Bicester Street Piano

There's a piano sat right on Bicester's high street - and it's there for anyone to play. No booking needed, no permission slip required. You just walk up and play whatever comes to mind, whether that's a bit of Elton John or something you've made up yourself.

It's the sort of thing that either delights you or makes you slightly uncomfortable depending on your mood. Some days you'll find someone actually playing it, creating an oddly uplifting backdrop to the shoppers hurrying past. Other times it sits silent. Either way, it's a proper conversation starter - the kind of random, public act of creativity that makes a town feel a bit less uniform.

The piano works best as a quick stop if you're already in Bicester for shopping or a wander round town. Don't plan a trip specifically for it, but do check it out if you're passing. Kids often find it fascinating - even if they can't play, watching someone else bash out a tune usually keeps them entertained for five minutes.

If you're staying at Glebe Leisure Touring Caravan Park just outside town, it's worth a stroll into the centre on a Saturday morning. You might catch someone mid-performance, or you might just enjoy the oddness of finding a playable piano on a fairly ordinary high street. That unpredictability is rather the point.