selection of gifts, plus gorgeous seasonal decorations and homeware, sourced from the UK, Scandinavia, Germany and further afield. There are beautiful pieces from well-known brands such as Gisela Graham and Parlane, plus niche ceramics from Sweden and intricate silvered tealight lanterns from Germany.

Luminous lanterns

Christmas stars and gift ideas

Silvered baubles

Gorgeous Christmas decs

Festive ceramics from Sweden

The cosy Barista Coffee Bar with its delicious array of homemade cakes and biscuits, is a welcome respite from all the shopping. Try the coffee as Sara and her niece are trained baristas and there are also Tea Pigs on offer for tea lovers, plus hot chocolate and soft drinks.

Rich chocolate Brownies

You can enjoy 12 different real ales from breweries around the country at today's Beer & Sausage Festival, including St Austell Brewery, White Horse Brewery Co in Stanford-in-the-Vale and Oakham Ales in Peterborough. 'We started doing special Christmas events a few years ago for last minute shoppers and we've had reindeer and a skating rink in the past,' explains Richard Howson, 'We decided to do something in aid of Save the Children this year and all the beer has been sponsored by local businesses.'

Decorative wicker reindeer

According to Richard, the bangers are sourced locally and they are also selling vegetarian options. There will also be live music from Caught in a Storm in the festival marquee, to get everyone in a truly Chrismassy mood.

The festival runs from 12.00-18.00 today and the Stratton Audley Christmas Barn is open for gifts and last minute cards, wrapping paper etc until 23rd December from 10.00 - 5.30 daily. 

The ubiquitous Statton Audley Christmas Barn Defender

Contact details:
The Stratton Audley Christmas Barn, Launton Road, Stratton Audley, Near Bicester, Oxfordshire OX27 9AS. www.strattonaudleychristmasbarn.co.uk