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Oxfordshire... beauty at its best
Things to see and do... P2-4
Visit Oxfordshire and discover one of the most beautiful English counties, with the most inspiring city at its heart... Offering so much to see and do, all year round, Oxford and Oxfordshire make an excellent destination for all whatever the weather. Explore Oxfordshire's varied landscape, visitor attractions and rural heritage or experience walking trails and cycling routes which show you all the hidden treasures on offer here, which makes it the ideal location for short breaks, holidays - and even staycations. If you're looking for a cultural getaway or a romantic city break then Oxford is a must. Renowned for its history and heritage, exquisite architecture, and ancient University, Oxford sits at the very heart of this rural county. Take time out to enjoy the county's bustling market towns, discover the film and literary connections or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river in one of the stunning Oxfordshire Cotswolds villages.
Widen your horizons by visiting (free) world class museums, family appeal attractions or a variety of festivals held throughout the year catering for all ages and interests. In Oxford and Oxfordshire you will find accommodation to suit all budgets from 5 star city centre hotels to family run B&B's and boating holidays on the River Thames. We have places to stay to suit every taste and budget. Choose where to stay in any of the beautiful settings found throughout the county of Oxfordshire and find the best accommodation conveniently placed for great days out. It's easy to visit Oxfordshire; Oxford is just 50 minutes from central London by train or 90 minutes by frequent bus services. Once here, you can visit much of Oxfordshire by public transport including many of the county's picturesque towns and villages.
Discover for yourself..
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Accommodation...
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Itineraries...
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Lunch stops...
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO...
Top 5 Attractions with themed tours for groups
Ashmolean Museum Bodleian Librar y Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours Blenheim Palace River & Rowing Museum
Blenheim Palace
From the city of Dreaming Spires, Oxford to the wondrous countryside of Oxfordshire, there are so many fantastic things to see and do here for all groups. Whether your groups are culture vultures visiting our historical gems such as Britain's Greatest palace - Blenheim Palace, Christ Church college or the Ashmolean Museum or they like to indulge in a spot of retail therapy at Bicester Village - we can provide an array of activities all year round to keep your groups coming back for more. If your groups are interested in gardens then look no further. We have an excellent choice of gardens from the first Botanical Garden in Britain to marvellous landscaping at Blenheim Palace, Stowe and Buscot Park. If you are looking for that relaxing break, Oxfordshire has all the ingredients needed. The idyllic villages located in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds offer some of the most stunning scenes in England and our market towns are hidden gems and offer great local experiences throughout the county. For itinerary ideas please visit our website www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/group-travel
Night Time in the City of Oxford After a full day of sightseeing and soaking up the delights of Oxfordshire, why not relax and take in one of the great night time activities on offer in Oxford? Visit the New Theatre and catch up on some of shows from the West End or take in a traditional performance at the Oxford Playhouse. Looking to catch the sunset over the spires of Oxford? Why not book a private walking tour with Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours, or find out about all ghosts and spooky tales with Bill Spectre Ghost Trails. Sunset river trips and BBQ’s are also on offer during the summer months for groups.
www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
Bill Spectre ghost trails
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO...
Oxfordshire’s Hidden Secrets for Groups • Broughton Castle will open especially for private group tours • Learn how to grow an orchid by a Chelsea Gold Winner at Newington Nurseries • Take a curator tour of the Ashmolean Museum and discover more about this fabulous museum • Didcot Railway offer evening visits for groups • Get up close and personal with the animals at the Cotswold Wildlife Park • Be guided on a cycle with Bainton Bikes and see the fabulous countryside of Oxfordshire • Treasure Hunts and Ghosts Trails at Oxford Castle Unlocked Oxford Castle Unlocked
Top 5
venues for Afternoon Tea
Cup & saucer
Oxford Malmaison - Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea
deur Heythrop Park Resort - Tea served in the gran of the Wedgewood Room
hid House
in the Orc Newington Nurseries - Dine among flowers tessential British experience Macdonald Randolph - The quin sandwiches
with cake stands and cucumber the water terraces Blenheim Palace - Champagne tea served on
www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO...
Oxfordshire meets Hollywood Film and TV locations
Broughton Castle
Oxford and Oxfordshire are used as the backdrop for many TV programmes and flim locations – here are a few itinerary ideas for your groups. • Hogwarts’ dining room is the dining hall at Christ Church College • The village of Bampton is used as the village scenes in Downton Abbey • Blenheim Palace was used in The Young Victoria and Gulliver’s Travel – to name a few! • Didcot Railway has been used in the CS Lewis film Beyond Narnia • Shakespeare in Love was filmed at our very own Broughton Castle • Morse and Lewis is filmed throughout our glorious city of Oxford • Midsomer Murders is filmed throughout South Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
3 hours in Oxford for your group
Top 5
Take a 45 minute river cruise with Salter’s Steamers or Oxford River Cruises and see the beauty of Oxford from the Thames.Then stretch your legs on a walking tour of the city with Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours and discover more about our fascinating city. Finish off with a visit to Oxford Castle Unlocked and be guided through the history of this amazing prison.
re Gardens in Oxfordshi
Waterperr y Gardens Buscot Park Stowe dens Oxford Botanical Gar Blenheim Palace FOR LOTS OF ITINERARY IDEAS
Oxford River Cruises
PLEASE VISIT www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/group-travel
www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
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www.southernoxfordshire.com
Visit historic, vibrant market towns in southern Oxfordshire Southern Oxfordshire has always been at the heart of England’s rich history. There are pre-historic Bronze and Iron Age settlements, historic buildings, gardens, landmarks and even a Time Team excavation site which can all be explored. Lovers of the countryside will find areas of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. If you fancy a stroll along the River Thames or a more vigorous hike, there are many routes in rolling chalk hills or natural woodlands. And the independent shops with personal service make the towns a joy to visit. Wallingford lies just 13 miles from Oxford; Henley is a further 11 miles away and only 35 miles from central London. With its vibrant community life, and intriguing history, the market town of Wallingford has much to offer visitors. The first settlers were drawn here by the River Thames - and the river is still one of Wallingford's great attractions. There's plenty more to enjoy - Wallingford boasts an appealing town centre with a great selection of independent shops, and a range of restaurants, cafes and hostelries.
There are fascinating corners of Wallingford to explore from Royal castle ruins offering reminders of the Queens and Kings who lived in Wallingford to antique shops and ornate parks, gardens and Saxon earthworks - all easily accessible from the town centre. The Market Place with 17th century Town Hall still hosts many markets including the Charter Market every Friday – a tradition since 1155. Did you know that Midsomer Murders is filmed in the area and that Causton is the original fictional location of Wallingford? Or that Agatha Christie lived in Wallingford and wrote her characters and stories around local landmarks? Set within a backdrop of beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, Wallingford’s hidden gems are ripe for discovery. Henley on Thames enjoys an international reputation as home of the world’s greatest rowing regatta and has the joie de vivre of summer, yet is wonderful to visit in all seasons. A 12th century market town, Henley’s historic heart sits a few strides from one of
the most beautiful stretches of the river Thames. With its view of the iconic 18th century bridge and St Mary’s church, the main street has many Georgian facades and over 300 buildings designated with special architectural or historical interest. Henley’s riverside location lends itself to relaxation, long lunches and shopping where independent retailers offer a personal touch. The award-winning River & Rowing Museum has galleries dedicated to Rowing, Rivers and the history of Henley. It is also home to the magical Wind in the Willows exhibition and Terrace cafe. This is a town dedicated to enjoying the water. Watch others messing about on the river, or hire a boat and join in the fun – the summer straw boater and stripy blazer combo is optional. Numerous self-guided walks in and around both towns are available from both tourist offices ensuring visitors make the most of their trip. Visit the market towns of southern Oxfordshire:
www.southernoxfordshire.com
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ACCOMMODATION...
Accommodation in Oxfordshire In Oxford and Oxfordshire you will find accommodation to suit all budgets from 5 star city centre hotels to family run B&B's and boating holidays on the River Thames. We have places to stay to suit groups of all sizes.
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
FOR INFORMATION ON
Our wide selection of accommodation in and around Oxfordshire, offer some great facilities to help you relax. Enjoy a game of golf or treat yourself to a luxur y spa in one of our many quality hotels which all welcome groups – The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel and Spa and the Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa. Tr y The Old Swan and Minster Mill in the beautiful Oxfordshire Cotswolds or the award winning Bay Tree Hotel in the stunning market town of Burford. If you’re looking to be located in the centre of the county for easy access to all our great attractions, then tr y The Deddington Arms Hotel or Heythrop Park Resor t. You are spoilt for choice in the centre of Oxford for hotels. Looking for 5 star quality? Then tr y the Macdonald Randolph Hotel and visit the relaxing Morse bar, or if you want to be locked away, stay in one of the conver ted cell rooms at the Oxford Malmaison and tr y to escape! Cotswold Lodge Hotel and Best Western Linton Lodge are a stones throw from the centre. The Oxford Hotel, Hawkwell House and Four Pillars Hotel also offer excellent retreats for groups.
Four Pillars Hotel
Four Pillars At Four Pillars Hotels we have been welcoming groups and hosting events for over 30 years. We are renowned for our attention to detail and take pride in caring for our guests. Our experienced and dedicated staff will assist with the organisation, offer ideas and ensure everything runs smoothly from your initial enquiry to the actual stay. Our 6 hotels are conveniently located in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, all of which are easily accessible, have ample parking and can accommodate a number of coaches. With properties ranging from a Victorian mansion to a contemporary lakeside resort, we are bound to have the perfect venue for a truly memorable visit, whatever your preferred style and budget.
COACH PARKING IN OXFORDSHIRE PLEASE VISIT www.vistoxfordandoxfordshire.com/group-travel
www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
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ITINERARIES...
Day 1
Day 3
Arrive in Oxford. After checking in there’s free time to ‘get your bearings’ prior to dinner. Maybe include a trip to the Eagle and Child pub, meeting place of the Inklings. Or drop in to Exeter College - Lyra's home in Philip Pullman's trilogy.
This morning’s Official Guided Walking Tour of Oxford will concentrate on ‘Inspector Morse and Oxford Detectives’. Around midday, you’ll head into the Oxfordshire countryside for a pub lunch and spend the afternoon discovering some of the locations featured in Midsomer Murders around Wallingford.
The Radcliffe Camera Divinity School
Day 2 Today’s visit begins at the Bodleian Library and includes the wonderful Divinity School, Duke Humfrey's Library (Hogwarts' Library) and the Convocation House.Then follows an Official Guided Walking Tour chosen from CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, When Alice Met Harry,The Oxford Literary Tour or even Oxford Children's Stories Tour. It could include a visit to Christ Church, home of the real 'Alice' whose Great Tudor Hall inspired Hogwarts' Hall. Return to Christ Church Cathedral for candlelit Choral Evensong - an uplifting experience, quite different from a tourist visit.
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Prehistoric White Horse
Day 4 Spend an hour or two pottering around the places associated with John Betjeman in the attractive South Oxfordshire market town of Wantage which featured as Alfredston in Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure. Continue to the charming village school at Uffington, described in Tom Brown's Schooldays. Include a visit to the mysterious prehistoric White Horse. Official Guided Walking Tours
FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON WHAT’S NEW IN OXFORDSHIRE @visitoxfordshire
www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
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LUNCH STOPS... Heythrop Park Resort Dating back to 1710, the quirky English estate of Heythrop Park Resort combines elegance with style and boasts two individual hotels within its 440 acres of grounds. Heythrop’s Main House provides the perfect setting to enjoy a quintessential Afternoon Tea, served daily between 1pm until 5pm in the elegant Wedgewood Suite, Charlbury Bar or Terrace Restaurant. Guests can enjoy a pleasant stroll in the stunning grounds and maybe even be lucky enough to spot deer, pheasants, munkjacks, kites and buzzards. Heythrop Park Resort, Enstone, Oxfordshire, OX7 5UE www.heythroppark.co.uk tel: 01608 673333
Oxfordshire Hotels Oxfordshire Hotels Ltd have four hotel restaurants, two in Oxfordshire - the White Hart in Dorchester on Thames, 8 miles south of Oxford and the Deddington Arms, 8 miles from Woodstock. Both with three star accommodation and restaurants that welcome groups for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Fixed Price Market Menus use mainly locally sourced ingredients in imaginative dishes - two course lunch at £11.95 and dinner priced at £16.95. The White Hart Hotel & Restaurant- 01865 340074 The Deddington Arms Hotel & Restaurant- 01869 338364 www.oxfordshire-hotels.co.uk
The Cherwell Boathouse The Cherwell Boathouse is an iconic Oxford punt station and restaurant on the banks of the river Cherwell, close to the centre of Oxford. Both the Restaurant and the Marquee on the terrace overlooking the river are wonderful places for lunch in a beautiful setting with good views of all the river activity.The restaurant offers fine food based on seasonal ingredients with two courses and a glass of wine for £15.75, an award winning wine list and friendly attentive service. Alternatively we can offer bbq’s and buffets in a private space in the Marquee. Cream teas are also available on booking, while there is the option of punting, a quintessential Oxford pastime. Cherwell Boathouse. Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6ST Marquee/Restaurant: 01865 552746 Punting: 01865 515978 www.cherwell boathouse.co.uk info@cherwellboathouse.co.uk
Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel Ideally located on the High Street in the centre of Oxford, is the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel. The restaurant and lounge are ideal for group lunches and dinners and traditional afternoon teas are our specialty. The one Rosette awarded High Table Restaurant provides you with the best food, wines and service available. With its 64 bedrooms, restaurant and lounge, the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel is the place for overnight stays, lunches, dinners and afternoon teas to suit your group’s needs and budget. Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel. 73 The High Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4BE Tel: 01865 248 332 Fax: 01865 794 163 Email: H6668@accor.com
No.1 Folly Bridge No.1 Folly Bridge, Oxford's unique waterside Brasserie. Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner on our large outdoor pontoon, or come inside to our main restaurant year round which has fabulous views over the river. Our lunch and dinner menus start at £10.95 for 3 courses and provide a unique dining opportunity ideal for groups of all sizes who are looking for a quick bite to eat or a more leisurely meal in beautiful surroundings. No. 1 Folly Bridge is also the embarkation point for scheduled boat trips, sightseeing and picnic cruises run by Oxford River Cruises. For more information visit our website - www.no1-folly-bridge.co.uk or contact us on 01865 201 293
The Feathers in Woodstock The Feathers in Woodstock is an inviting country retreat renowned for its excellent cuisine and famous gin collection. Its delicious new set lunch menu offers two-courses for £15, and is available in the Bar and Garden, Monday to Saturday, Noon to 2.30pm. The Feathers has an outstanding gin collection holding the Guinness World Record for the largest variety of gins anywhere on the planet. There is a seven-course Gin Experience Tasting Menu available and gin tasting lessons. Please call us to enquire: 01993 812291