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Welcome to Oxfordshire I would like to extend a personal welcome from myself, the team at Experience Oxfordshire and all of our partners to our fantastic visitor destination - Oxfordshire. Oxfordshire is an exceptional county that shows quintessential England at is best. We simply have everything the world-renowned City of Oxford, famous for the University and known as the City of Dreaming Spires for its dramatic skyline. We also have a designated Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, traditional market towns and beautiful stone villages, as well as being able to explore the River Thames and all within close proximity (just an hour) to the capital City of London.
Hayley Beer-Gamage
We are steeped in history and rich in heritage whilst also having a great year-round modern events programme check out the events pages in this guide and on our own website to explore. Home to famous literary figures, many well known film and TV locations and wonderful traditions, there is a plethora of things to explore and experience during your stay. This guide showcases some of the many things there are to see and do across the City and County, providing you with inspiration on places to stay, places to eat and much more - as well as some hidden treasures. I am sure that this guide will spark your curiosity, and our website will certainly help with that.
experienceoxfordshire.org We look forward to welcoming you to our world-class visitor destination very soon. I love it and know you will too and once you have visited we know you will want to come back! Hayley Beer-Gamage Chief Executive, Experience Oxfordshire
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Welcome
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Welcome Welcome to Oxfordshire Introduction to Oxfordshire Attractions in Oxfordshire not to miss #ExperienceOx From Saxons to Spires: A Historical Journey Through Oxford & Oxfordshire The City of Dreaming Spires: Oxford Oxford City Centre Map 48 Hours in Oxford Nightlife in Oxford Student Life in Oxford Where the Locals Live: Beyond the City Centre Where to Shop & Eat in Oxford Exploring Oxford from The Water
Around the County 36 Cherwell: The Impressive North 41 South Oxfordshire: Hills & Villages 42 River Rapids: Oxford to Henley-on-Thames 48 Oxfordshire Map
Around the County II 53 Vale of White Horse: Ancient Beauty 54 Oxfordshire's Ridgeway Trail: Waylands Smithy to Wallingford 59 West Oxfordshire: Gateway to the Cotswolds 60 Explore the Cotswolds: Woodstock to Burford Food & Drink 63 Foodie Favourites From Oxfordshire’s Experts 66 Pubs & Pints Across Oxfordshire 69 Local Produce: A Taste of Oxfordshire 70 Suggestions for Afternoon Tea in Oxfordshire Inspirations 73 Only in Oxfordshire: Quirky Traditions 75 Oxfordshire’s Screen & Literary Links 78 Toddlers to Teenagers: Fun For the Whole Family Travel Toolkit 80 Easy Day Trip Destinations You Can Take From Oxford 83 Travelling Into Oxfordshire 84 Travelling Around Oxfordshire Accomodation 86 Accommodation Listings 89 When to Visit
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5 Introduction to Oxfordshire
Attractions in Oxfordshire not to miss Bicester Village Europe’s ultimate luxury shopping destination. Home to more than 160 fashion and lifestyle boutiques. Each offers savings of up to 60%, all year round.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archeology The world's oldest public museum, founded in 1683, the Ashmolean is home to world famous collections and artifacts ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art.
Blenheim Palace Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
University Museum of Natural History Situated in an impressive neo-Gothic building, the Oxford Museum of Natural History offers a variety of different permanent collections, exhibitions and events.
The Bodleian Libraries and The Weston Library Discover the 15th century Divinity School, medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library, the impressive Radcliffe Camera and Weston Library. 10 Attractions in Oxford & Oxfordshire not to miss Experience Ox_Guide 2019_FINAL-V5.indd 5
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University of Oxford Colleges Comprising of 38 Colleges, the University of Oxford dates back to the 11th-century and is one of the world’s leading academic institutions.
Pitt Rivers Museum Founded in 1884, the Museum has a collection of over 500,000 archaeological and ethnographic objects from all parts of the world.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens Discover more than 250 species of animals and explore 160 acres of beautiful parkland in West Oxfordshire.
The Botanic Garden of the University of Oxford Founded in 1621, the Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanic garden and is one of the most compact yet diverse collections of plants in the world.
Westgate Oxford The ultimate retail and lifestyle destination situated in the centre of Oxford. Home to prestigious global brands, inventive and eclectic restaurants and cafes, a five screen boutique cinema and sophisticated rooftop bars and dining.
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Visitor Information Centre www.experienceoxfordshire.org
Find out what more there is to see and do in Oxfordshire at the Oxford Visitor Information Centre. Pick up leaflets, guide books, gifts, book tickets for attractions or speak to our multilingual team.
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15-16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS T: 01865 686430
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@ExperienceOx
We are very sociable! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
experienceoxfordshire Experience Oxfordshire
Introduction to Oxfordshire
#ExperienceOx
Keep up to date with all the latest news and information from around the county by checking our website, www.experienceoxfordshire.org, and following our social media channels listed. Here you will find the latest events and announcements, as well as comprehensive information on places to stay, discount tickets and transportation that will help you to make the most of your time spent in our beautiful county.
Visiting Oxfordshire? We’d love to hear from you! Follow us and send your messages to the social media accounts; our friendly team are happy to answer any questions you have about visiting, and we love to see how you experience your time here. Tag us in your posts using the hashtag #ExperienceOx for retweets and regrams and be sure to check in regularly for exclusive info, key events and great things to do.
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From Saxons to Spires A Historical Journey Through Oxford & Oxfordshire During its history, Oxfordshire has been a largely rural county with a network of medieval market towns such as Wallingford, Thame and Wantage. Industries, including tweed in Chipping Norton and brewing in Henley, processed the products from farming. Sitting at the heart of the county, Oxford was founded in the 9th century by Alfred the Great, and by 1066 was one of the largest towns in England. Over the centuries, Oxfordshire has combined its traditional heritage with modern living and attractions, allowing visitors to experience an unforgettable mixture of culture, both past and present. Follow the journey below to discover a brief history of Oxford and Oxfordshire.
Start Here 911 Oxford was first
mentioned in AngloSaxon Chronicle as Oxnaforda.
1249-1264 Oxford’s first colleges, University, Balliol and Merton were established.
1602 The Bodleian Library reopens after the Duke Humfrey's library is refurbished by Sir Thomas Bodley.
1071 Oxford Castle was
built by the Normans. Visit Oxford Castle today and your costumed guide will tell you many more tales about this ancient site and prison.
1542 Oxford officially
became a city with the appointment of its first bishop.
1555 Three Anglican bishops, known as the Oxford Martyrs, were burnt at the stake for their Protestant beliefs, at a location now marked by a cobbled cross in Broad Street.
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1650 England’s first coffee house opened on Oxford’s High Street. The site is now occupied by the Grand Cafe - stop here for great coffee and cakes.
1683 The Ashmolean
Museum, the world’s first public museum, opens its doors, showcasing the personal collection of Elias Ashmole, a wealthy antiquary who gifted many artefacts to the University.
1705 work began
on the building of Blenheim Palace, near Woodstock, for the Duke of Marlborough and his family.
1790 The Oxford Canal was completed linking London to the Midlands. Visit Tooley’s boatyard in Banbury, once a thriving centre for horse drawn boats.
1839 First annual regatta held in Henley. Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert was its first royal patron.
1844 Brunel’s Great
Western Railway from London reached Oxford, and in 1852 a new station was built on the Botley Road.
1913 William Morris’
Cowley factory was the first in Britain to produce a million cars. Cowley is the birthplace of the Mini and at the BMW Mini Plant Visitor Centre you can follow the creation of this amazing car.
1966 The City and County Museum opened in Woodstock to tell the story of Oxfordshire. Visit what is now The Oxfordshire Museum to discover the story of the County from dinosaurs to a fuel rod for a nuclear reactor.
Introduction to Oxfordshire
1644 Oxford became the headquarters of the King's forces during the Civil War. The King took up residence at Christ Church, and the Queen at Merton.
1973 Oxford Bus
Company started operating the first Park & Ride in the UK and the M40 from London reached Oxford.
1987 The first Inspector
Morse episode, which was filmed in several locations across the city, was aired on TV. Follow Morse’s footsteps with an Oxford Official Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour.
2017 Westgate Oxford was reopened; home to a multitude of high street brands and rooftop restaurants, transforming Oxford’s retail offering.
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ITOR OXFORD VIS C N ENTRE INFORMATIO
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Store your luggage while you explore Leave your shopping and enjoy lunch Monday to Saturday: 9.30am – 4.30pm Sunday: 10am – 4pm From £5 for up to 3 hours From £8 for up to a day (within our opening hours) From £10 for up to 24hrs From £15 for up to 48 hrs At the Oxford Visitor Information Centre 15 - 16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS
Conferencing
Experience Oxfordshire Conferencing are your experts to help inspire you and plan for a conference, wedding, event or meeting in Oxford and Oxfordshire. experienceoxfordshire.org/conferencing
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Go for a Real Treat Visit Oxford’s world-famous heritage Covered Market providing a unique showcase for the very best in gifts, fashion, local crafts, and food and drink. Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5.30pm Sunday, 10am to 4pm. We are open on bank holidays See our website for individual shop opening times The Covered Market Oxford is owned and run by Oxford City Council
www.oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk
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- A Whirlwind Weekend
With so much to see and do across Oxford, it can be hard knowing where to start. Oxford is a city worldrenowned for its academic reputation and ornate buildings, which have led to its title, coined by English poet and Oxford academic Matthew Arnold, of the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. Today, the majestic city attracts millions of visitors every year, and with so much to see and do, we want to show you exactly how and where to make the most of your time in this iconic city. But don’t just feel limited to one weekend, we’d love for you to stay in Oxford longer…
The City of Dreaming Spires: Oxford
48 Hours In Oxford
Radcliffe Camera Broad Street
Day One 9:30 am Kickstart your weekend in the heart of it all, with a filling breakfast or brunch at the social enterprise cafe located inside the Old Fire Station on bustling George Street. After you’ve filled up, head left and go down Broad Street - stopping inside the Oxford Visitor Information Centre along the way. Continue further down the road to explore some of Oxford’s most famous landmarks including the Sheldonian Theatre, the Weston Library, the Bodleian Library and the Bridge of Sighs.
10:45 am To maximise your time, pre-book an Oxford Official Walking Tour and start your guided walking tour around more of Oxford’s iconic sites and locations. Tours are led by professional green badge guides and usually include entry into one of the University of Oxford’s 38 colleges.
Bridge of Sighs
Alternatively, if you don’t want to walk, the City Sightseeing double decker, open top bus tour is a great way to see around the city. Listen to your guide as you are driven around with the option to hop on and hop off at 19 stops. 48 Hours In Oxford: A Whirlwind Weekend Experience Ox_Guide 2019_FINAL-V5.indd 15
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Bill Spectre’s Ghost Trails
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9 pm
After your morning tour, it’s time for a well-earned lunch. If you can’t decide what to have, visit COSMO Authentic World Kitchen on Magdalen St for a plethora of cuisine choices. Alternatively, a great location for views over the city and seasonally prepared dishes is the Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant.
Upon finishing your frightfully fun ghost tour, head just a short walk across town to the Oxford Castle Quarter which is home to a selection of restaurants and bars. Oxford’s prison used to be on this site but is now the boutique Malmaison hotel, which is a great place to stay the night in a converted prison cell!
2 pm Whilst in the heart of the city, Oxford’s range of museums will cater to all tastes and ages. Visitors can choose from the Ashmolean Museum - Britain’s first public museum and home to world-famous artefacts and collections, the Museum of the History of Science, the Museum of Natural History and neighbouring Pitt Rivers Museum. Alternatively, The Museum of Oxford tells the history of the city. Best of all….they are all FREE!
6.30 pm A wonderfully unique way to spend your time in Oxford, join one of Bill Spectre’s Ghost Trails on a Friday or Saturday evening. Illustrated with props and illusions, follow Victorian costumed Bill Spectre as he guides you through the historic city, leaving you with a “deliciously scary tingle down your spine”! Alternatively, take the Oxford Official Walking Tours Pub Tour and explore the fascinating history of the city's many pubs - with (some) drinks included! Malmaison
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Day Two 10 am Next door to the Malmaison is the Oxford Castle & Prison. Take a guided tour and let the characters reveal their fascinating stories entrenched in the building’s 1,000 year history while you explore the Saxon St George’s Tower and descend deep underground to the 900 year old crypt.
Salters Steamers
11 am
1 pm
Head over to Folly Bridge and the River Thames. From here you can try out the quintessentially Oxford tradition of punting. Hire a punt or be chauffeured by Salters Steamers and admire the views of Christ Church in the distance.
Take a short walk back along St Aldates to Cafe Loco. Here you can have lunch in the cafe or takeaway and enjoy a picnic just over the road in the beautiful Christ Church Meadows with views of the River Thames and cows grazing in the fields. Or, head just 10 minutes’ walk north along Banbury Road and you will find Gee’s Restaurant and Bar, a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike situated in a Grade II listed Victorian Glasshouse and features express lunches, dishes for sharing and Sunday roasts.
Pitt Rivers Museum
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Choral Evensong at Oxford College Chapel
2 pm
From 5.15 pm
Allow a little time for shopping and browse the independent shops along the High Street and in the Covered Market. Close by is Westgate Oxford - the city’s newest shopping and entertainment centre - and here you will find an eclectic mix of global fashion brands, high street fashion, restaurants, bars and a boutique cinema. If official Oxford memorabilia is what you’re after, the University of Oxford Shop features a huge variety of exclusive, high-quality Oxford themed gifts and official University merchandise. Products featuring the Alumni logo include hoodies, sweatshirts and polo shirts, enamel or silver cufflinks, and lapel pins. Certainly enough to keep you busy!
Bring your time in Oxford to an end with 45 minutes of world-class Choral Evensong in a beautiful Oxford college chapel. It happens every evening during Term Time and starts between 5.15pm and 6.45pm depending on which college you visit.
Westgate Centre
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Nightlife in Oxford From traditional pubs, buzzing clubs, live performances and everything in between, there’s quite a selection of things to do and see in Oxford once the sun goes down.
For an evening kickoff, head to the Oxford Ice Rink for a disco skate - the ‘Throwback Thursday Disco’ is particularly fun! Then, head to the Macdonald Randolph Hotel on Beaumont St. The Randolph Hotel has two opulent bars to choose from, the Cartoon Bar and the Morse Bar, with both offering an extensive list of Champagne and gins, as well as an expertly selected range of classic cocktails, wines and beers. The Westgate rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the dreaming spires. In the summer, choose a table on the terrace to take in the views while you eat. Westgate offer a variety of cuisines to choose from, although we recommend grabbing a bowl of fresh, healthy Vietnamese food from Pho, delighting in sushi and grilled skewers from Sticks n Sushi, or feeding your face with NYCinspired comfort food at Dirty Bones. Westgate Rooftop Terrace
Immerse yourself in Oxford’s thriving arts and culture scene with a touch of drama or comedy; the Oxford Playhouse features both student and professional productions while the New Theatre features some of the most captivating musicals and plays. For independent performances, the Old Fire Station and SJE Arts put on incredible Oxfordshiremade shows and live music. If browsing a gallery is more your style, head to the North Wall Arts Centre for a theatre production or art exhibition. Or, try your luck at Oxford’s only indoor golf course Junkyard Golf Club! Their unique and bizarre crazy golf courses will always leave you laughing! On the last Friday of every month, explore the Ashmolean Museum after hours; enjoy the latest exhibition, take in a talk, listen to some live music, or relax at the bar with friends after work. Or, for an interactive experience, head just south of the city centre for City Mazes Oxford – an immersive real-life game where players are racing against the clock to solve a series of puzzles and challenges using hints and strategy to escape!
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Student Life in Oxford by Tilly Rose At the heart of this magical city is the world-famous Oxford University. Its colleges and halls line the streets. Step through the porters’ lodges to find picturesque quads, vast parkland, ornate chapels and grand dining halls; stepping into an Oxford college is like stepping into a different world.
'That Oxford Girl', Tilly Rose
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The student experience at Oxford Uni is truly unique, let me give you a sneak peak into life behind the college walls:
• Mid-October you’ll spot Oxford students, looking like a raft of marching penguins, parading through the streets in academic dress on their way to The Sheldonian Theatre for ‘Matriculation’; the official ceremony welcoming them into the University.
• Later in the year you’ll see them running from the Examination Schools, soaking wet, as their friends throw freezing cold buckets of water over them. This tradition in the Oxford Uni calendar is termed ‘trashings’ – a student-led post-exam celebration!
• As the summer vacation draws near, you’ll glimpse their ball gowns and tails fluttering in the evening breeze, a vision of elegance, as they arrive at their college balls.
• Mid-summer you’ll watch their mortar boards fly through the air on their graduation day. Oxford is a hub of student life in many different forms; beyond the dreaming spires of Oxford Uni, also lies Oxford Brookes University and several renowned language schools such as EC English and Oxford International Study Centre. With its spectacular architecture, quirky shops, cute cafes and sprawling meadows; the opportunities for students living in the city are endless. As Nathaniel Hawthorne once said: ‘The world surely has not another place like Oxford; it is a despair to see such a place and ever to leave it, for it would take a lifetime and more than one to comprehend and enjoy it satisfactorily’.
Pick up official memorabilia at the University of Oxford shop on High Street!
Tilly Rose is the founder of ‘That Oxford Girl’; a blog: www.thatoxfordgirl.com and Instagram: @thatoxfordgirl providing a student perspective of the application process and life at Oxford Uni, as well as covering all of the fantastic things the city has to offer. Her recently released book ‘That Oxford Girl – A Real Student’s Guide to Oxford University’ offers a refreshing and quirky insight into one of the top universities in the world – now on sale in Oxford Visitor Information!
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Where the Locals Live: Beyond the City Centre Travel just beyond Oxford City Centre and you will find great attractions and local culture in many of the city’s districts - each with their own unique identity.
Jericho Just north of the city is the suburb of Jericho. Once an industrial area due to its proximity to the Oxford canal, Jericho is now one of Oxford's most sought-after areas to live with an excellent choice of pubs, restaurants and shops. Notable favourites are Oliva May, an independent boutique which showcases international designers, hand selected items and stunning design, Branca, a contemporary brasserie and Freud cafe, a great cocktail bar in a former church featuring hauntingly high ceilings and decadent stained glass windows.
Olivia May
Jericho
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25 The City of Dreaming Spires: Oxford Port Meadow
Port Meadow One of Oxford’s hidden gems, Port Meadow is a beautiful open area of ancient meadowland north-west of the city centre and just a 5-minute walk from Jericho, offering a tranquil retreat for visitors and locals alike. Home to grazing horses and a herd of pedigree Old English Longhorn cattle as well as flocks of birds, Port Meadow lies alongside the River Thames and is said to have provided inspiration for Lewis Carroll's tales of Alice in Wonderland, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Whilst exploring Port Meadow, follow the fairy-light adorned pathway to The Perch Inn, where you can enjoy an excellent meal in one of Oxford's oldest pubs. Further north of the meadow, fans of Philip Pullman’s most recent novel La Belle Sauvage and the detective TV series Inspector Morse may recognise The Trout Inn; famously featured in both, and well worth a visit for a drink or meal in this 17th-century pub in Godstow.
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Summertown
Cowley Road
St Clements
To the north of the city centre and away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford city centre, Summertown is a leafy suburb of Oxford that is also lined with cosy cafes, boutique shops and many contemporary restaurants. It’s home to the North Wall Arts Centre which showcases upcoming artists across comedy, theatre and dance; the peace and tranquillity of the nearby Turrill Sculpture Gardens and Oxford’s largest independent gallery space featuring engaging exhibitions - the Sarah Wiseman Gallery. Likewise, Summertown is also home to many of Oxford’s broadcast media such as the studios for the local radio networks JackFM and BBC Oxford.
The Cowley Road is a vibrant, multicultural area of Oxford with many restaurants, shops, bars and arts venues including comic book themed Atomic Burger, the vintage Ultimate Picture Palace and atmospheric, North African inspired Kazbar. The area’s unique character is celebrated every July at the Cowley Road Carnival which boasts live music, a lively parade and multiple street food vendors. Further down the Cowley Road is the home of the MINI Plant Oxford, originally Morris Motors, where all the world’s Minis are built - best of all there are public tours of the plant, featuring cutting-edge robotic assembly lines.
Adjacent to Cowley Road, St Clements is another street bustling with a variety of eclectic restaurants and bars. Wander on from St Clements, and you will come to South Park; a beautiful, vast green space overlooking Oxford’s dreaming spires; and home to The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD), where you can take a tour of the site and try some for yourself.
Sarah Wiseman Gallery
The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD)
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Oxford is a hub of top-notch shopping and dining choices with high street shops and eateries next to independent retailers and cafes and exclusive designer brands - all waiting to be enjoyed! There’s even a selection of outdoor markets that combine shopping for that unique item with delectable street food from all around the world.
The City of Dreaming Spires: Oxford
Where to Shop & Eat in Oxford
To help you find your favourite places to shop and eat in the city, we have picked out some of the top destinations!
Westgate Oxford After a total transformation, Westgate Oxford offers visitors over 800,000 square feet of great retail and lifestyle experiences. It is home to prestigious global brands, inventive and eclectic restaurants and cafes of all types, a five screen cinema and sophisticated boutique bars. For added enjoyment, visit the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the Oxford city skyline and surrounding countryside whilst you enjoy one of the many dining or drinking options! Some of our favourites include Dirty Bones, serving up NYC-inspired comfort food, Pho and its delicious healthy Vietnamese inspired street food – 99% gluten free and vegan friendly - and Sticks’n’Sushi offering a unique combination of traditional sushi and yakitori sticks from the grill.
Westgate Centre
Gloucester Green Market Conveniently located near the Oxford bus station and right off the bustling George Street, the Gloucester Green Market is a traditional, open-air market that operates on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Here, you will find a vibrant selection of fresh and seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, baked goods, sweets and more. Don’t leave without trying the delicious street food also served here, inspired by global cuisines - enjoy homemade Sri Lankan curry, exceptional Pad Thai, classic Italian lasagne and robust Chinese dumplings just to name a few...
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Oxford Covered Market Home to a collection of independent shops and retailers, the Covered Market dates back to the 18th century and is a hub of wonderfully tucked-away retailers selling everything from kitchenware and cakes, to hand-crafted gifts, jewellery and male grooming products. Eating here is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city; watch the skilled bakers of The Cake Shop create masterpieces before popping in to buy a cupcake, kick start your day with a full English breakfast at Browns, or quench your thirst at a juicery, coffee shop or the rooftop cocktail bar. It’s impossible to skip when there are five different entrances!
High Street Oxford’s picturesque and busy High Street, known locally as ‘The High’, runs from Carfax Tower in the centre all the way down and east to Magdalen Bridge. Aside from the multiple Colleges lining the way, Oxford’s High Street features a plethora of book shops, clothing retailers and vintage and antique dealers, as well as fine-dining options such as Quod restaurant. In addition, Oxford’s High Street boasts England’s original coffeehouses - one that’s been around since the 1650’s!
Gloucester Green Market
Little Clarendon Street
Oxford High Street
Not to be confused with the indoor shopping centre Clarendon Centre on Cornmarket Street, the bustling Little Clarendon Street has stylish boutiques like Olivia May, cheese shops, vintage retailers and more. Walk to the end of Little Clarendon and you will find yourself in the relaxed and bohemian area of Jericho, which boasts more independent shops, bookstores and unique drinking establishments.
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33 The City of Dreaming Spires: Oxford
Exploring Oxford from the Water
Cherwell Boathouse
Oxford is the focus for leisure activities on the Thames, culminating in the Eights Week rowing races, when colleges compete to ‘bump’ each other’s boats. If you’re inspired to take to the river, there’s a wide choice of craft including Salter’s Steamers - a family firm established over 150 years’ ago who provide a variety of boat trips through some of the most beautiful scenery in Oxfordshire. You might want to retrace the route taken by Lewis Carroll 150 years ago when he recounted the tale of Alice in Wonderland to the real Alice while rowing upriver from Oxford to Binsey. Vintage Days Out offer bespoke river trips where you can enjoy the glamour and indulgence of a bygone era aboard an elegantly restored vintage
boat. Their tailored vintage days out on the Thames can include anything from a private visit to a winery or attending a signature river event such as the Henley Royal Regatta.
founded it more than a hundred years ago. Alternatively, experience the quintessential Oxford experience of punting on the river Cherwell in one of their 80 punts.
The restaurant at Cherwell Boathouse is the perfect place to relax on the river Cherwell. Opened in an authentic Victorian working Boathouse along the punt station in 1904, it is still owned and run by the Verdin family who
After all that activity you might want to take a sunset cruise with Oxford River Cruises and enjoy floating down the river as the sun sets – a perfect end to the day accompanied by a relaxing ‘sundowner’!
Salter's Steamers
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Around the County: Cherwell
36
Cherwell
- The Impressive North
North Oxfordshire offers rich rewards for its visitors. Centred in the valley of the River Cherwell, with the Oxford Canal alongside, there are landscapes of beautiful countryside with picturesque villages and the market towns of Banbury and Bicester to explore.
Districts
Banbury is set amidst the gentle rolling hills in the north of the district. An impressive bronze statue of the “Fine Lady” from the famous Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross rhyme is set close to the Banbury Cross at the meeting point of the roads from Oxford, Warwick and Shipston-on-Stour. Other points of interest include the Market Place, the atmospheric lanes and streets of the Old Town and the Castle Quay shopping mall with the town’s Museum set directly beside the Oxford Canal. The Museum connects to the 18th century Tooley’s Boatyard, where you can take a guided tour of the narrow boat workshop and dry-dock.
Fine Lady Statue in Banbury
Bloxham, near Banbury
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The district has a wealth of beautiful villages to enjoy. The uplands northwest of Banbury are known as ‘ironstone country’, with pretty villages built of the richly-coloured local Hornton ironstone, welcoming pubs, and interesting walking and cycling routes. Well worth a visit is the moated manor house of Broughton Castle, built of Hornton stone in the 14th century, and used as a film setting for both Shakespeare in Love and The Madness of King George.
Around the County: Cherwell
Bicester lies just 12 miles northeast of Oxford and marries the charm of an historic market town with the appeal of the world famous retail outlet of Bicester Village. Trains from London Marylebone to Bicester take only 46 minutes and as well as shopping at the Village you can visit the delightful Garth Park gardens and relax over a meal in one of the town’s traditional pubs or restaurants which serve Chinese, Thai, Turkish, Indian and Italian cuisine.
At Bicester Village
Broughton Castle
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Around the County: Cherwell
38 Further south, a few miles off the Banbury to Chipping Norton road, there is a rich brewing heritage to discover in the village of Hook Norton, where you can enjoy a tour of the Hook Norton Brewery, a wonderful example of a Victorian tower brewery which is still thriving today and supplying many local pubs. The Brewery offers a welcoming restaurant, museum and visitors’ centre, as well as the opportunity to see the wonderful dray horses.
Hook Norton Brewery horses
Exploring the Oxford Canal also comes highly recommended. Built in the late 18th century to carry commercial barges between Coventry and Oxford, its route in the main follows the scenic course of the River Cherwell. You can hire narrow boats at either Lower Heyford or Thrupp, or enjoy one of the towpath or circular walks. The stretch of the canal between Banbury and Oxford is also accessible by train, with stations at Banbury, Heyford, Tackley and Oxford. The district has a rich tradition of festivals and events, ranging from Bicester’s summer music events at Garth Park and the Flywheel Festival at Bicester Heritage to Banbury’s Old Town Party and Food Festival. North of Banbury, the canalside village of Cropredy hosts the Fairport Cropredy Convention in August each year. A central location with excellent transport links, North Oxfordshire is not only a rewarding destination in its own right, but also an ideal touring centre. A wide range of overnight accommodation provides ease of access to many world famous destinations, including Silverstone Circuit, Blenheim Palace, Oxford, Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cotswolds.
Bicester Visitor Centre
Banbury Tourist Information Centre
Bicester Village Outlet Shopping Centre Pingle Drive Bicester, OX26 6WD
(entrance within Castle Quay)
t: 01869 366 266 e: bicestervisitorcentre@valueretail.com
t: 01295 236 165 e: touristinformation@banburymuseum.org
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Banbury Museum Spiceball Park Road Banbury, OX16 2PA
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horses
org
Foodie Favourites from Oxfordshire’s Experts Experience Ox_Guide 2019_FINAL-V5.indd 39
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Recreating the Golden Age of the Great Western Railway The only place in the world where 181 years of railway history comes together with a replica 1840 broad gauge train next to today’s high speed railway The railway centre recreates the golden age of the Great Western Railway with a fine collection of over 20 steam locomotives, many housed in the original (fully working) engine shed, a collection of passenger coaches and freight wagons. There is a typical country station and signal box, and a recreation of Brunel’s original broad gauge railway including a broad gauge transfer shed dating from 1857, The GWT Museum & Archive contains an impressive range of smaller items covering all aspects of the history and operation of the Great Western Railway. Travel in 1930’s carriages behind a Great Western steam engine on the main demonstration line or in a 1940’s Railcar Operating on a sleepy rural branch line. Experience the conditions of early train travel on the replica broad gauge train. Watch trains, both modern and vintage go by, while children enjoy the play park near the picnic area.
Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7NJ
info@didcotrailcentre.org.uk
01235 817200
www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
registered Charity No 272616
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41 Around the County: The South
South Oxfordshire Hills & Villages Explore country houses, visit local museums and enjoy the unspoilt landscape of The Chiltern Hills, River Thames, Berkshire Downs and the Ridgeway. Relax in picturesque villages and enjoy the historic market towns with their unique mix of independent retailers and high street shops. Weekly markets showcase the very best produce and artisan wares from talented craftspeople. Many of the towns and villages have featured in TV shows, most famously Midsomer Murders. Visit Henley-On-Thames, one of the most beautiful towns in Oxfordshire. Its riverside location, surrounded by a landscape of wooded hills and green fields, lends itself to relaxation. Just 4 miles north of Henley is the historic country house Stonor Park. It’s a place for the whole family to learn, discover and relax whilst absorbing history, fine art and antiques, stunning gardens, native wildlife and delicious food.
Wallingford has been important historically due to its excellent ford, and today the same crossing place has one of the finest bridges over the river Thames. Learn more about Wallingford’s former resident Dame Agatha Christie in a circular walk taking in places linked to the writer.
Wallingford
Follow one of Thame's historic Town Trails to discover more about this town’s heritage. Enjoy a trip on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Steam Railway, and travel the scenic route along the Chiltern Hills. See the unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines and a recreation of Brunel’s broad-gauge railway at the Didcot Railway Centre. South Oxfordshire really does offer something for everybody!
Didcot Railway Centre
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Around the County: The South
42
River Rapids
- Oxford to Henley-on-Thames
The River Rapids is a trio of bus services (X38, X39 & X40) linking Oxford with places in South Oxfordshire. It's a great way to explore South Oxfordshire and here we pick out some of the many things to see and do along the route.
2. Shillingford Alight outside the
1. Harcourt Arboretum is in the small village of Nuneham Courtenay. The 130 acre site is open all year round and contains the best collection of trees in Oxfordshire, with seasonal highlights including wildflower meadows, rhododendrons and bluebell woods along with plenty of children’s activities. experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/ harcourt-arboretum
Kingfisher Inn on the Henley Road, and it’s a short walk from here along Wharf Road to the Thames Path and nearby Shillingford Bridge hotel.
3. Benson Marina A great stop from which to walk along the banks of the River Thames or sit and admire the views from the comfort of the Waterfront Cafe.
4. Wallingford There’s plenty of things to do in Wallingford including walking trails exploring the town’s links with Agatha Christie and Midsomer Murders; the ruins of Wallingford Castle and the excellent Wallingford Museum plus much more. experienceoxfordshire.org/places-to-go/ wallingford
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Harcourt Arboretum
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5. Nuffield The small village of Nuffield is the location of Nuffield Place, once home to Lord Nuffield, founder of the Morris Motor Company, and his wife. Their home and personal possessions are just as they left them, the decor and furnishings intact. nationaltrust.org.uk/nuffield-place
6. Henley-on-Thames A picturesque riverside town, home to the famous Henley Royal Regatta (3 - 7 July) and the River and Rowing Museum with its popular Wind and the Willows exhibition. Explore the town on a selfguided walk, browse the independent shops and restaurants or hop on a Salter’s Steamers boat and explore more of the River Thames. experienceoxfordshire.org/places-togo/ henley-on-thames
Thames Travel’s X38 Oxford to Henley-onThames bus service operates every hour Mondays to Saturdays. The X39 and X40 link Oxford and Wallingford with buses every 20 minutes during peak times. thames-travel.co.uk/riverrapids
Salter’s Steamers Explore more of the River Thames with Salter’s Steamers, with regular public cruises in the summer months between Oxford and Abingdon, Wallingford and Henley, and further south to Reading, Marlow and Windsor. experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/ salters-steamers-boat-trips/
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43 Around the County: The South
Exploring the River Thames by bus and boat
Henleyon-Thames
Wallingford
5.
Nuffield
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Great Western Railway
THE FAMOUS FIVE © 2018, Hodder & Stoughton Limited. All rights reserved. Experience Ox_Guide 2019_FINAL-V5.indd 46
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Magdalen Bridge, Oxford
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Book at GWR.com, on our app, or at a station.
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Oxfordshire Map
STRATFORD UPON AVON 17 miles
WARWICK 18 miles
LEAMINGTON SPA 17 miles
Cherwell River
WORCESTER 32 miles
GLOUCESTER 25 miles
BATH 35 miles
This guide was designed by Monchü. www.monchu.uk
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SALISBURY & STONEHENGE 40 miles
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BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT 47 miles
Cherwell River
MINGTON SPA miles
MILTON KEYNES & BLETCHLEY PARK 17 miles
River T
hame
s
CITY OF LONDON 40 MILES
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Find your
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Photos: Chris Andrews Publications, Oxford University Images / Bodleian Libraries
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Expe
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EVERY STAY IS A NEW EXPERIENCE At Courtyard Oxford City Centre, everything we do is to fuel your energy and inspire your best. From our 140 guest rooms to our roof terrace with unparalleled castle views, everything we do and all we provide is to help you feel your best and experience new opportunities. Our on-site restaurant welcomes both hotel guests and the local community, providing a new dining experience in the heart of this world-famous University City. Just minutes away from Oxford Castle, Westgate Centre, and the central train station, Courtyard Oxford City Centre truly provides the perfect base to explore the best of what Oxford has to offer.
Opening Spring 2019 Booking infomation is availabile at Marriott.com/OXFCY Courtyard By MarriottÂŽ Oxford City Centre
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Heythrop Park Resort the Perfect Venue! Stunning resort settled in 440 acres of Oxfordshire parkland The perfect family getaway | 18 hole golf course | 358 bedrooms across the resort | Leisure club including spa & gym and footgolf | Unique wedding venue for traditional & Asian weddings for up to 800 guests | Ideal for exhibitions, product launches & awards ceremonies | Afternoon Tea | Private dining The perfect playground for work, rest & play!
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Historic farm and location of Downton Abbey’s Yew Tree Farm, with manor house and beautiful grounds, adventure playground and farm animals. Year-round events and wedding venue. Cafe and shop.
Cogges Manor Farm
cogges.org.uk cogges @coggeswitney Registered charity no: 1141906
Open: Daily, 10am–5pm (last entry 4.30pm) March to early November Cogges Manor Farm, Church Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 3LA
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Vale of White Horse
Around the County: Vale of White Horse
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Ancient Beauty The Vale of the White Horse country stretches from the edge of Oxford to the threshold of the Cotswolds. Its enchanting landscape is marked by a mysterious pagan past – the very name comes from the oldest chalk figure in Britain dating back over 3000 years. The landscape’s beauty has inspired poets, painters and musicians. It offers many walking and cycling trails. Mile upon mile of the Thames Path leads you to wonderful waterside pubs, hidden villages and glorious countryside. Waylands Smithy is one of the most impressive prehistoric tombs in Britain. It is approximately 5000 years old.
Abingdon-On-Thames is the largest town in the Vale and can be reached by foot from the Thames Path or by boat from the river. Abingdon makes an ideal base for a holiday with great leisure facilities and a wealth of history to be discovered. Wantage is an ancient market town and birthplace of King Alfred the Great. Visit the award-winning Downland Museum with its interactive displays which tell the story of the White Horse. Grove on the outskirts of Wantage has grown from a settlement recorded in the Doomsday book. Enjoy a walk along Letcombe Brook to discover a host of wildlife.
Faringdon has been welcoming visitors for many centuries. Enjoy a coffee in one of the quirky coffee shops, or climb to the top of the hill above Faringdon to see the Gothic Folly and you can see views across four counties. Make the most of your time in the area and visit Kelmscott Manor between Faringdon and Lechlade, once the country home of poet William Morris.
White Horse Hill Faringdon Folly
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Oxfordshire Ridgeway Trail Wayland’s Smithy to Wallingford The Ridgeway Trail is one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales. Stretching 87 miles across ancient rural landscape from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire and across two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Chiltern Hills and the North Wessex Downs. This prehistoric pathway was once used by drovers, traders and invaders over 5,000 years ago as a route that provided high ground and visibility, and still today provides those walking along it endless views of rolling chalk downland as well as a number of historical sites of interest. Follow our trail from Wayland Smithy to Wallingford for a taste of how much there is to see and do in this area.
Faringdon
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Wayland's Smithy
2.
White Horse Hill
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Begin your journey at ancient Wayland’s Smithy(1) approximately a 1 mile walk from the village of Uffington and 8 miles from the market town of Faringdon(2), Wayland’s Smithy is believed to have once been the home of Wayland - the Saxon god of metalworking. From here, continue along the Ridgeway to White Horse Hill (3), where you will find the internationally renowned Bronze-Age White Horse carved into the chalk landscape. This is the highest point www.experienceoxfordshire.org Experience Ox_Guide 2019_FINAL-V5.indd 54
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A beautiful old market town with a history dating back centuries, Faringdon is full of heritage; immediately noticeable in the quaint town centre where you will find 12th century All Saints church, old coaching inns, Georgian fronted buildings, the 17th century town hall, and the odd pink pigeon!* Now occupied by a diverse array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, the town centre is a hive of activity. Just a short five minute walk from the town centre, you will find Faringdon’s Folly Tower. Built in 1935 by Lord Berner, the 100ft high tower was the last major Folly to be built in England, and sits on a hill amongst a circular woodland, providing panoramic views over the town and beyond.
Around the County: Vale of White Horse
Focus on: Faringdon
* Lord Berner was famously known to throw themed
parties featuring pink dyed pigeons; see if you can spot the ornamental pigeons on buildings around the town!
Wantage
5.
4.
Court Hill Centre
6.
Blowing Stone
in Oxfordshire with views across 6 different counties, and is hugely popular with dog walkers, picnickers, and kite fliers alike! From White Horse Hill, carry on a further 3.5 miles to the village of Kingston Lisle, where you will find one of the Ridgeways’ most famous sarsen stones; the Blowing Stone(4). Believed to have been the site from which King Alfred summoned Saxon troops for the Battle of Ashdown, the
stone is a popular site of interest along this ancient pathway. Whilst in this area, discover more about King Alfred in the town of Wantage(5), where he was born. From the Blowing Stone, walk 5 miles along the Ridgeway to arrive at Court Hill Centre(6) in Letcombe Regis; an ideal spot to recuperate for the night before continuing along the path to Streatley and Goring the next morning.
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Around the County: Vale of White Horse
56 A further 14 miles along the Ridgeway, you will find the villages of Streatley(7) and Goring(8), intersected by another National Trail: the Thames Path. Linked by a bridge in 1837, Streatley and Goring are picturesque riverside villages straddling the border of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. Break up your journey for the night and stay in one of the luxurious bedrooms at The Swan at Streatley. For walkers wishing to end their journey here, the train from Goring and
Streatley Station to Oxford takes around 30 minutes and just over an hour to London Paddington. If you are continuing your journey along the trail from Goring, you will find this stretch of the Ridgeway characterised by water and woodlands, where you will walk alongside an ancient Grim’s Ditch, which in the spring months becomes illuminated by a path of bright bluebells, making the adventure all
Wallingford
9.
8. Goring
7. Streatley
Focus on: Wantage Wantage is another of Oxfordshire’s quaint market towns, found on the edge of the Ridgeway. Famously the birthplace of King Alfred the Great, Wantage town centre is built around a monument of the King and provides a range of shops, pubs, restaurants and services. Wantage is also home to the Vale and Downland Museum which comprises a range of galleries as well as a welcoming cafe. www.experienceoxfordshire.org Experience Ox_Guide 2019_FINAL-V5.indd 56
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57 before resting your head for the evening at the 16th century George Hotel. We hope the above has provided you with inspiration on how to explore this stunning part of Oxfordshire, however don’t let us stop you there! The Ridgeway Trail continues for 37 miles through the stunning Chilterns landscape including stops in Watlington(10) and Thame(11), before the trail ends at Ivinghœ Beacon(12).
10.
Around the County: Vale of White Horse
the more enjoyable. Just 6 miles onward, the Ridgeway Trail brings you to the market town of Wallingford(9); the finishing point for this route. Recognised by any fan of Midsomer Murders, Wallingford is the fictional town of Causton in the popular detective TV series; see which sites you can spot! Also in Wallingford, you can explore the ancient ruins of Wallingford Castle and cross the 900 foot medieval stone bridge that connects Wallingford to Crowmarsh Gifford,
12.
Watlington
11.
Ivinghœ Beacon
Thame
Getting There Car: Many points along the Ridgeway are easily accessible by car and provide car parking see www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ridgeway/plan for a list of these)
Public Transport: Great Western Railway: Oxford to Goring and Streatley Thames Travel: X38/X39/X40 Oxford to Wallingford Stagecoach: 66 Oxford to Faringdon
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Gateway to the Cotswolds West Oxfordshire, with the rolling hills of the Cotswolds nearby, offers excitement for any visitor.
Burford is an ancient town nestled in the countryside. Stroll down the picturesque High Street, which is lined with boutiques, pubs and restaurants. Explore Burford’s ancient alleyways and lanes where you can immerse yourself in medieval history and charm. For a walk on the wild side, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens and Crocodiles of the World are within close reach of Burford, and both offer fantastic fun. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens features over 300 animal species, stunning gardens, a giraffe walk way, a large adventure playground and many events throughout the year. For an adrenaline rush, visit Crocodiles of the World, the UK’s only crocodile zoo and meet many of the animals - we’re talking komodo dragons and giant galapagos tortoises up close.
seeing the raw ingredients to the finished product. Afterwards, visitors can sample Wychwood’s legendary Hobgoblin ale. Burford
Experience timeless Cotswolds life at Cogges Manor Farm and stroll around the picnic orchard and walled garden of the historic farmstead. Pick up vegetables from the farm’s reception and have fun feeding the friendly farm animals! Visitors can also enjoy Victorian cooking demonstrations, craft sessions and croquet on the lawn.
Around the County: West Oxfordshire
West Oxfordshire
Owned and managed by the Society of Antiquaries of London, explore the beloved summer home of William Morris at Kelmscott Manor, located near Faringdon. Take a stroll around the Manor’s enchanting gardens, barns, dovecote and meadow. Visitors today can experience the beauty and seclusion that inspired many of William Morris's most important designs and writings, as well as those of his associates.
In the market town of
Witney, Wychwood Brewery offers fantastic tours for adults and takes visitors through the brewing process of Wychwood & Brakspear Beer beers, from
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
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Explore the Cotswolds Woodstock to Burford Do you need a car to explore the Cotswolds? Of course it’s easy to explore by car, but it’s also easy to see more of Oxfordshire using public transport. We follow the route of the Stagecoach 233 service linking Woodstock with Witney and Burford to discover many fascinating places along the route. Start your journey in the historic town of Woodstock(1), home to The Oxfordshire Museum(2) and Soldiers of Oxford Museum(3) as well as antique shops, great pubs, and the 13th century Macdonald Bear Hotel. No visit to Woodstock would be complete without a visit to Blenheim Palace(4), a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Winston Churchill. Hop on the bus at the gates of Blenheim Palace and the next stop of interest is St Martin’s Church in Bladon(5); the Victorian church is the resting place of Sir Winston Churchill.
A few miles further to Long Hanborough(6) train station. The station is still in use on the GWR line linking London Paddington to the Cotswolds, but close by is the Oxford Bus Museum and Morris Motors Museum. Both tell the story of transport in Oxford, including the production of cars by the famous Morris Motors. Further along the route is North Leigh Roman Villa(7), one of the larger villas in Roman Britain set on the banks of the River Evenlode. It’s a 1.5 mile walk from the bus stop on the main road, but worth the walk to see a near complete mosaic tile floor dating back to the 3rd century.
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Jump back on the bus and the next stop is the town of Witney(10). The town is home to Cogges Manor Farm(11), where visitors can feed the pygmy goats, play in the adventure park, or learn about the history of the Manor House. For ale lovers, discover Wychwood Brewery(12); join one of the brewery’s tour experiences to learn how their award-winning Wychwood beers are crafted. From Witney, your journey will take you through the picturesque village of Minster Lovell(13). Explore the riverside ruins of 15th century Minster Lovell Hall. Stop at the charming Old Swan & Minster Mill(14)
for a delicious meal or relaxing overnight stay. Another 5 miles from Minster Lovell, leave the bus at the Teasel Way stop in Carterton, from where you can walk 0.5 miles to the UK’s only crocodile zoo; Crocodiles of the World(15). Also reachable by car is Cotswold Wildlife Park(16), where visitors can discover more than 250 species of animal, including rhinos, lemurs and penguins!
Around the County: West Oxfordshire
Very close by in North Leigh is Eynsham Hall(8), a Grade II listed country house hotel. Nearby in South Leigh you can also find the Mason Arms pub and Artist’s Residence(9) boutique hotel.
Finally, the route stops in Burford(17), frequently referred to as the ‘gateway’ to the Cotswolds. Home to rows of idyllic honey stone cottages, tea shops and boutiques, Burford is a place full of character and Cotswold charm. Discover the town’s past at the Burford Museum located in the 16th century Tolsey building and top your visit off with scrumptious afternoon tea at Huffkins.
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Transport: The Stagecoach 233 service operates every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday. The journey from Woodstock to Burford takes an hour, depending on traffic. Detailed timetable information is available at: www.stagecoachbus.com/about/oxfordshire Need to get to Woodstock from Oxford? The Park & Ride 500 express service runs up to every 15 minutes www.parkandride.oxfordbus.co.uk
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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FOOD Macdonald Randolph Hotel offers luxurious accommodation, delicious food and an indulgent spa haven in the heart of the city. Located in Oxford, the hotel is a landmark building with elegance and charm. Enjoy a freshly prepared pre-theatre menu at Acanthus, a blend of contemporary city centre restaurant combined with unique character and British cuisine. You are guaranteed to be at the theatre with time to spare.
Two courses £16 | Three courses £21
Visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/randolph for more information or call us on 0344 879 9132
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Foodie Favourites from Oxfordshire’s Experts Oxfordshire is home to a marvellous variety of places to eat including multicultural street food, farmers' markets and Michelin Star restaurants. We asked some of Oxfordshire's best-known chefs, restaurant owners and food experts about their favourite places to eat.
"I might be a little bit biased, but dining at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is an experience that you will treasure forever. We have created a world of culinary delight, utilising the freshest, best quality ingredients from our two-acre vegetable garden. It is a house of happiness. Food, the table – and the friends around it – are the catalyst of such emotion. I’d also say Brasserie Blanc, Blanc, Oxford is one of my favourite places to dine. I am often asked what defines Brasserie Blanc, well… if Belmond Le Manoir is a delicate
waltz then the Brasseries are a lively can-can! It is a place for relaxed enjoyment where we can offer you simple great food. It’s also regularly voted the best restaurant in Oxford. I would also suggest The Black Horse It has a great bar to lean on with a pint, snugs and cosy spaces and of course wonderful home cooked food." Raymond Blanc OBE, Chief Patron at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quait’Saisons
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"A fair amount of my early food education took place in Oxford. Regular Friday trips to town with my parents introduced me to the joys of Indian and Chinese food, and, heavenly beyond an 8-year old’s wildest dreams, the dessert trolley in the Italian basement restaurant that is now Fever nightclub. Five decades later, Oxford continues my culinary education. The hottest spot is definitely Cowley Road, both for food shopping and restaurants. The tiny, crammed Maroc Deli is a total gem (the best herbs in the city – ask at the counter for their generous, vibrant bunches of coriander, parsley, mint and dill) and directly opposite the newish Seoul Plaza is a treasure trove of Korean ingredients. Just a few yards away is tiny, crowded Arbequina, masquerading under the name of ‘R Neville Chemists’. The tapas here are truly, truly exceptional. Then in the same small area, you can get freshly cooked, authentic falafel, tumbled into a wrap with salty sour Syrian pickles at Aleppo’s Falafel. Wonderful!" Sophie Grigson, Owner & operator of Sophie’s Cookery School, Oxford’s First and Foremost Pop-Up Cookery School
“I have been operating in Oxford for longer than I care to remember, and it has changed so much over the years. On our bustling High Street the Quod Restaurant & Bar,, with its unrivalled location and broad European menu, forms the lively hub of the Old Bank Hotel with its brand-new rooftop bedroom and terrace boasting unparalleled views of Oxford’s stunning skyline. The Parsonage Grill, famous for its intimate, bohemian, clubby atmosphere, takes pride in using the best produce to create classic British dishes with a modern, light touch. Gee’s Restaurant & Bar offers a uniquely rustic, Mediterranean dining experience within a Grade II listed Victorian Glasshouse. Other personal recommendations would be The Sir Charles Napier in Chinnor, a stunning restaurant set high on a hill overlooking Chiltern beechwoods, and Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons who provide some of the most exquisite and memorable dining experiences available. Hope to see you!” Jeremy Mogford Mogford,, Owner of Mogford Hotels & Restaurants
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Pubs & Pints across Oxfordshire Everyone loves a traditional English pub – an institution our country is well known for, after all. There’s no denying that Oxfordshire has a fine selection of pubs, taverns, inns and more. From quaint and classic country pubs to historic city centre establishments and everything else in between…. each with a story to tell and something good to sell. The perfect opportunity to ‘keep calm and have a pint.' Often referred to as just ‘The Bear’, The Macdonald Bear Hotel in the historic town of Woodstock – a stone’s throw away from Blenheim Palace - boasts delicious food and drink. Savour specialty dishes, ales and fine wines at their award-winning restaurant and bar based right in the heart of Oxfordshire. Order a drink or snack from the lounge menu or simply sit back and enjoy inspiring views across the market square. Pop over to Minster Lovell for the Old Swan and Minster Mill - a quintessentially English inn and adjoining mill which seamlessly blend the rural charm
Old Swan and Minster Mill in Minster Lovell
of their historic buildings with modern design. The Old Swan's dining rooms and bars offer luxurious comfort and delicious food and drink are intertwined with a myriad of beamed, cosy quarters and rugged flag-stone floors. In nearby Witney, visit Wychwood Brewery’s on-site Brewery Tap to sample their craft beers.
The Six Bells in Thame
Pretty as a picture both inside and out, think roaring fires, a wonderful garden and real ale on tap, the traditional market town, Thame, grew from AngloSaxon roots but has since developed its own individual character whilst preserving its rich history; ancient medieval buildings stand alongside Georgian and Victorian architecture and the iconic boat-shaped high street stands as testimony to the market place for which it was originally designed. Notable pubs here are The Six Bells and The Thatch; both offering true hospitality to friends and strangers.
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Whether as a day trip destination or the base for a longer visit across Oxfordshire, you are spoilt for choice in Wallingford, which is well known for being on the banks of the River Thames and takes its name from the crossing it historically provided to animals and people. The Coachmakers Arms is one of Wallingford's oldest pubs - nearly two centuries - and oozes both character and oldfashioned charm. You will find a good variety of lagers and cask ales and the kitchen serves traditional pub food, perfect for walkers and visitors. Famous for its cakes, cross and ‘Ride a Cock Horse’ nursery rhyme, Banbury retains much of its historic market town character since its charter was granted by Queen Mary 1 in 1554. Set in the heart of Banbury’s Old Town and dating back to the 16th century, Ye Olde Reindeer Inn features wooden beams and an open log fire. Its famous Globe Room with wonderful carved wooden paneling is said to have been used by Oliver Cromwell as a base during the Civil War! Ye Olde Reindeer Inn in Banbury
The Coachmakers Arms in Wallingford
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Local Produce
- A Taste of Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire boasts a wealth of artisan producers, so why not take the opportunity to discover the eclectic tastes on offer? plenty to see and do for all the family including food demonstrations, music acts and dog shows. Blenheim Palace Food Festival
Waddesdon Manor’s monthly Artisan Food Market offers the best in fresh seasonal produce, locally sourced from independent food producers. The annual Blenheim Palace Food Festival brings together a vast array of regional food and drinks from 130 stallholders including artisan bakers, craft brewers and traditional ice creams.
Oxfordshire beekeepers Brightwell Bees, based at Brightwell-cum-Sotwell near the market town of Wallingford, produce clear summer honey from their hives and also offer talks about the incredible life of the honey bee. Brightwell is also the home of Brightwell Vineyard, award-winning producers of wine.
TOAD Distillery
Thame Food Festival
The annual Thame Food Festival is a fantastic place to discover local produce, from food and wine to dog treats! There is
You can even find Brightwell Wine in the Oxford Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street, which stocks a range of local products including Tiddly Pommes apple juice made from local fruits; Oxford Marmalade and The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) Gin,
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produced at the only distillery in the world to use ancient populations’ heritage grain. TOAD also offer distillery tours where you can discover their approach to distilling and follow the production processes that make their craft spirits so special. Hook Norton Brewery is a passionate family business brewing a fantastic range of award-winning beers. During their brewery tour you will discover their rich, handcrafted heritage and modern brewing methods. Wychwood Brewery also offer tours showing the brewing processes of Wychwood and Brakspear Beers, from the raw ingredients to the finished product, featuring Brakspear’s famous Double Drop system.
Keeper's Gin
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Suggestions for Afternoon Tea in Oxfordshire There’s nothing more refined and delectable than enjoying a classic Afternoon Tea surrounded by the lush Oxfordshire countryside or the beautiful, yet bustling City of Spires. Fortunately, there are numerous places to discover - each with something unique to offer and enjoy! We’ve highlighted a few places to get your tastebuds ready.
The Old Parsonage A renowned Oxford institution originating from the 17th century, the Old Parsonage provides a truly traditional setting in which to revel in their various afternoon teas including a savoury or bubbly champagne option! The stylish dining room retains an utterly intimate feel with its stunning original portraits, roaring log fire and comfortable seating area.
Cafe Loco With views of the famous Christ Church College and its sprawling meadow, Cafe Loco is a European-style cafe nestled within a quaint, 500 year old building. Treat yourself to a deluxe afternoon tea as you are immersed in a similar atmosphere of Alice’s popular tea party. In addition, the cafe also serves a range of locally sourced and homemade menu items.
The Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Eynsham Hall
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Blenheim Palace Make your afternoon tea experience even more enjoyable and truly unforgettable with a relaxing visit to one of Blenheim Palace’s many onsite dining establishments. The decadent Orangery Restaurant offers guests ‘Churchill’ themed High Tea with stunning, close up views of the Duke of Marlborough’s private Italian gardens, whilst The Oxfordshire Pantry provides fresh, homemade cakes, tea and coffee that can be enjoyed as takeaway on the palace lawns.
Vintage Days Out Take afternoon tea onto the river with Vintage Days Out and their fleet of superbly-restored vintage boats. Watch the afternoon drift by as you relax and take in the sights, including the magnificent wildlife that inhabit near the water’s edge. A professional chef is on board preparing fresh picnic lunches, cream tea and luxury buffets - perfect for celebrations, parties or just a fun day out!
Eynsham Hall Served in either the main hall or the champagne terrace, Eynsham Hall is an exceptional country house in the heart of Oxfordshire that offers authentic and classic or sparkling afternoon tea. Ingredients are sourced from local farms and suppliers making this traditional English experience even more authentic.
The Macdonald Randolph Hotel The epitome of English style and charm, the Drawing Room and Lounge at Macdonald Randolph Hotel is the perfect setting for their famous afternoon teas. They are proud to serve afternoon tea at its very best, with a delicious selection of savoury finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with jam and clotted cream, a selection of cakes and more. The celebration afternoon tea is perfect for a special occasion or even after a busy day sightseeing or shopping. For more great places to find Afternoon tea, visit: www.experienceoxfordshire.org/afternoon-tea Vintage Days Out
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Only in Oxfordshire Quirky Traditions Oxfordshire is home to an array of quirky traditions that make the county unique.
Merton College Time Ceremony. Once a year, on the night the clocks go back, students of Merton College partake in the tradition of the Merton College Time Ceremony. Created by undergraduates in 1971, the ceremony involves students dressing in full academic dress whilst walking backwards around the Fellows’ Quad with a glass of port in their hand, from 02:00BST for an hour until 02:00GMT, to allegedly maintain the space-time continuum.
May Day
May Day. One of Oxford’s well-loved traditions, held every year on the 1st of May, sees citywide celebrations for the coming of Spring, bringing the community together for what is known as May Day. Morris Men dance across the city, and the choristers of Magdalen College choir sing the day in from the Great Tower at 6am with Hymnus Eucharisticus, attracting flocks of people to Magdalen Bridge before celebrations continue throughout the morning. Beating the Bounds. Also in Oxford and part of Ascension Day activities on the 10th of May, Beating the Bounds is an annual tradition inviting people to mark the boundary stones of the parish by beating them with willow sticks. An ancient ceremony, Beating the Bounds dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, yet today a procession of clergy and dignitaries, led by St Michael at the Northgate church, still visit the city’s boundary stones whilst shouting “Mark! Mark! Mark!”
Bun Throwing. Bun Throwing in Abingdon is a famous tradition in Oxfordshire; dating back 400 years, local dignitaries throw buns from the Abingdon County Hall Museum on days of celebration; attracting huge crowds all hoping to catch a bun!
Beating the Bounds
Bun Throwing
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Oxfordshire has been chosen as the location for countless films and TV series and has also been the inspiration for some of the world’s most well-known novels and characters. Whether you fancy being a wizard at Hogwarts, are Lewis Carroll’s biggest fan or aspire to be part of the Crawley family, keep reading and discover where you can explore the locations that have provided the backdrop for your favourite scenes or inspired the words written across many novels.
Harry Potter Retrace the steps of Harry and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when you visit Oxford. Wander through the cobbled streets and visit the
magical places that were brought to life. At Christ Church College, you’ll find the Tudor dining hall, which provided inspiration for the Great Hall, as well as the steps leading up to the hall, where Professor McGonagall stood as Harry and other Hogwarts students made their arrival. See if you can spot the area where Harry spent time recovering in the Hogwarts Infirmary when you visit the Divinity School, or the location where Draco Malfoy was turned into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody under the giant oak tree in New College.
Inspirations
Oxfordshire’s Screen & Literary Links Downton Abbey The hugely popular TV series was filmed in various locations in West Oxfordshire including Bampton, Swinbrook Shilton, and at Cogges Manor Farm in Witney.
His Dark Materials Having studied at Exeter College during the 1960’s, author Philip Pullman has been largely inspired by Oxford, including Exeter College known to readers of his books as Jordan College, Godstow Abbey, the Trout Inn and Botanic Gardens are just a few of the locations that feature in Pullman’s literary works.
New College Oak Tree
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Agatha Christie The best-selling author Agatha Christie is known worldwide for her compelling fictional crime novels and famous sleuths; namely Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. The home of Agatha Christie, and the inspiration for much of her work also comes from Wallingford. Visit Wallingford Museum’s exhibition ‘At Home with the Queen of Crime’ to learn more fascinating facts about the work and life of Christie.
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll wrote his famous tales of Alice in Wonderland - heavily inspired by Oxford, the city where Carroll lived and studied for nearly fifty years. The dining hall of Christ Church College houses treasures associated with the whimsical tales; see if you can spot the stained- glass window where Alice, the Cheshire Cat and other characters feature, and the wooden chair with the Cheshire Cat’s wide smile carved into it. When leaving Christ Church on to St Aldates, you will find Alice’s Shop, where Alice is believed to have bought sweets as a young girl.
Lewis Caroll's Office
Midsomer Murders
Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Barnaby of Causton CID and characters of the popular detective series. Discover the various filming locations - namely Wallingford, which served as the drama's fictional town of Causton; home to Causton Playhouse and the Midsomer Worthy Choir. Visit Wallingford Museum to see their Midsomer Murders display, showing numerous connections the town has with the popular TV series. Christ Church College
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Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour
Inspirations
St Mary's Passage
Oxford is a key location for Inspector Morse and Lewis, and more recently Endeavour. Enjoy a drink at the Morse Bar in the Macdonald Randolph Hotel or The White Horse Pub where the detectives spent time deliberating over cases. Amble along the River Thames where many bodies were hidden, sit on the steps of the Ashmolean Museum – the location of several scenes, or visit Exeter College where Morse had his fatal heart attack.
C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia C.S. Lewis studied at University College and was later appointed English Fellow and Tutor at Magdalen College. He published more than 30 books during his lifetime including the world-famous Chronicles of Narnia. Visit St Mary’s Passage and see if you can spot the carved fawn in one of the door frames, supposedly the inspiration for Mr. Tumnus.
Alice's Shop
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Toddlers to Teenagers Fun For the Whole Family With fantastic farms, magical museums, interactive history and some of the best experiences to be had, Oxfordshire has a range of activities perfect for toddlers to teens. We hope these suggestions will provide you with inspiration for planning your next family adventure! Mixing fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love magical Fairytale Farm. Where else can you meet mermaids, rabbits, sleeping beauty, alpacas, sea horses, ducks and chickens? Be transported back in time at The Oxford Bus Museum, which tells the story of bus and coach travel around Oxfordshire over the last 130 years. Exhibits include historic horse-drawn vehicles, vintage buses, coaches and unique artifacts. With a variety of engaging and immersive exhibitions, the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum includes a recreated Great War trench, a mock-up section of a Horsa Glider from D Day and Afghan Alley. For great views of Oxford city centre, climb Oxford’s oldest tower St Michael at the Northgate. Inside you can see the door to the Martyrs’ cell, an ancient clock mechanism that you can see in action, and silver and bronze dating back to the 1600’s.
Fairytale Farm
The Story Museum
Oxford Bus Museum
Offering a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of Oxford, the Story Museum celebrates story in all forms with regular story sessions, a delicious cafe on site and a quirky shop for storyinspired gifts. Although the main exhibition area is currently closed for redevelopment, you can pop in for some FREE story fun with dressing up, popup stories and the Talking Throne in the museum’s ‘Changing Room’, which gives visitors a taste of what will be on offer when the development work is completed.
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Easy Day Trip Destinations You Can Take From Oxford As one of the most centrally located cities in England, Oxford is the perfect place to base yourself and explore other parts of the country; and excellent transport links makes it easy to travel around Oxfordshire and beyond.
Stonehenge
Bath
Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge – one of the wonders of the world and the best known prehistoric monument in Europe. Travelling by train to Salisbury takes just over two hours, however a quicker and cheaper option is to drive with a journey time of just over one hour, giving you plenty of time to explore this wonderful English Heritage site. You can even purchase discount tickets for Stonehenge from the Oxford Visitor Information Centre!
With frequent fast services on the rail route between Oxford and Bath taking just over one hour, the beautiful city of Bath is the perfect day trip destination. Built for pleasure and relaxation, Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times, boasting the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in.
Stonehenge
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Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park Once the top-secret home of the World War II Code Breakers and the birthplace of modern information technology, Bletchley Park is now a vibrant heritage attraction. Just a fifty-minute drive away, this is a great day trip to take from Oxford, allowing plenty of time to explore this fascinating piece of British heritage and still have time to enjoy a full evening’s entertainment back in Oxford.
Stratford-upon-Avon Nestled in the rural Warwickshire countryside, on the picturesque banks of the River Avon, lies the charming medieval market town of Stratfordupon-Avon. A day trip to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the world’s greatest playwright is a must and it’s so easy to get there either by bus, with a journey time of just over an hour, or by train via Royal Leamington Spa.
London Less than an hour’s journey via train from Oxford, London’s lively city atmosphere is not to be missed. Take in a show in the West End, stroll around the UK’s most famous museums, and marvel at some of the grandest monuments in Europe.
Stratford-upon-Avon
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Hop on board a Chiltern train to Oxford Station from lovely London Marylebone. Enjoy your journey with spacious carriages, comfy seats and complimentary Wifi*. With trains leaving twice an hour and with journey times from just 60 minutes, isn’t it time you spread your wings? Book online now or tap the app * Subject to availability
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Travelling Into Oxfordshire By Air Nearest airports: London Heathrow Airport (2 hours by bus), London Gatwick Airport (3 hours by bus), Birmingham Airport (1 hour by train). Oxford Bus Company’s Airline coaches operate 24 hour, 7 days a week services to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Tickets can be purchased online or on the day of travel. www.airline.oxfordbus.co.uk
By Coach Linking London and Oxford, the Oxford Bus Company’s X90 route provides a 24/7 service. www.x90.oxfordbus.co.uk Stagecoach operates the Oxford Tube, also linking London and Oxford, and available 24/7. www.oxfordtube.com
By Rail Great Western Railway has a regular service from London Paddington stopping at Didcot, Reading and Oxford and north through the county to the Cotswolds. www.gwr.com Chiltern Railways operates trains from London Marylebone with stops at Princes Risborough, Haddenham & Thame Parkway, Bicester Village, Oxford Parkway and Oxford. www.chilternrailways.co.uk
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Travelling Around Oxfordshire By Bus The Oxford Bus Company operates a network of services across the city, with regular buses also travelling to surrounding towns and villages as well as to Blenheim Palace. www.oxfordbus.co.uk Stagecoach also offers an excellent countywide bus network, including the S5 service linking Oxford and Bicester Village, and the S3 and 7 services linking Oxford and Blenheim Palace. www.stagecoachbus.com/about/oxfordshire Park & Ride - The Gateway to Oxford. There are 5 Park & Ride sites located around Oxford’s ring road, with regular bus services to the city centre, making your journey into the city hassle free. www.parkandride.oxfordbus.co.uk The City Sightseeing Bus is an excellent way to explore the city, its history and highlights, and offers the option to hop on and off whenever you like. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours. www.citysightseeingoxford.com
Car & Chauffeur Hire Oxfordshire Travel, a luxury transportation company and great customer service. www.oxford-travel.co.uk The Oxford Minibus Company has a high- end fleet catering for 1 – 70 passengers. www.theoxfordminibuscompany.co.uk Auto Europe offer car, motorhome, motorcycle or luxury vehicle hire.from a choice of suppliers to suit your needs. www.autoeurope.co.uk www.experienceoxfordshire.org Experience Ox_Guide 2019_FINAL-V5.indd 84
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Where to stay in Oxfordshire THE MAYTIME INN www.themaytime.com The Maytime Inn, Asthall, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4HW The Maytime Inn has six individually decorated bedrooms - it is the perfect place to enjoy a break in one of England’s most beautiful locations. Diners also can enjoy their seasonally changing menu. 01993 822068 themaytime@themaytime.com
BICESTER HOTEL GOLF AND SPA www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa.com Green Lane, Chesterton, Bicester, Oxfordshire,OX26 1TH Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa has 52 well-appointed deluxe bedrooms. Some ground floor rooms have their own small patio area and many of the first floor rooms have views overlooking the rolling fairways. 01869 241204 reservations@bicesterhgs.com
GRANGE FARM COUNTRY COTTAGES www.grangefarmcottages.co.uk Grange Farm Estates, Godington, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX27 9AF Grange Farm is a working farm set in the small village of Godington in rural Oxfordshire, close to the Cotswolds. Each cottage is fitted out with a combination of contemporary practical items and luxurious character furnishings. The kitchen areas contain a full-sized cooker, fridge, microwave oven and dishwasher. 01869 277226 info@grangefarmcottages.co.uk
EYNSHAM HALL
BATH PLACE HOTEL
www.eynshamhall.com Eynsham Hall Hotel, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 6PN Enjoy a stay in one of the newly-refurbished, boutique style Main Hall bedrooms. Or choose the Double Cosy rooms or Standard Double bedrooms in the Eynsham Lodge, just a short walk away from the Main Building. 01993 885203
www.bathplace.co.uk/index.html 4–5 Bath Place, Holywell Street, Oxford OX1 3SU The Bath Place Hotel offers fifteen double and twin cottage-style rooms as well as family suites. Each room is en-suite with digital flat-screen television, free wifi, minibar as well as coffee- and tea-making facilities. 01865 791812 info@bathplace.co.uk
HEYTHROP PARK RESORT
HAMPTON BY HILTON
(FIROKA GROUP) www.heythroppark.co.uk Enstone, Chipping Norton OX7 5UF 18-hole golf course. 358 bedrooms across the resort. Leisure club and gym. Unique wedding venue for traditional and Asian weddings for up to 800 guests. Afternoon Tea. Private dining. 01608 673497 info@heythroppark.co.uk
https://goo.gl/ZD1yLJ Hampton by Hilton, Grenoble Road, Oxford, OX4 4XP Hampton by Hilton Oxford offers business and leisure accommodation in the historic city of Oxford. All rooms feature an ergonomic chair and desk, a flat-screen TV and a walk-in power shower. 01865 788860
BELMOND LE MANOIR AUX QUAT'SAISONS
THE OLD BANK
www.belmond.com Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford, OX44 7PD Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also has a restaurant and a terrace. The rooms at the hotel come with a seating area, a flatscreen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a bath. 01844 277216 manoir.mqs@belmond.com
www.oldbank-hotel.co.uk 92-94 High St, Oxford OX1 4BJ The Old Bank hotel has 42 luxury bedrooms. The proportions of the Georgian property have been retained leading to rooms feeling large and airy. Many of the rooms have unrivalled views of famous Oxford landmarks. 01865 517541 reception@oldbank-hotel.co.uk
ARDEN LODGE
CHRIST CHURCH
www.ardenlodgeoxford.co.uk 34 Sunderland Ave, Oxford OX2 8DX Arden Lodge is a three-star guest house located in a quiet, green suburb of Oxford. The cosy and welcoming lodge offers three bedrooms with private facilities or en-suite bathrooms. 01865 552076 ardenlodge34@googlemail.com
www.chch.ox.ac.uk Christ Church, St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP Christ Church offers single, twin and double bedrooms. Each room is provided with bed linen, towels, hairdryer, and a complimentary toiletry pack on arrival, as well as tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge. 01865 286998 enquiries@chch.ox.ac.uk
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MERCURE EASTGATE HOTEL
CONFERENCE OXFORD
www.accorhotels.com 73 High St, Oxford OX1 4BE Mercure Oxford Eastgate is located in the centre of Oxford opposite the University buildings. The famous novelists J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S Lewis frequented the hotel whilst being Fellows at Merton College and Magdalen College respectively. 01865 248332 H6668@accor.com
www.conference-oxford.com Conference Oxford, 1 Littlegate Street, Oxford, OX1 1QG The University of Oxford welcomes the independent traveller. Colleges can offer self-catering or bed-and-breakfast accommodation on an individual basis during the vacation periods and occasionally during term. 01865 287378 anna.dominey@conference-oxford.ox.ac.uk
BURLINGTON HOUSE
BEST WESTERN PLUS OXFORD, LINTON LODGE HOTEL
www.burlington-hotel-oxford.co.uk/ 374 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 7PP Burlington House is situated in Oxford’s premier residential area of Summertown. The 10 en-suite bedrooms are dedicated to ensuring guests have a comfortable stay, and are stylishly decorated to the highest contemporary standards. 01865 513513 stay@burlington-house.co.uk
JURY’S INN (Wolvercote Roundabout) www.jurysinns.com Godstow Rd, Oxford OX2 8AL Jurys Inn hotel in Oxford has 240 stylish bedrooms in total and offers a range of spacious rooms to suit your purpose, from a standard double to the ‘Deluxe King’ with free WiFi. 01865 489988 Jurysinnoxford@jurysinn.com
Accommodation
Where to stay in the city of Oxford
www.bw-lintonlodgehotel.co.uk Linton Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6UJ, England Linton Lodge is set in one and a half acres of gardens, in a quiet suburb of Oxford, yet just a mile from the city centre. Well appointed and comfortable rooms with superb food make this hotel a perfect choice for leisure and business travellers alike. 01865 553461 sales@lintonlodge.com
MACDONALD - THE RANDOLPH HOTEL www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Beaumont St, Oxford, OX1 2LN The Macdonald Randolph Hotel is the leading 5-star hotel in Oxford and offers luxurious accommodation, delicious food and a sensuous spa haven in the heart of this world-famous University City. 01865 256420 enquiries@Macdonald-Hotels.co.uk
MALMAISON OXFORD
THE BUTTERY
www.malmaison.com/locations/oxford Oxford Castle, 3 New Rd, Oxford OX1 1AY Malmaison has 95 newly refurbished non-smoking bedrooms and suites in a converted prison. Take in the inspiring atmosphere of a medieval castle with the luxurious amenities of a 4 Star Hotel. 01865 268501 Reservations.oxford@malmaison.com
www.thebutteryhotel.co.uk 11-12 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AP The Buttery is a newly appointed four-star hotel. The Buttery offers six deluxe and well-furnished en-suite bedrooms with many rooms overlooking some of the beautiful Oxford colleges. 01865 811950 enquiries@thebutteryhotel.co.uk
SAID BUSINESS SCHOOL www.sbs.ox.ac.uk University of Oxford, Park End St, Oxford, OX1 1HP Set in 37 acres of wooded parkland Egrove Park is located 2 miles from the city centre and only a 10 minute drive away. Egrove Park was built in 1969 and retains some very quirky features reminiscent of 1960s architecture. Delicious hot and cold buffet breakfast available.
01865 288442 conference@sbs.ox.ac.uk
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Accommodation Listings Macdonald Bear Hotel
The Oxford Belfry
Oxford Spires Hotel
London Road, Milton Common OX9 2JW, England 01844 279381
Abingdon Rd, Oxford, OX1 4PS 01865 324 324 www.phcompany.com/principal/oxford-spires
Park Street, Woodstock, OX20 ISZ 0344 879 9143 enquiries@Macdonald-Hotels.co.uk www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/south-england /woodstock/macdonald-bear-hotel
The Buttery
Royal Oxford Hotel
Thackley End
11-12 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AP 01865 811950 enquiries@thebutteryhotel.co.uk www.thebutteryhotel.co.uk
Park End Street, OX11 1HR 01865 248432 info@royaloxfordhotel.co.uk www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk
Banbury Road, Oxford 01993 811711 stay@shortletspace.co.uk www.shortletspace.co.uk/oxford/north-oxford /kftea-thackley-end-flat
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South
The Galaxie
The St. Margarets Hotel
6 Milton Gate, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4FP United Kingdom 01865 671480
180 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7BY 01865 515688 hotel@galaxie.co.uk
Cotswold Lodge Hotel
Gorselands Hall
The Tidmarsh
Cotswold Lodge Hotel, 66A Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JP 01865 512121 enquiries@cotswoldlodgehotel.co.uk www.cotswoldlodgehotel.co.uk
Boddington Lane, North Leigh, Oxon, OX29 6PU 01993 882292 bandb@gorselandshall.com www.gorselandshall.com
2 Tidmarsh Lane, Oxford Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AZ 01869 277557 pat@pmcdomus.co.uk https://staybeyond.com
De Vere Oxford Thames Hotel
Newton House
Stay Beyond - Nelson Street
Henley Rd, Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford OX4 4GX 01865 334444 oxfordthamesreception@devere.com www.devere.co.uk/oxford-thames
82/84 Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4PL 01865 240561 martyn@newtonhouseoxford.co.uk www.newtonhouseoxford.co.uk
31 Nelson Street, Oxford, OX2 6BD 02075235351
The George Hotel
Heath Farm Holiday Cottages
Holiday Inn Oxford
George Hotel, High Street, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 0BS 01491 836665 info@george-hotel-wallingford.com www.peelhotels.co.uk/george-hotel
Swerford, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 4BN 01608 683204 cottages@heathfarm.com www.heathfarm.com
Peartree Roundabout, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 8JD 0871 942 9086 oxford@hioxford.co.uk www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/oxford/ofduk/hoteldetail
Hawkwell House Hotel
Littlegood Lodge
Church Way, Iffley Village, Oxford, OX4 4DZ 01865 749988 enquiry@hawkwellhouse.co.uk www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk
Little Bourton, Banbury, OX17 1QZ 01295 750069 littlegoodfarm31@gmail.com www.littlegoodfarm.co.uk
Holiday Inn Express Oxford
Oxford Country Cottages
Kassam Stadium, Grenoble Road, Oxford, OXP 4XP 01865 780888 reservations@expressoxford.com www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/oxford /ofdks/hoteldetail
Lower Farm, Noke, Oxford, OX3 9TX 07830 165830 felicity@oxfordcountrycottages.co.uk www.oxfordcountrycottages.co.uk
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Come rain or shine, and no matter the time of year, we guarantee there’s always an exciting adventure to be had throughout Oxfordshire. Step onto Oxford’s cobbled lanes as you wander the City of Spires and its pinnacled roofs, punt or row down the scenic River Thames, or make your way across the county’s many picturesque and exciting villages, towns and leading attractions. Remember that many fantastic family attractions, such as Oxford Ice Rink, can be enjoyed all year round!
When to Visit
When to Visit 5th Sep 2018 - 1 st Feb 2019 A Medieval Mosaic Exhibition: Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum A 210 foot long mosaic recreates the famous Bayeux Tapestry. www.sofo.org.uk/whats-on 8th - 15th Feb Turl Street Arts Festival Soak up some culture at the annual Turl Street Arts Festival, where the creative talents of staff and students of the three Turl Street colleges - Exeter, Lincoln and Jesus are showcased.
Until 28th May Bacterial World at the Natural History Museum A revealing exhibition that will leave you pondering the secret lives of bacteria. www.oum.ox.ac.uk/ bacterialworld 22nd Feb, 27th Feb - 4th Mar Torpids Cheer on the Oxford colleges at the annual Torpids rowing and bumping races. www.ourcs.org.uk
4th - 17th Mar Henley Youth Festival Indulge your imagination and promote children's performing and visual arts. This year's theme is 'dreams'... Continued
Oxfordshire in Spring Enjoy impressive displays of spring flowering bulbs at Batsford Arboretum – from swathes of bluebells, snowdrops, aconites, hellebores and daffodils to the beautiful blossom of magnolias and flowering cherries. Go punting on the River Cherwell or cycling in the countryside with The Carter Company, have a picnic with the rhinos at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, visit over eight acres of inspirational landscaped gardens at Waterperry Gardens, be transported back in time at Broughton Castle with the family or enjoy an evening of Shakespeare at the Oxford Castle & Prison, just to name a few.
For full details of these and even more events, visit www.experienceoxfordshire.org/whats-on
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When to Visit
90 ...If you are a 4-18 year old with a brilliant imagination, then create something to be shown at the festival! www.hyf.org.uk
30th Mar - 7th Apr Oxford Literary Festival Over 350 writers flock to the famous university city to discuss affairs literary, political, historical, environmental and culinary. www.oxfordliteraryfestival.org
12th May
2nd June
Town & Gown Run
World Poohsticks Championship
Whether you're a serious athlete or a beginner, run a 10k or 3k scenic route through Oxford city centre with around 5,000 other runners. www.townandgown10k.com/ oxford 9th - 17th May
17th - 29th June
Oxford Bike Week
Offbeat Festival
Get on your bike for a range of rides and events during Oxford Bike Week. Open for all to join. www.oxfordbikeweek.co.uk
Offbeat is a festival of new comedy, theatre, family shows, dance, spoken word and music, taking place at the Old Fire Station and Oxford Playhouse. www.offbeatoxford.co.uk
25th - 28th Apr ChipLitFest Join more than fifty authors, publishers and booksellers to discuss the written word. With book swaps, reading groups, workshops and more. www.chiplitfest.com
17th-20th May Wood A not-to-be-missed festival of music and nature, set in the rolling Chiltern Hills at Braziers Park. www.eventbrite.com/e/ wood-festival-2019tickets-46299690621
At 6am Oxford will be woken with the choristers of Magdalen College choir singing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower. Celebrations of the coming of Spring will flow throughout Oxford, with Morris Men dancing and activities spread across the city. www.oxford.gov.uk 4th - 27th May Oxfordshire Art Weeks Meet hundreds of artists, craftspeople and designer-makers in a range of venues across Oxfordshire during this unique festival that celebrates art in Oxfordshire. www.artweeks.org
21st June - 7th July Oxford Festival of the Arts
29th May - 26th July
Immerse yourself in culture with a fortnight of performances, talks and workshops at venues throughout Oxford. www.artsfestivaloxford.org/ whats-on
Garsington Opera Festival
21st - 22nd June
1st May May Morning
Show off your poohsticks skills and make Winne the Pooh proud at the World Poohsticks Championships, hosted on a bridge near to Witney. www.pooh-sticks.com
Celebrate 30 years of the Garsington Opera Festival this summer with four fantastic productions to choose from. www.garsingtonopera.org
Beacon Festival, Watlington Bring the whole family to Watlington's annual weekend music event. Featuring live music, workshops and demonstrations. www.beaconfestival.net
1st June Oxford Pride Parade
21st - 23rd June
Oxford Pride's annual parade, starting at midday from Radcliffe Square and travelling through the city to the Castle Quarter. www.sites.google.com/a/ oxford-pride.org.uk/pride-2016/ parade
Blenheim Flower Show Get inspiration for your home and garden with this wonderful three day flower show. www.blenheimflowershow.co.uk
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91 Handmade in Oxford Building on the legacy of Art in Action, Handmade in Oxford will offer the opportunity to discover the crafts of local artists in Waterperry Gardens. www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk/ events/handmade-oxford 3rd - 7th July Henley Royal Regatta Spend a summer's day down by the Thames at the sophisticated and exciting Henley Royal Regatta. www.hrr.co.uk
Cornbury Music Festival
Summer is one of the best times to visit Oxfordshire. It is packed to the brim with interesting things to see, do and experience; your chance to make the most of the long day! Oxford welcomes many festivals and street carnivals; notably Alice’s Day and Cowley Road Carnival. Returning for its seventh year in June, the Blenheim Palace Flower Show celebrates the very best of gardening, home and lifestyle and boasts the stunning Grand Floral Pavilion. During July, the annual Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best-known regatta in the world. It is a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and the social season. The Regatta attracts thousands of visitors over a five-day period. Or, book a private adventure with Go Cotswolds and experience once of the most quintessentially English regions as you bask in the honeycoloured stone buildings.
8th July - 7th Sep Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre @ Blenheim Palace Watch four of Shakespeare's most breathtaking plays - Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard III and Romeo & Juliet - in the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace. www.shakespearesrosetheatre. com/blenheim Cogges Farm Beer & Cider Festival
5th - 7th July
Summer in Oxfordshire
...celebrating community and culture in Oxford. www.cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk
When to Visit
27th-30th June
A country fair with a rock 'n' roll twist, Cornbury Music Festival is a family event not to be missed. Headlining this year are The Beach Boys! www.cornburyfestival.com 6th July Alice’s Day "Every year, Oxford comes together to commemorate Lewis Carroll’s enchanting tales of Alice in Wonderland. An important moment for children’s literature and the city that inspired the stories, Oxford hosts a variety of magically whimsical activities throughout the day. www.storymuseum.org.uk/ about-us/what-we-do/alicesday 7th July Cowley Road Carnival
Sample the best brews in the county at Cogges Manor Farm, against the background of beautiful 17th century barns, morris dancing and live music. www.cogges.org.uk/whats 15th - 19th July Swan Upping A traditional event when the swans on the Upper Thames are marked for identification by The Royal Swan Uppers, who wear the bright scarlet uniform of Her Majesty The Queen. The Swan Uppers will row along the Thames between Sunbury and Abingdon. www.royalswan.co.uk 26th -28th July Truck Festival Watch an array of the best emerging local and national music talent at Truck Festival 2019. www.truckfestival.com
Join the buzzing crowds for another year of the Cowley Road Carnival, Continued
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When to Visit
92 1st - 4th Aug
25th - 26th Aug
BBC Countryfile Live @ Blenheim Palace
Uffington White Horse Show
See the nationally famous BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace this August. www.countryfilelive.com
Get your adrenaline pumping with attractions including aeroplanes, helicopters, BMX and heavy horse displays. www.whitehorseshow.co.uk
1st - 4th Aug
9th - 10th Sep
Wilderness Festival
St Giles Fair
Wilderness Festival is the multiaward winning 4-day festival of live music, wild swimming, spectacle, late night revelry and dining experiences. www.wildernessfestival.com
The locally famous St Giles’ fair returns for another year with different rides and food stalls for the whole family to enjoy! www.oxford.gov.uk/info/20013/ about_oxford/557/st_giles_fair
8th - 10th Aug
14th - 15th Sep
Fairport’s Cropedy Convention
Oxford Open Doors Discover Oxford's history and fall in love with the city all over again during this very special weekend event.
Cropedy's annual folk and rock festival, organised by the band Fairport Convention. www.fairportconvention.com
www.oxfordpreservation.org. uk/node/16
23rd -25th Aug The Big Feastival
19th - 22nd Sep
Fantastically family-friendly food and music festival on a farm in Chipping Norton. www.thebigfeastival.com
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
23rd - 26th Aug Towersey Village Music Festival Experience local music and community at Towersey's village festival. Featuring music stages, food and crafts. www.towerseyfestival.com
Oxfordshire Autumn Savour the last sunny days before the cool, crisp air takes over. Look out for seasonal apple or pumpkin days, notably at Cogges Manor Farm, where you can sample the season’s bounty. Or, revel in the vivid colours and enjoy a crisp walk. Enjoy a walk across the ancient chalk downs of Oxfordshire and absorb the history found the stretch of the ancient Ridgeway. Autumn is a great time at Waddesdon Manor or Blenheim Palace, as bronze and gold hues begin to show in the gardens.
Watch world-class horse riders partake in dressage, cross-country and showjumping in the glorious Blenheim Palace parkland. www.blenheimhorse.co.uk 28th -29th Sep Thame Food Festival Tuck into delicious artisan food and street food. Expect demonstrations from top chefs, food stalls and artisan drinks offerings. www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk
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Henley Literary Festival
Oxford Christmas Lights Festival
As one of the biggest book festivals in the UK, Henley Literary Festival is an unmissable event for anyone with a passion for literature. www.henleyliteraryfestival. co.uk
With the countdown nearly on, celebrate everything Christmas with the rest of Oxfordshire at this year’s Christmas Lights Festival. www.oxfordschristmas.com/
11th - 14th Oct
Oxford Christmas Market
Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Film & Music
The city of dreaming spires will again be filled with festive joy as the Oxford Christmas Market returns to the heart of the city on beautiful and historic Broad Street www.oxfordchristmasmarket. co.uk
Join in with a full programme of exciting events, bringing together great minds in the fields of literature and culture www. blenheimpalaceliteraryfestival. com
When t oVisit
28th Sep - 6th Oct
Oxford Lieder Festival The centrepiece of the Oxford Lieder musical year, this festival is an extravaganza of music that features some of the world's best singers and pianists. www.oxfordlieder.co.uk IF: Oxford Science & Ideas Festival Everyone can learn something new at the Oxford Science and Ideas festival, with events covering all levels of interest. www.if-oxford.com Banbury Folk Festival Dance to fantastic folk music at this weekend festival, held in venues around Banbury town centre. www.banburyfolkfestival.co.uk
Winter in Oxfordshire Winter is a memorable and magical time to be in Oxfordshire. Wake up to frosty mornings and slowly make your way to a traditional pub with a roaring log fire by mid-afternoon. Whether you’re in the city or countryside, there are plenty of pubs to warm up in. Or, take a tour of Oxfordshire’s many local breweries such as Wychwood Brewery or Hook Norton Brewery and be welcomed by warm, smiling brewers. Time your visit to Oxfordshire near mid-December and experience classic Christmas traditions, outdoor markets and grottos and extraordinary light displays - and don’t forget to have some mulled wine!
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Maps, guidebooks, gifts and souvenirs
Left luggage
Discounted tickets to attractions Book Oxford Official Walking Tours
Book tours of Oxford, Oxfordshire and Cotswolds
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