Rosamund’s guidebook

Rosamund
Rosamund’s guidebook

Food scene

The Bull in Charlbury, 8 minute drive. The Bull is our closest pub (while we wait for the pub in Stonesfield to open again). Popular with locals, walkers, families, and visitors alike. A lovely atmosphere inside as well as plenty of tables outside in the courtyard style garden which is incredibly popular in the summer. Serves great pub food and a good selection of local beers. We recommend booking in advance!
40 locals recommend
The Bull
Sheep Street
40 locals recommend
The Bull in Charlbury, 8 minute drive. The Bull is our closest pub (while we wait for the pub in Stonesfield to open again). Popular with locals, walkers, families, and visitors alike. A lovely atmosphere inside as well as plenty of tables outside in the courtyard style garden which is incredibly popular in the summer. Serves great pub food and a good selection of local beers. We recommend booking in advance!
10 minute drive. This is a Grade 2 listed traditional building but decorated in a light fresh contemporary way. A Cotswold pub with a young, café/bistro vibe. Lovely for a lunchtime bite. Inside offers lots of space with a selection dining areas. Outside there is a little courtyard for a sunny day. https://thecrownwoodstock.com/
35 locals recommend
The Crown Inn
31 High St
35 locals recommend
10 minute drive. This is a Grade 2 listed traditional building but decorated in a light fresh contemporary way. A Cotswold pub with a young, café/bistro vibe. Lovely for a lunchtime bite. Inside offers lots of space with a selection dining areas. Outside there is a little courtyard for a sunny day. https://thecrownwoodstock.com/
15 minute drive. The Swan has a lovely, large courtyard garden which they have recently partially sheltered with a stretch tent awning, making it a great spot to get a table for outside dining. Atmospheric inside pub dining too with fires and lovely décor. Popular amongst locals this pub is a reliable bet for tasty pub classics. They also do BBQ’s, music nights and other little evenings from time to time so keep an eye on their events updates. https://www.countrycreatures.com/the-swan
17 locals recommend
The Swan, Ascott-under-Wychwood
4 Shipton Rd
17 locals recommend
15 minute drive. The Swan has a lovely, large courtyard garden which they have recently partially sheltered with a stretch tent awning, making it a great spot to get a table for outside dining. Atmospheric inside pub dining too with fires and lovely décor. Popular amongst locals this pub is a reliable bet for tasty pub classics. They also do BBQ’s, music nights and other little evenings from time to time so keep an eye on their events updates. https://www.countrycreatures.com/the-swan
20 minute drive. Swinbrook is a small, picturesque Cotswold village, famously the childhood home of the Mitford sisters, with excellent walks in the countryside around it. The pub itself sits pretty with a river running past it, a little humpback bridge to the front, chickens roam around the pub garden and if you’re lucky there might be a cricket match on the pitch to the side of the pub. There really couldn’t be more quintessentially English scene. Great food, local beers and real ales, cosy dining rooms inside, light glass dining area to the back and a lovely pub garden complete with pub chickens roaming around. Perfect place to go for a refreshing pint and bite before or after a ramble. Asthall Manor is also a 3 minute drive or 15 minute walk away with an especially pleasant route across the fields (see Sightseeing section) https://www.theswanswinbrook.co.uk/
37 locals recommend
The Swan Inn
A40
37 locals recommend
20 minute drive. Swinbrook is a small, picturesque Cotswold village, famously the childhood home of the Mitford sisters, with excellent walks in the countryside around it. The pub itself sits pretty with a river running past it, a little humpback bridge to the front, chickens roam around the pub garden and if you’re lucky there might be a cricket match on the pitch to the side of the pub. There really couldn’t be more quintessentially English scene. Great food, local beers and real ales, cosy dining rooms inside, light glass dining area to the back and a lovely pub garden complete with pub chickens roaming around. Perfect place to go for a refreshing pint and bite before or after a ramble. Asthall Manor is also a 3 minute drive or 15 minute walk away with an especially pleasant route across the fields (see Sightseeing section) https://www.theswanswinbrook.co.uk/
20 minute drive. Part of the Soho House Private Members Club collection so it is for members only. If you are a member, you’ll know what is in store here. The Falklands Arms (see above) is the closest pub to Soho Farmhouse. https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse
88 locals recommend
Soho Farmhouse
88 locals recommend
20 minute drive. Part of the Soho House Private Members Club collection so it is for members only. If you are a member, you’ll know what is in store here. The Falklands Arms (see above) is the closest pub to Soho Farmhouse. https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse
20 minute drive. Recently refurbished and popular with the ‘it’ crowd, The Boxing Hare prides itself on its locally sourced produce as well as the daily catch brought in from Cornwall. All this put together by double Michelin star awarded Head Chef Nicholas Anderson. https://www.theboxinghare.co.uk/
32 locals recommend
The Boxing Hare
Banbury Road
32 locals recommend
20 minute drive. Recently refurbished and popular with the ‘it’ crowd, The Boxing Hare prides itself on its locally sourced produce as well as the daily catch brought in from Cornwall. All this put together by double Michelin star awarded Head Chef Nicholas Anderson. https://www.theboxinghare.co.uk/
25 minute drive. Honest, quality, locally sourced, tasty food in a friendly pub run by a husband and wife team. Serving local beers and changing guest ales. Kingham itself is gorgeous - very much the quintessential Cotswold village with lovely walks around it. http://thekinghamplough.co.uk/
61 locals recommend
The Kingham Plough
The Green
61 locals recommend
25 minute drive. Honest, quality, locally sourced, tasty food in a friendly pub run by a husband and wife team. Serving local beers and changing guest ales. Kingham itself is gorgeous - very much the quintessential Cotswold village with lovely walks around it. http://thekinghamplough.co.uk/
25 minutes drive. This is part of the Daylesford Organic Estate so lives up to that same high standard. It’s very much a modern take on the Cotswold country pub where you can expect a smart, grown-up fine dining pub environment serving locally sourced, organic, seasonal food. https://thewildrabbit.co.uk/
127 locals recommend
The Wild Rabbit
127 locals recommend
25 minutes drive. This is part of the Daylesford Organic Estate so lives up to that same high standard. It’s very much a modern take on the Cotswold country pub where you can expect a smart, grown-up fine dining pub environment serving locally sourced, organic, seasonal food. https://thewildrabbit.co.uk/
25 minutes drive. Serving great quality food, prepared using Daylesford’s own organic farm produce. There is a choice a choice of three dining spaces - the Legbar for charcuterie and nibbles, the Old Spot for things from the wood fired oven or the Trough Café for the fuller menu. There also two outside dining areas. Daylesford also has a farm shop selling their own exceptional quality produce, a homewares shop, a boutique spa (great for treatments, nails, classes etc), a clothing and accessories line, a garden shop, cookery school and various pop-up workshops. Which means that as well as stopping for just food it’s a lovely place for mooch while you are there. https://www.daylesford.com/locations/daylesford-farm/
273 locals recommend
Daylesford Kingham, Gloucestershire
273 locals recommend
25 minutes drive. Serving great quality food, prepared using Daylesford’s own organic farm produce. There is a choice a choice of three dining spaces - the Legbar for charcuterie and nibbles, the Old Spot for things from the wood fired oven or the Trough Café for the fuller menu. There also two outside dining areas. Daylesford also has a farm shop selling their own exceptional quality produce, a homewares shop, a boutique spa (great for treatments, nails, classes etc), a clothing and accessories line, a garden shop, cookery school and various pop-up workshops. Which means that as well as stopping for just food it’s a lovely place for mooch while you are there. https://www.daylesford.com/locations/daylesford-farm/
20 minute drive. Because of the fabulously large, spacious pub garden we would recommend The Maytime for outside dining on hot summers days. The pub is on the edge of the village to the garden looks out across fields. Great walks around the area too. Asthall Manor is few minutes walk away in the same village too (see Sightseeing section). https://www.themaytime.com/
12 locals recommend
The Maytime Inn
12 locals recommend
20 minute drive. Because of the fabulously large, spacious pub garden we would recommend The Maytime for outside dining on hot summers days. The pub is on the edge of the village to the garden looks out across fields. Great walks around the area too. Asthall Manor is few minutes walk away in the same village too (see Sightseeing section). https://www.themaytime.com/
20 minutes dirve. The Chequers dark and atmospheric décor means that both the bar and dining room perfect place to settle in for a good hearty supper. There is also a recently expanded outside courtyard dining area that hugs the side of the pub that has proved popular this summer. As well as being a successful restaurant it remains a popular pub with locals, so you won’t feel out of place propping up the bar with a newspaper or enjoying a glass by the fire. They normally keep an excellent selection of local Ales too. https://www.countrycreatures.com/the-chequers
72 locals recommend
The Chequers
Church Road
72 locals recommend
20 minutes dirve. The Chequers dark and atmospheric décor means that both the bar and dining room perfect place to settle in for a good hearty supper. There is also a recently expanded outside courtyard dining area that hugs the side of the pub that has proved popular this summer. As well as being a successful restaurant it remains a popular pub with locals, so you won’t feel out of place propping up the bar with a newspaper or enjoying a glass by the fire. They normally keep an excellent selection of local Ales too. https://www.countrycreatures.com/the-chequers
20 minutes drive. Has a very good reputation for good food and local beers. Has a walled garden for sunny days. Off the main street and less obvious than the pubs the tourists might wander into this is the sort of pub locals enjoy. Burford really is a quintessential Cotswold town and a lovely place to take the time so wander up the main street but also to explore the backstreets and church. Burford really is a quintessential Cotswold town and a lovely place to take the time so wander up the main street but also to explore the backstreets and church. https://theangelatburford.co.uk/
16 locals recommend
The Angel at Burford
14 Witney St
16 locals recommend
20 minutes drive. Has a very good reputation for good food and local beers. Has a walled garden for sunny days. Off the main street and less obvious than the pubs the tourists might wander into this is the sort of pub locals enjoy. Burford really is a quintessential Cotswold town and a lovely place to take the time so wander up the main street but also to explore the backstreets and church. Burford really is a quintessential Cotswold town and a lovely place to take the time so wander up the main street but also to explore the backstreets and church. https://theangelatburford.co.uk/
20 minute drive. The Lamb sits on Sheep Street and very much encompasses the Cotswold market town pub. It has a lovely established garden where we like to nab a table right at the bottom for a pint or a cream tea when on trips to Burford. https://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-lamb-inn/
21 locals recommend
The Lamb Inn, Burford
Sheep Street
21 locals recommend
20 minute drive. The Lamb sits on Sheep Street and very much encompasses the Cotswold market town pub. It has a lovely established garden where we like to nab a table right at the bottom for a pint or a cream tea when on trips to Burford. https://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-lamb-inn/
30 minutes drive. Part of the Southrop Manor Estate, The Swan is a character filled pub which sits on the edge of the village green in a very pretty Cotswold village. The pub food is fabulous, tasty, and they use fresh produce from their gardens. The pub is part of the Thyme complex so if you fancied moving up a notch from the pub try the Ox Barn restaurant. This restaurant set in a contemporary barn conversation serves fabulous dishes. Do explore the Thyme complex on the website. https://www.thyme.co.uk/eat/the-swan
23 locals recommend
The Swan At Southrop
23 locals recommend
30 minutes drive. Part of the Southrop Manor Estate, The Swan is a character filled pub which sits on the edge of the village green in a very pretty Cotswold village. The pub food is fabulous, tasty, and they use fresh produce from their gardens. The pub is part of the Thyme complex so if you fancied moving up a notch from the pub try the Ox Barn restaurant. This restaurant set in a contemporary barn conversation serves fabulous dishes. Do explore the Thyme complex on the website. https://www.thyme.co.uk/eat/the-swan
30 minute drive. Good menu that often includes interesting seasonal twists to the usual pub fair. An extensive dinks menu and atmospheric dining experience. https://www.cotswoldswheatsheaf.com/
57 locals recommend
The Wheatsheaf Inn
West End
57 locals recommend
30 minute drive. Good menu that often includes interesting seasonal twists to the usual pub fair. An extensive dinks menu and atmospheric dining experience. https://www.cotswoldswheatsheaf.com/
30 minute drive. Simply a happy little local pub in the heart of the village. It is a great for a hearty, traditional pub lunch or supper. Open fires and a mix of rustic and antique furniture inside with a terraced garden outside. https://thefiveallsfilkins.co.uk/
47 locals recommend
The Five Alls
47 locals recommend
30 minute drive. Simply a happy little local pub in the heart of the village. It is a great for a hearty, traditional pub lunch or supper. Open fires and a mix of rustic and antique furniture inside with a terraced garden outside. https://thefiveallsfilkins.co.uk/
15 minutes drive. Known for its quirky decor this pub is far from fuddy-duddy. Expect hearty down to earth food in a young vibrant Cotswold pub setting. https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/our-hotels/oxford/
The Masons Arms
15 minutes drive. Known for its quirky decor this pub is far from fuddy-duddy. Expect hearty down to earth food in a young vibrant Cotswold pub setting. https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/our-hotels/oxford/
10 minutes drive. This lovely art gallery serves lovely coffee, tea and cakes. Set across two little Georgian buildings which are linked by a beautiful little walled courtyard garden, you can enjoy a refreshing pit stop in the courtyard or in a cosy little room above the gallery. https://www.darleandthebear.co.uk/index.asp
Darl-e and the Bear
17 Market St
10 minutes drive. This lovely art gallery serves lovely coffee, tea and cakes. Set across two little Georgian buildings which are linked by a beautiful little walled courtyard garden, you can enjoy a refreshing pit stop in the courtyard or in a cosy little room above the gallery. https://www.darleandthebear.co.uk/index.asp
35 minute drive. Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons has held 2 Michelin Stars every year since its opening over 30 years ago. A globally renowned fine dining destination set in a beautiful Cotswold manor house and amongst fabulous kitchen gardens which supply the restaurant with seasonal produce.
58 locals recommend
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Church Road
58 locals recommend
35 minute drive. Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons has held 2 Michelin Stars every year since its opening over 30 years ago. A globally renowned fine dining destination set in a beautiful Cotswold manor house and amongst fabulous kitchen gardens which supply the restaurant with seasonal produce.
20 minute drive. This pub has not been tarted up so has a real original, dusty, old-world charm that is unusual these days. We love that it hasn’t really changed for years and hope it never does. The bar room is small, dark with low ceilings with old tankards hanging from the beams. It’s the perfect pub to sit by the fire with a pint on a cold wet day. The pub garden at the back isn’t one to write home about but there are seats at the front of the pub where you can enjoy looking out across Great Tew if it’s a sunny day. The food can be unpredictable so be aware if you’re thinking of eating, but we think it's great for a pint and stroll around Great Tew. Great Tew itself couldn’t be more chocolate-box Cotswolds, small but perfectly formed. https://www.falklandarms.co.uk/
24 locals recommend
Falkland Arms
19-21 The Green
24 locals recommend
20 minute drive. This pub has not been tarted up so has a real original, dusty, old-world charm that is unusual these days. We love that it hasn’t really changed for years and hope it never does. The bar room is small, dark with low ceilings with old tankards hanging from the beams. It’s the perfect pub to sit by the fire with a pint on a cold wet day. The pub garden at the back isn’t one to write home about but there are seats at the front of the pub where you can enjoy looking out across Great Tew if it’s a sunny day. The food can be unpredictable so be aware if you’re thinking of eating, but we think it's great for a pint and stroll around Great Tew. Great Tew itself couldn’t be more chocolate-box Cotswolds, small but perfectly formed. https://www.falklandarms.co.uk/
30 minute drive. If you fancy learning about all things whisky, gins and liqueurs you can get involved here. Enjoy tours and tastings, try your hand at a gin or whisky blending master class or at cocktail mixing classes https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com/
81 locals recommend
Cotswolds Distillery Visitor Centre, Shop and Café
Whichford Road
81 locals recommend
30 minute drive. If you fancy learning about all things whisky, gins and liqueurs you can get involved here. Enjoy tours and tastings, try your hand at a gin or whisky blending master class or at cocktail mixing classes https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com/
A totally sustainable cafe from the food to the building itself - as the name suggests it is built of straw bale and natural building techniques. The cafes environment is relaxed and the food home made, seasonal and scrummy. It is part of Wichford Pottery, a working pottery hand making the world renowned and iconic Wichford terracotta garden pots. From the small ones to the large, elaborate, labour intensive ones often commissioned for large stately homes. Together these make a lovely little gem. Do check opening times for both on the website. https://www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen
35 locals recommend
Whichford Pottery
35 locals recommend
A totally sustainable cafe from the food to the building itself - as the name suggests it is built of straw bale and natural building techniques. The cafes environment is relaxed and the food home made, seasonal and scrummy. It is part of Wichford Pottery, a working pottery hand making the world renowned and iconic Wichford terracotta garden pots. From the small ones to the large, elaborate, labour intensive ones often commissioned for large stately homes. Together these make a lovely little gem. Do check opening times for both on the website. https://www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen
Best spot in Woodstock for a scoop or two of Italian ice cream if you find yourself in need on a summers day.
Barefoot Woodstock
Market Street
Best spot in Woodstock for a scoop or two of Italian ice cream if you find yourself in need on a summers day.
The Bell in Charlbury, 8 minute drive, is our closest pub until the pub in our village gets back up and running after covid closure. The Bell is a beautifully restored pub serving wonderful food and drinks with cosy dining spaces to eat inside and lovely spots to enjoy outside too. We recommend booking in advance!!
The Bell
The Bell in Charlbury, 8 minute drive, is our closest pub until the pub in our village gets back up and running after covid closure. The Bell is a beautifully restored pub serving wonderful food and drinks with cosy dining spaces to eat inside and lovely spots to enjoy outside too. We recommend booking in advance!!

Sightseeing

15 minute drive. UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace, with its rolling grounds designed by Capability Brown and array of attractions is a great destination with something to suit everyone. Home to the current 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim is also famously the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill. We love just visiting the grounds for long walks around parklands and lakes (you can pay just for a parks and gardens pass which gives you access to everything other than the inside of the palace and the Churchill exhibition, please see website for details). If your looking to explore more than the grounds there is a huge amount on offer - tours of the Palace, Churchill specific highlights, formal and walled gardens, the yew tree maze, a butterfly house, a huge program of events, theatre and exhibitions and even a toy train that will take you from the Palace to the walled garden. If you are making a day of it we would recommend taking a picnic. Woodstock also has lots of delicatessens, cafes and pubs and is worth a wonder around. We recommend exploring Blenheim's website before your visit to see whats on. https://www.blenheimpalace.com/
657 locals recommend
Blenheim Palace
657 locals recommend
15 minute drive. UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace, with its rolling grounds designed by Capability Brown and array of attractions is a great destination with something to suit everyone. Home to the current 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim is also famously the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill. We love just visiting the grounds for long walks around parklands and lakes (you can pay just for a parks and gardens pass which gives you access to everything other than the inside of the palace and the Churchill exhibition, please see website for details). If your looking to explore more than the grounds there is a huge amount on offer - tours of the Palace, Churchill specific highlights, formal and walled gardens, the yew tree maze, a butterfly house, a huge program of events, theatre and exhibitions and even a toy train that will take you from the Palace to the walled garden. If you are making a day of it we would recommend taking a picnic. Woodstock also has lots of delicatessens, cafes and pubs and is worth a wonder around. We recommend exploring Blenheim's website before your visit to see whats on. https://www.blenheimpalace.com/
Messing about on boats! Punting is as essential to Oxford as cream is to strawberries. Talking of which, why not take a picnic and definitely don't forget to pack the Pimms! Avoid the main river which become very busy with a variety of river users and opt for the back waters. You can even punt to the river side pub the Victoria Arms and hop off a pint. https://cherwellboathouse.co.uk/punting/
52 locals recommend
Cherwell Boathouse
Bardwell Road
52 locals recommend
Messing about on boats! Punting is as essential to Oxford as cream is to strawberries. Talking of which, why not take a picnic and definitely don't forget to pack the Pimms! Avoid the main river which become very busy with a variety of river users and opt for the back waters. You can even punt to the river side pub the Victoria Arms and hop off a pint. https://cherwellboathouse.co.uk/punting/
The UK’s oldest botanic garden made up of a beautiful 130 acres, woodland, glass houses and The Harcourt Arboretum (a 10 min drive). https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/home
93 locals recommend
Oxford Botanic Garden
Rose Lane
93 locals recommend
The UK’s oldest botanic garden made up of a beautiful 130 acres, woodland, glass houses and The Harcourt Arboretum (a 10 min drive). https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/home
30 minute drive. We think this castle, which remains the family home of the Lord and Lady Saye & Sele (Fiennes, yes as in Ralf), makes for a charming day out if you like visiting country houses. Because it's still the family home it retains an unfussy feel. It's lovely to wonder the gardens and take a tour of the interiors. https://www.broughtoncastle.com/
38 locals recommend
Broughton Castle
38 locals recommend
30 minute drive. We think this castle, which remains the family home of the Lord and Lady Saye & Sele (Fiennes, yes as in Ralf), makes for a charming day out if you like visiting country houses. Because it's still the family home it retains an unfussy feel. It's lovely to wonder the gardens and take a tour of the interiors. https://www.broughtoncastle.com/
20 minute drive. Rousham has always been a favourite summer visit of ours, being sure to pack a picnic and a good book so that a whole lazy day can be whiled away. It is still owned and lived in by the the Dormer family who built it in 1635 and so has no whiff of naff commercial cafe or gift shop whatsoever. We don't feel the house is a particular beauty and is only ope by appointment. In fact we think the stable block are actually easier on the eye and there is a delightfully picturesque dovecote as well as other little curious architectural flourishes in the grounds. But go to explore the historically important William Kent designed gardens. NOTE: nog dogs or children under 15 are admitted and the interior of the house are only admissible by prior appointment (see website). hhttps://rousham.org/
23 locals recommend
Rousham Gardens
23 locals recommend
20 minute drive. Rousham has always been a favourite summer visit of ours, being sure to pack a picnic and a good book so that a whole lazy day can be whiled away. It is still owned and lived in by the the Dormer family who built it in 1635 and so has no whiff of naff commercial cafe or gift shop whatsoever. We don't feel the house is a particular beauty and is only ope by appointment. In fact we think the stable block are actually easier on the eye and there is a delightfully picturesque dovecote as well as other little curious architectural flourishes in the grounds. But go to explore the historically important William Kent designed gardens. NOTE: nog dogs or children under 15 are admitted and the interior of the house are only admissible by prior appointment (see website). hhttps://rousham.org/
30 minute drive. Chasleton is a wonderful example of a Jacobean House which, because it had very few upgrades or modernisations in its years between 1607 and 1991 when it became a ward of the National Trust, is a wonderfully unspoilt place to ramble through both house and gardens and imagine one has stepped back in time. There is no cafe or shop to interrupt that feeling. Chastleton is considered the birthplace of croquet as a competitive sport and there is normally a croquet set available for visitors to enjoy. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton
69 locals recommend
National Trust - Chastleton House
69 locals recommend
30 minute drive. Chasleton is a wonderful example of a Jacobean House which, because it had very few upgrades or modernisations in its years between 1607 and 1991 when it became a ward of the National Trust, is a wonderfully unspoilt place to ramble through both house and gardens and imagine one has stepped back in time. There is no cafe or shop to interrupt that feeling. Chastleton is considered the birthplace of croquet as a competitive sport and there is normally a croquet set available for visitors to enjoy. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton
35 minute drive. Kelmscott was the country retreat of William Morris and you really can let all things modern world slip away and immerse yourself in the clear inspirations for Morris' work at every turn. This farm house is a full dive into all things Arts and Crafts, quintessential Cotswolds and Morris & Co all wrapped into one. https://www.sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor/
45 locals recommend
Kelmscott Manor
45 locals recommend
35 minute drive. Kelmscott was the country retreat of William Morris and you really can let all things modern world slip away and immerse yourself in the clear inspirations for Morris' work at every turn. This farm house is a full dive into all things Arts and Crafts, quintessential Cotswolds and Morris & Co all wrapped into one. https://www.sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor/
15 minute drive. Cogges Farm is a cracking family day out to a working historic farm complete with heritage farm animals that the children can feed, orchard, kitchen gardens, wooded glen and adventure play area. Cogges was mentioned in the Domesday Book and one of its earliest know owners appears in the Bayeux Tapestry but if 21st Century references are more your thing the farm can also be spotted in Downton Abbey, Collette and more. https://www.cogges.org.uk/history
31 locals recommend
Cogges Manor Farm
Church Lane
31 locals recommend
15 minute drive. Cogges Farm is a cracking family day out to a working historic farm complete with heritage farm animals that the children can feed, orchard, kitchen gardens, wooded glen and adventure play area. Cogges was mentioned in the Domesday Book and one of its earliest know owners appears in the Bayeux Tapestry but if 21st Century references are more your thing the farm can also be spotted in Downton Abbey, Collette and more. https://www.cogges.org.uk/history
20 minute drive. Asthall Manor is firm favourite summer garden visit of ours. A private home which welcomes visitors to it's beautiful gardens and meadows it is a delicious truly Cotswold experience. Made famous by its once owners the Mitford family it's another garden to take a book - perhaps one of Nancy Mitford's (her fictional Alconleigh is based on Asthall). We really recommend looking out for the biennial 'On Form' exhibition of sculpture in stone which is held in their gardens and some rooms of the manor (allowing a rare sneak peek inside the manor which is not open to the public). This sculpture trail adds even more to the already gorgeous gardens and they open The Potting Shed Cafe which is a totally delightful pop (in said potting shed) up not to be missed for a snack or drink. There are really great walks from here and two of our recommend pubs - The Maytime Inn is the local in the village and The Swan Inn at Swinbrook is a 3 minute drive of 15 minute walk with lovely routes across the fields. Swinbrook is also a Cotswold treat of a village so while your so close it is worth a wonder on a sunny day (see the Food Scene section for info on both pubs) https://www.asthallmanor.com/
7 locals recommend
Asthall Manor
7 locals recommend
20 minute drive. Asthall Manor is firm favourite summer garden visit of ours. A private home which welcomes visitors to it's beautiful gardens and meadows it is a delicious truly Cotswold experience. Made famous by its once owners the Mitford family it's another garden to take a book - perhaps one of Nancy Mitford's (her fictional Alconleigh is based on Asthall). We really recommend looking out for the biennial 'On Form' exhibition of sculpture in stone which is held in their gardens and some rooms of the manor (allowing a rare sneak peek inside the manor which is not open to the public). This sculpture trail adds even more to the already gorgeous gardens and they open The Potting Shed Cafe which is a totally delightful pop (in said potting shed) up not to be missed for a snack or drink. There are really great walks from here and two of our recommend pubs - The Maytime Inn is the local in the village and The Swan Inn at Swinbrook is a 3 minute drive of 15 minute walk with lovely routes across the fields. Swinbrook is also a Cotswold treat of a village so while your so close it is worth a wonder on a sunny day (see the Food Scene section for info on both pubs) https://www.asthallmanor.com/
The Bodleian Library actually encompasses 23 libraries across Oxford including some of Oxfords most iconic places - Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor’s Court, Duke Humfrey’s Library, Gladstone Link and the Radcliffe Camera. Jump head first into the spaces where some of the most famous authors, kings, thinkers and Nobel Prize winners have pondered. We recommend a tour but do explore the website thoroughly as they offer a range or tours depending on how many parts you want to visit. https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/tours/library-guided-tours
104 locals recommend
Bodleian Library
Broad Street
104 locals recommend
The Bodleian Library actually encompasses 23 libraries across Oxford including some of Oxfords most iconic places - Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor’s Court, Duke Humfrey’s Library, Gladstone Link and the Radcliffe Camera. Jump head first into the spaces where some of the most famous authors, kings, thinkers and Nobel Prize winners have pondered. We recommend a tour but do explore the website thoroughly as they offer a range or tours depending on how many parts you want to visit. https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/tours/library-guided-tours
No sightseeing trip to Oxford is complete without a visit to at least one or two of its world famous University Colleges with their quads, hallways, cloisters, associated cathedrals, gardens and meadows. There is good reason Oxford has inspired endless backdrops in literature and film - Harry Potter, His dark Materials, Alices Adventures in Wonderland, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Brideshead Revisited and authors such as Collin Dexter, Thomas Hardy and Dorothy L. Sayers to name but a few. Each college is different but they are all working seats of learning so have individual policy on public/visitor admission, open times and charges (many are free but some have a fee). Some of our favourites of the 45 colleges are: - Magdalen College which is one of the most traditional and grand of the colleges and also one of the prettiest. It is set across huge grounds with resident deer. It's slightly out of Oxford City Centre it's worth the 10 minute walk and makes it quieter than the Colleges right in town. - Balliol College is a close rival to the top spot. It's one of the oldest (well, this is hotly debated with Merton College) with one of the prettiest gardens and if you're in lucj to visit when the wisteria is in flower against the honey coloured stone walls it is the stuff of fairy tale. Watch out for the brilliantly English eccentric traditions unique to Balliol such as the tortoise race in June (look out for the resident tortoise who challenges outside tortoises) and if you see students doing things in a strange order you might be whiteness to the resurrection of the Hysteron Proteron Club who's members pledged to live one day a term backwards to elaborate effect. - Christ Church College is one of the largest and probably most visited of the Oxford colleges and has plenty to occupy many an hour. It will be of particular interest to Harry Potter fans (the staircase and the Hogwarts Great Hall) as well as Lewis Carroll fans (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was written here and the real Alice actually lived here). You can take a leisurely walk on Christ Church Meadow, one of Oxfords largest open spaces and then catch Evensong in Christ Church Cathedral. Take a look at the experienceoxfordshire website for more details about all the things to see at Christ Church and suggested meadow walks. It's popularity is reflected in the entry fee but the Meadow is free. - University College famous for it symmetrical quad is right off the high Street so easy if you don't have long and want to pop your head in to one of the colleges. - New College has all the elements you look for from ancient dining hall, cloisters to lovely gardens. It is also the setting for His Dark Materials adaptation and the Harry potter cloisters scene - Merton College is another very pretty college and is found off of the equally pretty Merton Street. It is often a quieter college to visit. - Worcester College has 27 acres of woodland and a lake. We highly recommend taking a look at the website and also keeping the link to the leaflet to hand which has a handy map; https://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/visiting-oxford/visiting-the-colleges https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/Explore%20Map%20Leaflet%202020.pdf
153 locals recommend
University of Oxford
Wellington Square
153 locals recommend
No sightseeing trip to Oxford is complete without a visit to at least one or two of its world famous University Colleges with their quads, hallways, cloisters, associated cathedrals, gardens and meadows. There is good reason Oxford has inspired endless backdrops in literature and film - Harry Potter, His dark Materials, Alices Adventures in Wonderland, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Brideshead Revisited and authors such as Collin Dexter, Thomas Hardy and Dorothy L. Sayers to name but a few. Each college is different but they are all working seats of learning so have individual policy on public/visitor admission, open times and charges (many are free but some have a fee). Some of our favourites of the 45 colleges are: - Magdalen College which is one of the most traditional and grand of the colleges and also one of the prettiest. It is set across huge grounds with resident deer. It's slightly out of Oxford City Centre it's worth the 10 minute walk and makes it quieter than the Colleges right in town. - Balliol College is a close rival to the top spot. It's one of the oldest (well, this is hotly debated with Merton College) with one of the prettiest gardens and if you're in lucj to visit when the wisteria is in flower against the honey coloured stone walls it is the stuff of fairy tale. Watch out for the brilliantly English eccentric traditions unique to Balliol such as the tortoise race in June (look out for the resident tortoise who challenges outside tortoises) and if you see students doing things in a strange order you might be whiteness to the resurrection of the Hysteron Proteron Club who's members pledged to live one day a term backwards to elaborate effect. - Christ Church College is one of the largest and probably most visited of the Oxford colleges and has plenty to occupy many an hour. It will be of particular interest to Harry Potter fans (the staircase and the Hogwarts Great Hall) as well as Lewis Carroll fans (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was written here and the real Alice actually lived here). You can take a leisurely walk on Christ Church Meadow, one of Oxfords largest open spaces and then catch Evensong in Christ Church Cathedral. Take a look at the experienceoxfordshire website for more details about all the things to see at Christ Church and suggested meadow walks. It's popularity is reflected in the entry fee but the Meadow is free. - University College famous for it symmetrical quad is right off the high Street so easy if you don't have long and want to pop your head in to one of the colleges. - New College has all the elements you look for from ancient dining hall, cloisters to lovely gardens. It is also the setting for His Dark Materials adaptation and the Harry potter cloisters scene - Merton College is another very pretty college and is found off of the equally pretty Merton Street. It is often a quieter college to visit. - Worcester College has 27 acres of woodland and a lake. We highly recommend taking a look at the website and also keeping the link to the leaflet to hand which has a handy map; https://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/visiting-oxford/visiting-the-colleges https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/Explore%20Map%20Leaflet%202020.pdf
Whichford Pottery is a working pottery hand making the world renowned and iconic Wichford terracotta garden pots. From the small ones to the large, elaborate, labour intensive ones often commissioned for large stately homes. If you do head to the pottery make sure you visit the Straw Kitchen Cafe. A totally sustainable cafe from the food to the building itself - as the name suggests it is built of straw bale and natural building techniques. The cafes environment is relaxed and the food home made, seasonal and scrummy. Together these make a lovely little gem. Do check opening times for both on the website. https://www.whichfordpottery.com/
35 locals recommend
Whichford Pottery
35 locals recommend
Whichford Pottery is a working pottery hand making the world renowned and iconic Wichford terracotta garden pots. From the small ones to the large, elaborate, labour intensive ones often commissioned for large stately homes. If you do head to the pottery make sure you visit the Straw Kitchen Cafe. A totally sustainable cafe from the food to the building itself - as the name suggests it is built of straw bale and natural building techniques. The cafes environment is relaxed and the food home made, seasonal and scrummy. Together these make a lovely little gem. Do check opening times for both on the website. https://www.whichfordpottery.com/
40 minute drive. Waterperry is 8 acres of gardeners delight. A wide range of gardens, plants and planting, a well respected plant centre, garden shops and a tearoom. https://www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/
33 locals recommend
Waterperry Gardens
33 locals recommend
40 minute drive. Waterperry is 8 acres of gardeners delight. A wide range of gardens, plants and planting, a well respected plant centre, garden shops and a tearoom. https://www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/

Luxury Shopping Outlet

25 minute drive. The very popular Bicester Village Luxury Shopping, with a plethora of designer outlet stores, is a destination for many in itself. Bag a bargain or window shop to your hearts delight. https://www.thebicestercollection.com/bicester-village/en
11 locals recommend
Bicester Outlet
50 Pingle Dr
11 locals recommend
25 minute drive. The very popular Bicester Village Luxury Shopping, with a plethora of designer outlet stores, is a destination for many in itself. Bag a bargain or window shop to your hearts delight. https://www.thebicestercollection.com/bicester-village/en

Museums and Galleries

This has been a favourite visit in the years we have lived near Oxford. A lovely museum with free entry. 'The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. Parking in Oxford can be pricey we recommend looking at using the Pear Tree Park & Ride (see transport section). ' https://www.ashmolean.org/
374 locals recommend
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont Street
374 locals recommend
This has been a favourite visit in the years we have lived near Oxford. A lovely museum with free entry. 'The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. Parking in Oxford can be pricey we recommend looking at using the Pear Tree Park & Ride (see transport section). ' https://www.ashmolean.org/
We LOVE this Museum. A really eccentric, eclectic, old fashioned dimly lite, packed to brim, weird, wonderful, unchanged glass cabinets... a firm favourite. https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/
97 locals recommend
Pitt Rivers Museum
Parks Road
97 locals recommend
We LOVE this Museum. A really eccentric, eclectic, old fashioned dimly lite, packed to brim, weird, wonderful, unchanged glass cabinets... a firm favourite. https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/
A treasure trove of science equipment telling the history of science. https://www.hsm.ox.ac.uk/
26 locals recommend
History of Science Museum
Broad Street
26 locals recommend
A treasure trove of science equipment telling the history of science. https://www.hsm.ox.ac.uk/
A hands on family fun and child orientated Museum. Great for a rainy day. https://www.hsm.ox.ac.uk/
20 locals recommend
The Story Museum
42 Pembroke St
20 locals recommend
A hands on family fun and child orientated Museum. Great for a rainy day. https://www.hsm.ox.ac.uk/
A small but bold and ambitious gallery space that is known for it's big name exhibitions. and its free so those looking for some arts and culture should definitely see whats on! It also holds workshops and events so take a look at whats on too. https://www.modernartoxford.org.uk/
49 locals recommend
Modern Art Oxford
30 Pembroke St
49 locals recommend
A small but bold and ambitious gallery space that is known for it's big name exhibitions. and its free so those looking for some arts and culture should definitely see whats on! It also holds workshops and events so take a look at whats on too. https://www.modernartoxford.org.uk/
A small local museum
32 locals recommend
The Oxfordshire Museum
14 Park St
32 locals recommend
A small local museum

Supermarkets/Groceries

The village has a small but well stocked convenience store & Post Office (5 minute walk). Actually now called Suriya Express. Great for grabbing extras like a pint of milk. Open until 8pm daily.
AMLU'S GENERAL STORE
Pond Hill
The village has a small but well stocked convenience store & Post Office (5 minute walk). Actually now called Suriya Express. Great for grabbing extras like a pint of milk. Open until 8pm daily.
Co-operative Local Charlbury (8 min drive). The closest Local size supermarket. You can also leave your car in the Co-op car park and walk down past The Bull Inn (recommended in the Food Scene Section) to Charlbury Deli or the Pharmacy. Co-op Food, 1 Enstone Rd, Charlbury, OX7 3QR
OX7 3QR
Enstone Road
Co-operative Local Charlbury (8 min drive). The closest Local size supermarket. You can also leave your car in the Co-op car park and walk down past The Bull Inn (recommended in the Food Scene Section) to Charlbury Deli or the Pharmacy. Co-op Food, 1 Enstone Rd, Charlbury, OX7 3QR
Lovely community owned and run deli and small cafe. A short walk past The Bull Inn (see Food Scene section) from the Co-operative Supermarket car park.
11 locals recommend
Charlbury Deli & Cafe
Market Street
11 locals recommend
Lovely community owned and run deli and small cafe. A short walk past The Bull Inn (see Food Scene section) from the Co-operative Supermarket car park.
Woodstock Butchers and it's sister store across the road Woodstock Grocers sell fresh, locally sourced, lovingly reared/grown, quality meat and vegetable. https://www.woodstockshops.co.uk/
Woodstock Butchers
Market Street
Woodstock Butchers and it's sister store across the road Woodstock Grocers sell fresh, locally sourced, lovingly reared/grown, quality meat and vegetable. https://www.woodstockshops.co.uk/
Well stocked local Deli in Woodstock (10 minute drive). Great for grabbing specialty picnic items.
16 locals recommend
Hampers Food and Wine Company
31-33 Oxford St
16 locals recommend
Well stocked local Deli in Woodstock (10 minute drive). Great for grabbing specialty picnic items.
Lovely little store selling locally sourced and artisan foods. Great for picking up picnic items or grabbing a coffee.
Ingredients
3 High St
Lovely little store selling locally sourced and artisan foods. Great for picking up picnic items or grabbing a coffee.
Woodstock Co-operative Local (small supermarket, 10 minute drive) is the second closest mini supermarket after Charlbury. Co-op Food, 38-40 High St, Woodstock OX20 1TG
38-40 High St
38-40 High Street
Woodstock Co-operative Local (small supermarket, 10 minute drive) is the second closest mini supermarket after Charlbury. Co-op Food, 38-40 High St, Woodstock OX20 1TG
SELECTION OF LARGER SUPERMARKETS - Witney (15/20 minute drive) is the closest place with a selection of larger supermarkets: Waitrose - Witan Way Woolgate, 25, Witney OX28 6AR Sainsbury's - Witan Way Witney, Witan Way, Witney OX28 4FF Marks & Spencer - Marriotts Walk Unit 5 Winchmore Hill Road, Witney OX28 6GW Lidl - New Cl Ln, Witney OX28 4TT
60 locals recommend
Witney
60 locals recommend
SELECTION OF LARGER SUPERMARKETS - Witney (15/20 minute drive) is the closest place with a selection of larger supermarkets: Waitrose - Witan Way Woolgate, 25, Witney OX28 6AR Sainsbury's - Witan Way Witney, Witan Way, Witney OX28 4FF Marks & Spencer - Marriotts Walk Unit 5 Winchmore Hill Road, Witney OX28 6GW Lidl - New Cl Ln, Witney OX28 4TT
World renowned, awards winning organic farm. It is certainly in the top price range for food but if premium quality is what you're looking for it has the reputation. Daylseford is also a destination in itself with homeware shop, cafes, garden shop, wellness/spa options. Do take a look at the website. Kingham is also pretty so worth popping into for a pint if you are at Daylesford which sits just outside the village (see Food Scene Section for pub recommendations in Kingham). https://www.daylesford.com/
273 locals recommend
Daylesford Kingham, Gloucestershire
273 locals recommend
World renowned, awards winning organic farm. It is certainly in the top price range for food but if premium quality is what you're looking for it has the reputation. Daylseford is also a destination in itself with homeware shop, cafes, garden shop, wellness/spa options. Do take a look at the website. Kingham is also pretty so worth popping into for a pint if you are at Daylesford which sits just outside the village (see Food Scene Section for pub recommendations in Kingham). https://www.daylesford.com/