I'm Guinivere- wife of King Arthur and wife of Cerdic! Why
you ask because much of the Arthurian Legend is based on
Cerdic
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I'm Cerdic. First King of Wessex -Welcome to MY KINGDOM-
See the Attractions below
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ATTRACTION
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PICTURE
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ADDRESS /CLICK THROUGH & OPENING TIMES
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Tel
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Abingdon
Abingdon was occupied in prehistoric times by settlers of
the Bronze and Iron ages. It was a flourishing town in the
Roman period, which in turn gave way to a Saxon settlement.
The earliest documents tell of a hamlet called Sevekesham
sited at a ford of the Thames. Hean, nephew of King Cissa
was granted land for founding a Benedictine monastery called
Abbandun (Hill of Ebba) at the same time as his sister Cilla
founded the Nunnery of Helnestowe on or near St Helens
Church, the principal church in 675AD. When Henry VIII
dissolved the monasteries in 1538, Abingdon Abbey was the
6th richest in Britain.The Monday market has existed since 1556. The Michaelmas
Fair (now known as the Ock Fair) was originally a 'hiring
mart' for those seeking employment In 1810 the Wilts and Berks canal arrived with Abingdon
becoming a key link between such places as Bristol, London,
Birmingham and the Black Country. In 1906 it was abandoned
as the canal sides collapsed and the railways offered faster
transport. The first link to the railway came in 1856 with a
branch connection to Culham and subsequently via Radley. The
local station closed in 1963.Abingdon was the county town of Berkshire, becoming part of
Oxfordshire after local government re-organisation in
1974.
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25 Bridge Street.Abingdon,
ABINGDON CLICK
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Tel:
01235
522711
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Abingdon Museum
Abingdon Museum is housed in The County Hall in
the centre of Abingdon and displays
collections unique to Abingdon, England's
oldest, continuously inhabited Town.
The building dates from the 1670s and it is
worth viewing for its own sake.A recent
acquisition is an Anglo-Saxon ring found
locally. Some displays are altered each
month, including a Cabinet of Curiosities. Until
2nd March this features The Abingdon Buildings
Record's history of a mediaeval house.
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The County Hall
Market Place
Abingdon
OX14 3HG
Daily 10.30am - 4.00pm. Ring to check Bank Holiday opening
times.
The roof is open on fine Saturdays in the
summer, fascinating for photographers, artists
and others interested in an overview of this
beautiful region.
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Tel:
01235
523703
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Kingston Bagpuize House
Beautiful 1660s Manor House remodelled in early 1700s in
red brick with stone facings. Cantilevered staircase and
finely proportioned panelled rooms with some good furniture
and pictures. Set in mature parkland, the gardens contain a
notable collection of plants including rare trees, shrubs,
perennials and bulbs. Available for private functions and
corporate events.
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Kingston Bagpuize, Abingdon
Oxfordshire OX13 5AY
In Kingston Bagpuize village on A415 half a mile south of
A420/A415 junction
KINGSTON BAGPUIZE
HOUSE CLICK
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Tel: 01865 820 259
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Pendon Museum
A museum using modelling excellence and live commentaries
to illustrate life as it was in the 1920's and 30s, with
displays and special themes throughout the year. Prepare
to be amazed! See in miniature a village in the Vale of
White Horse during the 1920s and 30s. Look along chalky
lanes and see beetle browed thatch, low over cottage
doors. Peer through cottage windows and see chintzy
chairs, dark framed pictures, the tick, tock, clock on the
mantlepiece.Rattling, squealing, a gasping, thumping
engine struggles up the grade striving for the tunnel
mouth beyond the station `neath the hill, whistles, and is
gone...dark portal swallows guard's van, red lamp fades
into the gloom...a wisp of smoke...this is Pendon Parva.
Listen to live commentaries and marvel at other
exquisitely detailed scenes: the historic Madder Valley
Railway form the 1930s and, in the bleak, windy wastes of
Dartmoor, beyond the stunning replica of Brunel's timber
viaduct, passengers from the express wait for the 'local'
at lonely Pen Tor Road station.
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Long Wittenham,
Abingdon,
Oxfordshire, OX14 4QD
PENDON MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel:
01865
407365
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Priory Cottages
Former monastic buildings, now converted into two houses
South Cottage contains the Great Hall of the original
priory - Tenanted, with limited public access
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1 Mill Street, Steventon, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
OX13 6SP
PRIORY COTTAGES
CLICK
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tel:
01793
762209
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Venn Working Mill
A working rural water-powered corn mill from about 1800.Wholemeal flour from the local wheat is on sale.
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Venn Mill, Garford, Abingdon OX13 5PA.
Apr-Oct 2nd Su 10-5
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tel:
01367 718888
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Walk.About.Abingdon
Visit the oldest town in England and take a walk through
history.
Well trained and scripted guides take visitors on a walk
and talk, around and about historic Abing don-on-Thames,
throughout the year. The walks will last between 1 and 1�
hours, and will take in all the historic sites, landmarks
and buildings around the centre of Abingdon. The guides will
be locals and will make the tours their own. On special
anniversaries or events they will dress in historic costume
and make it a performance that customers will never
forget.Walk Route: Meeting point next to The Guildhall
Duration: 1� hours Miles: 1
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WALK ABOUT
ABINGDON CLICK
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Tel:
07880
913819
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Appleton
The village of Appleton, with which the smaller village of
Eaton has long been associated, stands on rising ground 100
ft above the river Thames, which is its western boundary.
Woodlands, known as Besselsleigh Common and Appleton Common,
still partially cover its eastern and southern boundaries.
The Saxon name for the village was Earmundslea or �Edmund�s
clearing�. One can still receive an impression of its old
character and charm as a considerable number of stone houses
remain standing in the centre of the village, from the
Tavern Inn to Charity House Farm. Modern housing exists
along the roads in and out of the village, and in recent
years a considerable amount of in filling has taken place.
The population of the village is now approximately 1,000.
Unfortunately, most of the inhabitants work away from the
village, but there is a village shop and post office, a
butcher�s shop, a greengrocer�s/market garden, and a wood
yard making garden furniture and fencing. Village people own
all these businesses. There is a saddler�s shop also, which
serves the surrounding area.
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APPLETON CLICK
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Banbury
A nursery rhyme, 'Ride a Cock Horse', has made Banbury one
of the best-known towns in England. It has been suggested
that the 'Fine Lady' of the nursery rhyme may have been Lady
Godiva or Elizabeth I. More likely it was a local girl who
rode in a May Day procession. The original cross was pulled
down at the end of the 16th century. The present cross was
erected in 1859 to celebrate the wedding of the then
Princess Royal to Prince Frederick of Prussia.
Banbury Cakes, a special fruit and pastry cake, are still
produced. At one time they were being sent as far afield as
Australia, India and America. The name Banbury may be
derived from 'Banna', a local Saxon dignitary who is said to
have built his stockade here in the 500's. By the time of
William the Conqueror 'Banesberie' was mentioned in the
Domesday book. In the 13th century it had grown to become an
important wool trading centre bringing wealth to the local
population. In 1628 the town was ravaged by fire which
destroyed many buildings, though some have survived to the
present day. The opening of the Oxford Canal in 1790
connecting Banbury with the Midlands bought new industries
and growth which continued with the arrival of the railways.
Today Banbury is an expanding market and industrial town
experiencing growth as a direct benefit of its proximity to
the completed M40 motorway linking London to Birmingham via
Oxford. It is home to some major industries such as Alcoa
(aluminium products), and Kraft Jacobs Suchard (coffee and
custard).
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Tourist Information Centre
Banbury Museum,
Spiceball Park Road,
Banbury OX16 2PQ
BANBURY CLICK
Visitor Guide
A guide to North Oxfordshire, with information on the town of
Bicester
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Tel:
01295
259855
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Banbury Museum
Visit Banbury Museum where "Hands on" displays tell the
stories that have made Banbury famous. Find out what
happened when ..
Roundheads beseiged the town - plush cloth was made and
exported around the world World War II came to Banbury -
Watch from the Waterways Gallery ... the Oxford Canal pass
beneath your feet boats being repaired in the historic
Tooley's Boatyard - Discover treasures never before
displayed - costume, spanning four centuries, from baldrics
to corsets - a cannon from Banbury Castle - the hangman's
gibbet - Victorian toys - a carrier's cart - momentos from
the Home Guard
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Banbury Museum,
Spiceball Park Rd, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 2PQ.
Banbury Museum's main entrance is in the Castle Quay Shopping
Centre. Follow signs to Castle Quay.Monday to Saturday 9.30am
- 5.00pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays 10.30am - 4.30pm
BANBURY MUSEUM
CLICK
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tel:
01295 259855
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Broughton Castle
Broughton Castle is a splendid medieval manor house and the
family home of Lord and Lady Saye and Sele.There was already
a building on the site when Sir John de Broughton built his
manor in 1300. It was set on island surrounded by a three
acre moat.
In the late 16th century the house was enlarged into an
impressive Tudor home, decorated with splendid plaster
ceilings, fine panelling and ornate fireplaces. In the 17th
century William Fiennes, 8th Lord Saye and Sele, opposed
Charles I's attempt to rule without Parliament and refused
to take the Oath of Allegiance. Broughton Castle became a
secret meeting place of the King's opponents. However, he
disapproved of the King's execution and removed himself from
public life. This act earned the 8th Lord a pardon after the
Restoration in 1660. The oldest part of the house is found
in the groined passage and dining room. There are also
passageways with vaulted ceilings and a staircase leading to
the rare 14th century chapel. This has a stone altar,
traceried window and heraldic glass. The Great Hall has
displays of arms and armour from the Civil War and the
Fiennes family tree. The Oak Room has Tudor oak panelling
from floor to ceiling and an unusual interior porch. Queen
Ann's Room commemorates the visit of James I's wife Queen
Ann of Denmark in 1604. The King's Chamber was used by James
I and Edward VII and has a splendid stucco overmantel of
1554. The gatehouse, garden and park are also open to the
public. The gardens have mixed herbaceous and shrub borders
and the formal walled garden has roses surrounded by box
hedging in unusual design.
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Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX16
2 m SW Banbury, on B4035, open mid May-mid September, Wed.,
Sun. 2-5, and Thurs. In July and August.
BROUGHTON CASTLE
CLICK
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Tel. 0295 262624
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Brook Cottage Garden
Four-acre hillside garden formed since 1964 surrounding
17th century stone house. Wide variety of trees, shrubs
and plants of all kinds in areas of differing character,
over 200 shrubs and climbing roses, many clematis. Water
gardens and colour coordinated borders. Interesting
throughout the season. DIY tea, coffee and biscuits
daily,
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Brook Cottage, Well Lane, Alkerton, Nr Banbury, Oxfordshire
OX15 6N
Monday � Friday, Easter Monday to end October 9am � 6pm.
BROOK COTTAGE
GARDEN CLICK
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tel:
01295 670303
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Bygones Museum
Housed in farm buildings, the displays show 19th and early
20th century material from the homes, farms, offices and
craft workshops of the Midland Counties. Also shown are
seven tractors, a 1903 traction engine, a 1912 steam roller,
a 1915 Merry Weather fire pump, three stationary steam
engines and other model steam engineAlso on show are around
25 stationary engines, grass mowers, horticultural and
agricultural machines, motor-cycles, bicycles and a Sinclair
C5 etc.
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Butlin Farm, Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 1EP
All in steam on the first Sunday in the month and Bank Holiday
Sundays and Mondays from the months of April to September
BYGONES MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel: 01295 690258
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Bloxham Village Museum
In this day of computers, it is still the written and
printed word that gives us the key to understanding our
past. The village museum has a treasure house of books and
documents about Bloxham.
The exhibition brings many of these documents together and
links them to other exhibits from the museum's collection.
There are many fascinating records and photographs about
Bloxham life and Bloxham people - Queen Victoria's Jubilee
celebrations, help for the poor, bugler Harry Ayres (buried
in the churchyard), the railway, the telephone system, to
name just a few.
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Church Street, Bloxham
February 13thMarch 13th
2.30pm - 4.30pm March 27th until the end of September
Every
Sunday & Bank Holiday2.30pm - 5.30pm.PLUS EVERY
WEDNESDAY in JULY
FROM 6th July 2.30 - 5.30pm
Up until October 16th every
Sunday 2.30pm - 4.30pm.
BLOXHAM VILLAGE
MUSEUM CLICK
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tel:
01295
721256
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Edge Hill Battle Museum
On 23 October 1642, the Army of Parliament commanded by
Robert Devereaux, 3rd Earl of Essex, clashed at Edge
Hill with a Royalist Army commanded by King Charles 1.
Thirty thousand Englishmen fought this, the first major
battle of the English Civil War. The museum commemorates
the events of that day, and of those times, with
displays of arms, armour and period costume, together
with dioramas and maps of the Battle.
The Edgehill Battle Museum is situated (September 1994) in a
range of farm buildings at Farnborough Hall, a National
Trust property several miles south of the battlefield.
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The Estate Yard,
Farnborough Hall,
Farnborough,
Banbury OX16 1DU
Wednesday and Saturday
2 to 6 April to September
inclusive
EDGE HILL BATTLE
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tel:
0129595
89593
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Farnborough Hall
Farnborough Hall is a beautiful honey-coloured stone
house, built in the mid-18th century and the home of the
Holbech family for over 300 years. Even today it is
occupied and administered by Mr. and Mrs. Holbech. The
interior plasterwork of Farnborough Hall is quite
outstanding and the charming grounds contain 18th century
temples, a terrace walk and an obelisk.
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Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 1DU
FARNBOROGH
HALL CLICK
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tel:
01295 690002
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Hook Norton Brewery Visitor Centre
The Visitors Centre is housed in the original maltings
that were bought by John Harris in 1849 and where he
commenced brewing.
Brewery tours are available Monday to Friday. School
educational parties are welcome and are free of charge. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and consists of a
trip around the Brewery, museum and village museum,
followed by sampling of beers, and on leaving, a badged
glass as a momento of the visit.
Regretfully the Brewery itself is not suitable for people
with walking difficulties or babes in arms. However, the
shop and reception area is able to cater for both, and
disabled
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The Hook Norton Brewery Co LTD
Brewery Lane
Hook Norton, Banbury
OXON
OX15 5NY
HOOK NORTON
BREWERY VISITOR
CENTRE CLICK
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Tel: 01608 730384
Fax: 01608 730294
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Hook Norton Pottery
Hand made pottery, both for catering and domestic
purposes. As well as our �standard� Hotelware ranges - we
also make a number of individual pots - including pieces
such as large jugs, bowls, jars, decorative candlesticks
and cider jars. Also holiday cottages with use of heated
indoor swimming pool.
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East End, Hook Norton,
Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5LG
HOOK NORTON
POTTERY CLICK
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tel:
01608 737414
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Macmillan Way - Cross Cotswold Pathway
A branch of the much longer Macmillan way, this walk runs
from Banbury Cross to Bath and is 86 miles long. It
follows a varied route across the Cotswolds, including
bridleways, footpaths, a Roman road and a towpath. The
walk has been planned by the Macmillan Way Association to
enable walkers to get to its start and finish without
using public transport. Macmillan Cancer Support
encourages walkers to get sponsorship in aid of Macmillan
Cancer Support, and sponsor forms are available by email
from the organization.
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Banbury Cross,
Banbury,
Oxfordshire
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National Herb Centre
Welcome to the National Herb Centre - Wonderful Herbs,
Fantastic Food, Plant Centre and Gift Shop, Herb Bistro and
Deli, Herb Display Gardens, Nature Trail, Guided Tours,
Childrens Activity Area, Workshops, Demonstrations, Special
Functions, Meeting rooms...... So much to see and do
throughout the year.
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at Warmington, nr Banbury, Oxon
Mondays to Saturdays from 9.00am to 5.30pm (or dusk if
earlier)
Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10.30am to 5.30pm (or
dusk if earlier)
NATIONAL HERB
CENTRE CLICK
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tel:
01295
690999
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Sulgrave Manor
Sulgrave Manor is a superb example of a modest manor house
and garden of the time of Shakespeare and was home to the
ancestors of George Washington. In 1539 the manor was bought
by Lawrence Washington from Henry VIII and his descendants
were to live there for the next 120 years. In 1656, Lawrence
Washington's great-great grandson Colonel John Washington
left England to take up land in Virginia which later became
Mount Vernon. Col. Washington was the great grandfather of
George Washington, first President of the United States of
America. In 1914, Sulgrave Manor was presented by a body of
British subscribers to the Peoples of Great Britain and the
United States of America in celebration of the Hundred Years
Peace between the two nations. In 1924 the National Society
of the Colonial Dames of America generously endowed the
Manor House and still co-operates with the Board in its
upkeep. The Manor stands as a permanent reminder of the
special relationship between Britain and America, and today
visitors from all over the world .
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Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX17 2SD
SULGRAVE MANOR
CLICK
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Tel:
01295 760 205
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Swalcliffe Barn
Many people in the area know Swalcliffe as the Tythe
Barn, having been built for the Rectorial Manor of
Swalciffe by the owners, New College Oxford. The
construction took place between 1400 and 1409, and this
structure is recognised as being one of the best-preserved
barns of its age in the country. Visitors are treated to
the medieval beams and half cruck roof amongst other
architectural delights.
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Swalcliffe,
Banbury,
Oxfordshire
OX15 5DR
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Upton House
Upton's known timeline dates back to the reign of Richard 1
when it belonged to the Arden family. The fortunes of the
Upton estate were as varied as the changes of owners. Find
out how it came into the hands of Lord Bearsted in 1927.
Viscount Bearsted acquired Upton for entertaining and to
house his important collections of art and porcelain.
He extended the 17th century building at either end and
completely re-modelled, every room.
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Upton House
Banbury OX15 6HT,
UPTON HOUSE CLICK
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+44 -1295-670266
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Beckley
�I went to Noke and nobody spoke; I went to Beckley, they
spoke directly�. This is an old aphorism, quite probably
untrue of Noke nowadays, but certainly true of Beckley. It
is the friendliest of villages, where passers-by always
speak to each other and newcomers are gathered into the fold
and made to feel at home. In spite of Beckley�s close
proximity to Headington and Oxford, when you cross the B4027
you enter another world. There has been a settlement at
Beckley since Roman times; the Roman road from Dorchester to
Alcester cuts the village in two. The present village is a
survival from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries with only
the original school building and a few nearby cottages
representing the Victorian era. Almost every house is in
some way associated with Beckley�s ancient past, if only
because some of its building stone was originally part of
the medieval royal palace. Between the wars many of the tiny
stone and thatched farm labourers cottages became almost
derelict as farm work decreased and men took jobs in the
Cowley factories. Fortunately their potential for
amalgamation and conversion into larger homes appealed to
people wishing to move out of Oxford�s growing eastern
suburbs. Equally fortunately these people wished to retain
and even pinpoint the period features of the cottages, so
that even when they were practically rebuilt they fitted in
with the Beckley landscape.
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Bicester
Bicester, situated in the North East of the county has a
traceable history of over a thousand years and was
recorded in the Domesday book. It is a busy market town
and now home to Bicester Village - the factory designer
outlet shopping village. Like Banbury further North, it is
experiencing growth and prosperity from its proximity to
the M40 motorway linking London with Birmingham via
Oxford.
Oxfam, the famine relief charity has its emergency
warehouse near the town which has given its name to one of
the British Army's largest Ordnance Depots. Flora Thompson
based her trilogy 'Lark Rise to Candleford' on the area
North East of Bicester including the nearby villages of
Juniper Hill, Cottisford, Fringford and Hethe.
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Visitor Information Centre
Bicester Village Outlet Shopping
Pingle Drive
Bicester
Oxfordshire OX26 6WD
BICESTER CLICK
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Tel: 01869 369055 Fax: 01869 369054
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Bicester Village
Bicester Village is the best place to go shopping in
Oxfordshire. Located a short drive away from Oxford, the
Village comprises some of the best retail outlets in the
country with top designer names such as Dior, Ralph
Lauren, and Ted Baker to name but a few. Clothes, shoes,
jewellery, household items, lingerie, and accessories can
all be found here at bargain prices. The shops themselves
are brightly coloured and there are restaurants and caf�s
available to recharge your batteries before another few
hours of bargain hunting.
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50 Pingle Drive, Bicester,
Oxfordshire OX26 6WD
BICESTER VILLAGE
CLICK
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tel:
01869 323200
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Ambrosden
Ambrosden is set in the heart of the Ray valley in the
beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. Ambrosden, a village and
a parish in Oxfordshire. The village stands near the river
Ray, 2 1/2 miles SE by S of Bicester, which is the nearest
railway station. Its name is supposed to have been derived
from Ambrosius Aurelius, the British Merlin, who encamped
here during the siege of Alcester by the Saxons. Denton was
the name of the lord of the manor at Ambrosden in the 16th
century.The parish church of St Mary is mostly 14th century in
date, incorporating a Norman doorway. The nearby vicarage
dates from 1638. The village school was built in 1876 in the
Gothic style. Nearby villages include Arncott, Blackthorn,
Merton, Piddington, Fencott and Wendlebury.Akeman Street
runs just north of the village and Bicester Military Railway
runs to the south.
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AMBROSDEN CLICK
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Rousham House & Garden
Rousham and its landscape garden should be a place of
pilgrimage for students of the work of William Kent
(1685-1748). Rousham represents the first phase of English
landscape design and remains almost as Kent left it, one of
the few gardens of this date to have escaped alteration,
with many features which delighted eighteenth century
visitors to Rousham still in situ, such as the ponds and
cascades in Venus' Vale, the Cold Bath, and seven arched
Praeneste, Townsend's Building, the Temple of the Mill, and,
on the skyline, a sham ruin known as the 'Eyecatcher'. The
house, built in 1635 by Sir Robert Dormer, is still in the
ownership of the same family. Kent added the wings and the
stable block. The south front is almost as Kent left it, but
for the replacement of the octagonal glazing with plain
glass. This was unfortunately carried out by the architect
St. Aubyn when he added the north side of the house in 1876.
Kent made alterations to the interior of the house, which
retains some 17th century panelling and the original
staircases, furniture, pictures and bronzes. Don't miss the
walled garden with its herbacious borders, small parterre,
pigeon house and espalier apple trees. A fine herd of rare
Long-Horn cattle are to be seen in the park. Rousham is
uncommercial and unspoilt with no tea room and no shop.
Bring a picnic, wear comfortable shoes and it is yours for
the day.Rousham is also available for wedding receptions
(see link below) and fashion or other photographic shoots.
No children under 15. No dogs.
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nr Steeple
Aston, Bicester
Oxfordshire OX25 4QX
House � open from
May to September, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays
2pm � 4.30pm for guided visits
Gardens open daily all year 10am - 4.30pm
ROUSHAM HOUSE CLICK
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Tel: +44 (0)1869 347 110
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Thrupp Canal Centre
The new Canal Centre and tearooms are located in the
classic canalside hamlet of Thrupp. North of Oxford on the
Oxford Canal, often featured as a location in 'Inspector
Morse'.
Hire a narrowboat for the day from Oxfordshire
Narrowboats - renowned for our top-quality
purpose-designed craft. We show you how everything works,
including the locks and lift bridges, and set you off on
your voyage of discovery for a day out like no other. You
can hire the boat for yourself ('self-drive') or we can
provide skippered charter (your guided tour on water!).
Hiring a boat for the day is the perfect tonic to a busy
tour itinerary or lifestyle! Sightsee Oxford from a
totally unique perspective. Celebrate your birthday,
graduation, or anniversary afloat - or simply get a group
of friends or business clients together for a memorable
day out. Use our boat for an entertaining day away for
your corporate event for clients or staff. From our Thrupp
Canal Centre you can enjoy a totally relaxing day in the
country, or embark on a fantastic must-do tour of Oxford
by water. Cruise into and around Oxford on both the royal
River Thames and the Oxford Canal, sightseeing Port Meadow
and the Dreaming Spires, the famous Folly Bridge and
adjacent Christchurch meadow, cruising through bohemian
Jericho, pas the ruins of Godstow Priory where the ghost
of Rasamund the Fair still lingers.... Alternatively, why
not moor at a waterside pub and take in the many familiar
sights of the waterways that played such an important part
in the 'Inspector Morse' TV series. Whichever route you
choose, each boat is fully licensed for all the waterways,
so there are no hidden extras.
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Canal Wharf,
Station Road,
Lower Heyford,
Bicester,
OX25 5PD,
NARROWBOATS CLICK
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Tel: 01869 340348
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Burford
In earlier times Burford was a flourishing market town
dependent on the sheep of the Cotswolds, the local
industries being fulling, tannery, saddlery, glove making,
and two bell foundries at different times; all that was
necessary could be purchased locally.
In 1990 Burford celebrated the 900th anniversary of its
first charter. It may seem strange that a community of
barely 1,200 people should have a Mayor and Town Council
(the population is probably smaller now than in the 18th
century at the height of the coaching era, and much the same
as at the end of the Middle Ages). The present arrangement
only dates from the reorganisation of local government in
1974, but is a reflection of Burford�s earlier history when
it was ruled by an Alderman and Burgesses, elected from the
Guild Merchants. The Burgesses� roll is to be seen in the
local museum at the Tolsey, the 15th century building where
the tolls were collected from the traders. It is also still
used for the Town Council meetings. Burford has grown very little because of stringent planning
restrictions which ban any expansion outwards, and insist on
any new building being done in local materials. This means
that the cost of housing in the town is exceptionally high,
so that there is very little chance for first time buyers to
obtain property.
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Information centre: The Old Brewery, Sheep Street.Burford
Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm, November to February
10am-4.30pm, plus Sundays, May-September 11am-3pm.
BURFORD CLICK
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Tel: 01993 823558
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Cotswold Wildlife Park
A great family attraction set in 160 acres of beautiful
gardens and parkland surrounding a Listed Victorian Manor
House. See Rhinos, Zebras, Camels and Ostriches out in the
open. Also view endangered species including Asiatic Lions,
Amur Leopards, Red Pandas and Giant Tortoises. Visit the
Tropical, Reptile, Insect and Bat Houses and see many
tropical birds and mammals. Children�s Farmyard and
Adventure Playground and narrow gauge railway.
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BURFORD OXFORDSHIRE
OX18 4JP
Open daily.10am -dusk
COTSWOLD WILDLIFE
PARK CLICK
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tel:01993 823006
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Tolsey Museum
Where traders in Tudor times used to pay their tolls, there
is now a wide-ranging collection illustrating Burford's
social and industrial past, including the town maces, seals
and charters, exhibits recalling the trades that flourished
here - quarrying, bell-founding, rope-making, brewing and
others - and an unusual doll's house.
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126 High Street, Burford, OX18 4QU
April to October
Monday to Friday & Sunday 2pm - 5pm
Saturday and Bank Holidays 11am - 5pm
TOLSEY MUSEUM CLICK
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tel:
01993 823196
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Carterton
Carterton was named after a man called William
Carter, who bought up a lot of land locally. He then
sold it off in plots, for smallholdings and market
gardens. People even came to settle here from
London. The original bungalows were built of wood with
outer shells of tin. One family also had a very deep
well where they kept their milk and butter in a
bucket, dangling on a rope.
Carterton has become best known for the growing of
tomatoes, the soil here seems to give them a flavour
all of their own. Sadly though, many local nurseries
have disappeared over the years, the families not
carrying on the business and greenhouses making way
for housing development. Carterton was once part of a parish with Black
Bourton, using St Mary�s church. A small wooden
building, St John�s, served as a church until the
present day brick-built one in 1965. There are
Catholic and Methodist churches for the community
here as well.
Royal Air Force Brize Norton came into being in the
1930s. Carterton was to have been the name of the
airfield but it was changed to avoid any confusion
with Cardington in Bedfordshire. In the 1960s the
United States Air Force was stationed here. To take
their larger bombers the runway was extended, thus
cutting the parish into two, and later Black Bourton
became a parish on its own.
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Town Hall, Alvescot Road.
Open Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm.
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Tel: 01993 842156
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Charlgrove
Although not a large stream, Chalgrove Brook was once
powerful enough to turn five mills, as is revealed in the
Domesday Book. Meandering across the fields to the south of
the village, it flows on through Stadhampton and then to
Chislehampton where it joins the river Thame, a tributary of
the Thames. During the 19th century a sluice gate was
constructed at the eastern end of the village and from the
original stream (the back brook) water was diverted to run
alongside what is now the High Street. This artificially
created loop (the front brook) has become an attractive
feature in Chalgrove.Flooding was apparently a regular occurrence and is strong
in the memories of Chalgrove folk. Written accounts, dating
from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, indicate that
stilts were popular among the young as a means of getting
about in such conditions. However, even stilts were rendered
useless when, in January 1881, the temperature dropped
sharply overnight and the floodwater turned into a thick
sheet of ice.
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CHARLEGROVE CLICK
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Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is a small, hilltop market town as compact
as a village; everybody meets in the High Street. It is
built mostly of hard, grey limestone, has no urban sprawl
and is picturesque enough to be under several conservation
orders. It is still a working agricultural community with
whiffs of pig manure and bedding straw. Even the dozen
antiques shops don�t affect its everyday rural busyness.
Approach roads are lined with trees, and the High Street
manages to be both cosy and spacious; cosy because it is
completely enclosed by 18th century stone frontages,
spacious enough to hold the September Mop Fair with its
swings, roundabouts and flying boats. For many years
Ronny Barker ran an antiques Shop here.
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The Guild Hall. Open daily, except Sun, Mar-Oct
9.30am-5.30pm, Nov to Feb 10am-3pm.
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Tel: 01608 644379
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The Almshouses
Henry Cornish was a prominent puritan in Chipping Norton
in the 17th Century, even having a street in the town
named after him. He gave this pretty row of almshouses to
Chipping Norton in 1640 to be used by eight poor widows.
Set back from the road and in the typical Cotswold style,
they are constructed from Cotswold stone with Cotswold
slate rooves and reached via a grand gateway, which has
ornate cresting and finials.
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Church Road,
Chipping Norton,
Oxfordshire
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Bliss Valley Tweed Mill
A striking landmark on the road out of Chipping Norton,
this former woollen mill is a very unusual example of
Victorian industrial architecture. Designed by George
Woodhouse, the mill and factory architect, it has a
striking Tuscan chimney rising from a domed tower. The
Mill was built for William Bliss II, and used as a woollen
mill until around 1980 when it was converted into luxury
flats. Next to it is Station Mill Antiques Centre.
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Chipping Norton,
Oxfordshire -
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Chastleton House
One of England�s finest and most complete Jacobean manor
houses carefully conserved by the National Trust in the
1990�s, after over four hundred years of continuous
occupation by the same family. The rules of the game of
croquet were codified here in 1865. Timed tickets, maximum
175 visitors per day.
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Chastleton, Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxfordshire GL56 0SU,
CHASTLETON
HOUSE CLICK
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tel:
01494 755560
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Chipping Norton Museum
We are an independent museum run by the Local History
Society. Among the many exhibits are the following:Prehistoric and Roman artefacts.
From Saxon Manor to Market Town in pictures -
A display of Farming Equipment
Local Industries - Chippy at War - The Home Front -
"Granny's Kitchen" - Chipping Norton Baseball Club -
"All England Champions" -
Law and Order in Chipping Norton
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You will find the entrance to the Museum opposite the Town
Hall Steps. The Museum itself is in the Co-Op Hall on the
First Floor
The Museum opens Easter
until end-October
Tuesday to Saturday
& Bank Holiday Mondays
2pm - 4pm
CHIPPING NORTON
MUSEUM CLICK
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Chipping Norton Theatre
The Theatre, Chipping Norton was one of the first theatres
to receive money from the National Lottery and in October
1996 reopened after 6 months extensive refurbishment. The
Spring Street (evening) Box Office was rebuilt and the foyer
space improved, new toilets featuring specially commissioned
tiles by Brian Elliott and Sue Ayres and facilities for the
disabled were installed and the bar area was increased.
Improvements to the Auditorium included - better access to
balcony, side balcony benches were replaced, a new control
booth for stage management and film projection was
constructed, an induction loop system installed for the hard
of hearing and 3 new rows of seating were added. The roof
was raised over the stage area and wings, then squared off
to enable the full width of the space to be used. All these
improvements enabled the Theatre to host larger companies,
extend runs of shows and present a dance programme.Chipping Norton's theatre is lavishly decorated with murals
depicting pantomime characters. The theatre's professional
pantomimes have become a cherished institution, with no
concessions to TV celebrity. At one time they were written
by Graeme Garden who lives locally. The first panto
was staged in 1973 while the theatre was still being
converted from a warehouse: The Beauty and the Beast ran for
four performances in the Town Hall.
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The Theatre, 2 Spring Street,
Chipping Norton. OX7 5NL
CHIPPING NORTON
THEATRE CLICK
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tel:
01608 642350
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Craft Gallery
Oxfordshire Craft Guild has been promoting the work of
Oxfordshire's best contemporary designers for over 25
years. The Craft Gallery in Chipping Norton is its largest
gallery. A unique and diverse range of gifts and homeware
is always on display and for sale. Currently it includes
jewellery, pewter, stained glass, studio pottery, textiles
and woodturning. Most of the designers working here will
undertake commissions.
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7 Goddards Lane,
Chipping Norton,
Oxfordshire
OX7 5NP
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Tei: +44 (0)1608 641 525
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Fairy Tale Farm
Fairytale Farm is now open every day until 2nd November
2014.
We have lots of new things to see, including our brand new
attraction: Rubber Duck Racing (pictured right). Challenge
your family to a test of duck racing skill in this free new
activity. Place your ducks on the starting line and race
along our pump-powered wacky waterway. And play as many
times as you like - it is great fun for all the family!
You can also see our three new micro-pigs and some rare and
beautiful new chickens which will amaze you. Our ponies
Hamish and Rupert have joined us since last year, and we
have new food choices in our cafe.
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Fairytale Farm
Southcombe
Chipping Norton
Oxfordshire
OX7 5QH
FAIRY TALE FARM CLICK
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01608 238014
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Glyme Valley Way Long-distance footpath
The 16-mile route follows the river Glyme as it
passes many key historical sites including two Capability
Brown parklands, deserted villages, a Roman road, water
meadows, waterfalls, and a 12th century church.
As a part of the celebrations for Oxfordshire's 1000th
birthday, BBC Oxford and the Countryside
Service demonstrated the rich history and value of
the county's countryside by leaving the legacy of a
suggested walking route along the River Glyme, between
Chipping Norton and Woodstock.
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Walking Route, River Glyme, between Chipping Norton and,
Woodstock, OX33 1QQ
GLYME VALLEY WALK CLICK
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Manor House Gallery
Manor House Gallery is one of the most influential in the
country. For over 20 years, it has exhibited the work of
contemporary British painters, specializing in Scottish
artists. Recent shows have featured Peter Kelly, Judith
Gardener and Jackie Phillips. Other visual treats include
views of the Cotswold countryside and the 16th-century Manor
House next door, where exhibitions are sometimes held
against the backdrop of its stunning gardens.
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Chipping Norton,
Oxfordshire
OX7 5LH
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Tel: 01608 642620
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Rollright Stone
An impressive late Neolithic stone circle in a secluded and
unspoilt location owned and run by a trust. Remains of a
burial chamber �whispering knights� and the solitary �King�s
stone� are close by. Try counting the number of stones in
the circle � it is said the total changes each time.
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The site is located just north of Chipping Norton in
Oxfordshire. All three sites are no more than five minutes walk from the
main parking area. The Kings Men Stone Circle is a few strides
from the main lay-by. It is accessible by wheel chair although
some assistance might be needed to get up the kerb. The King
Stone is over a wobbly wooden fence across an open privately
owned field to which the owner permits access. The Whispering
Knights are about five minutes walk from the main lay-by
heading east. After about 100 yards go through a green farm
gate and follow the edge of the field down to the Knights. The
field is privately owned but access to the Knights is
permitted.
Open daily
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St Mary the Virgin Church
Like the churches at Cirencester and Northleach, St
Mary�s is a wool church, a grand church built with the
proceeds of the Cotswold wool trade. The 15th century nave
has been described as one of the finest in the country.
Among the highlights are the Gothic curtain walling, which
is similar to that in Canterbury Cathedral, a rare
hexagonal porch, one of only three in the country, and
14th century windows reportedly taken from Bruerne Abbey
after its disollution.
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Church Street,
Chipping Norton,
Oxfordshire
OX7 5NT
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Wyatts Countryside Centre
Farmshop in organic conversion and garden nursery.
Restaurant with panoramic views over several counties.
Childrens play area, animal enclosures.
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Great Rollright - North of Chipping Norton
Open daily all year
WYATTS CLICK
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tel:
01608
683835
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Churchill & Sarsden Heritage Centre
The Centre overlooks the site of the 'lost' medieval
village of Churchill. It contains maps and historical
records of the village from 1600 to the present. Churchill
was the birthplace of Warren Hastings, the first Governor
General of India, and William Smith, the 'Father of British
Geology' (1769-1839)
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Churchill Old Church, Hastings Hill, Churchill Oxon
Opening Hours: From 1st April to 24th September
Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm - 4.30pm
CHURCHILL & SARSDEN HERITAGE CENTRE CLICK
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tel:
01608 658603
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Didcot
The building of the Great Western Railway from London to
the West Country sparked the growth of Didcot in the 19th
century. It is now 160 years since the passing of the Act
authorising construction of the line. Didcot is still an
important railway junction for North-South East-West traffic
with connections to Oxford and the North, London, Bristol
and the South coast. Originally a railway town, the local businesses have
changed with the times with the atomic energy establishment
at Harwell International Business Centre a major employer as
is National Power whose cooling towers can be seen for miles
around. It is a 2,000 megawatt coal-fired station with a
650ft chimney and six 325ft cooling towers. In nearby Chilton the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory hosts
the world's most intense neutron source used for the study
of the structure of materials, an understanding of which is
vital to UK industry in the 21st century. Chilton also has the National Radiological Protection
Board, and a laboratory of the Medical Research Council, as
well as an 11th century church with a unique nine sided
font. The highly successful Williams formula one motor racing
team was based in Didcot but have now moved to Wantage.
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118 Broadway,
Didcot, Oxon,
OX11 8AB
DIDCOT CLICK
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Tel/Fax: 01235 813243
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Didcot Railway Centre
The Great Western Railway was incorporated in 1835 to build
the railway from Bristol to London and it was designed and
engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to be the finest in
the land. Now, at Didcot, half way between Bristol and
London, members of the Great Western Society have created a
living museum of the Great Western Railway. It is based
around the original engine shed and depot to which have been
added a typical branch line with a country station and
signalling demonstrations and a recreation of Brunel's
original broad gauge trackwork. There is a large collection
of GWR steam locomotives, carriages and wagons. On Steamdays
the locomotives come to life and you can ride in the 1930s
trains on one or both of the demonstration lines.
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Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 7NJ
Open Saturdays & Sundays all year and daily in most
school holidays and 24 June to 3 September.
Opening Times at weekends and on Steamdays are 10.00am -
5.00pm (10.00am - 4.00pm other midweek dates and in the
winter).
email:
didrlyc@globalnet.co.uk
DIDCOT RAILWAY
CENTRE CLICK
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Tel:
01235 817 200
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Faringdon
Its strategic position between the Thames and Ridgeway has
given rise to a long history for the town. Faringdon
(meaning 'fern-covered hill') was once capital of the
ancient kingdom of Wessex and Alfred the Great had his
castle here. The Domesday book records a manor with mill,
fishing and land for 15 ploughs. The great tithe barn at
nearby Great Coxwell by the Abbey of Beaulieu bears evidence
to the fertility of the Vale of the White Horse. King John
gave the town a royal charter in 1216 for a weekly market
which continues to this day in the Market place. Later
during the Civil War, Roundhead Sir Robert Pye found himself
a prisoner in his own home, Faringdon House, which dates
back to 1730. A poorly aimed cannon-ball knocked the spire
off All Saints church ! The 17th century Town Hall remains
the focal point of the town, surrounded by Georgian-fronted
inns and shops of the market-place.
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Pump House
,
5 Market Place
,
Faringdon
SN7 7HL
Email:
ourism@
faringdontowncouncil.org.uk
FARINGDON CLICK
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Tel:01367 242191
Fax: 01367 242191
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Buscot Park
Buscot Park is a National Trust property, administered on
the Trust's behalf by Lord Faringdon. It is a fine late 18th
Century house and contains the Faringdon Collection of
paintings, (including works by Rembrandt, Reynolds, Murillo,
Rossetti and the famous 'Briar Rose' series by Burne-Jones)
and fine furniture.There are extensive parklands offering
delightful walks, including a walled garden with a pleached
hop hornbeam avenue and a water garden by Harold Peto. The
Tearoom serves home made cakes and cream teas. There is
ample free parking.
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Faringdon
Oxfordshire
SN7 8BU
BUSCOT PARK
CLICK
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Tel:
01367 240 786
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Buscot Old Parsonage
An early 18th-century house of Cotswold stone, set on the
banks of the Thames and with a small garden.
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Faringdon
Oxfordshire
SN7 8DQ
Apr-end Oct Wed only 14.00-18.00,
BUSCOT OLD PARSONAGE CLICK
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tel:
01793 762209
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Farmer Gow's Activity Farm
Farmer Gow's is a working livestock farm providing public
access to farming and the countryside. As a mixed
livestock farm - with sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, chickens,
ferrets, turkeys and ducks - there's lots to see and do, and
lots of fun to enjoy. All day ~ adventure play in the pedal
tractor yard, giant bale climb, indoor play areas and
adventure playground. All weather fun.
Farmer Gow�s is the �favourite place on earth� for lots of
our young visitors.
Come and enjoy our fabulous farm animals ~ cheeky bottle
fed lambs & goat kids plus chicks, goslings, piglets and
calves ~ at Farmer Gow�s, between Oxford and Swindon.
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Fernham Road,
Longcot,
nr Faringdon,
Oxfordshire,
SN7 7PR
FARMER GOW'S CLICK
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Tel:
01793 780 555
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Kelmscott Manor
The summer home of William Morris, Kelmscott Manor is
a Grade I listed farmhouse, built around 1600 adjacent to
the River Thames.William Morris chose it as his summer home, signing a joint
lease with the Pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti
in the summer of 1871. Morris loved the house as a work of
true craftsmanship, totally unspoilt and unaltered, and in
harmony with the village and the surrounding countryside. He
considered it so natural in its setting as to be almost
organic, it looked to him as if it had "grown up out of the
soil". Its beautiful gardens, with barns, dovecote, a meadow
and stream, provided a constant source of inspiration.
The house - perhaps the most evocative of all the houses
associated with Morris - contains an outstanding collection
of the possessions and works of Morris, his family and his
Arts & Crafts associates, including furniture.
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Kelmscott Manor
Kelmscott
Oxfordshire
GL7 3HJ
KELMSCOTT MANOR CLICK
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Tel: +44 01367 252486
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Henley
Henley is best known for its Royal Regatta held every
July since 1839. For about a mile at Henley the river is
straight providing an ideal course for what has become a
major international event. It became 'Royal' in 1851
when Prince Albert became Patron of the Regatta. As well
as a sporting event it is a major social event retaining
much of the 'garden party' feel of Edwardian times.
The town became established in the 12th century as a
river crossing and port for the supply of timber and
grain along the river to London. The present five-arched
bridge over the river was built in 1786 with the church
of St. Mary close by. The church has a16th century tower
built with decorative flint and stone chequerwork.
Although restored in the 19th century, the 13th century
and nave arcades can still be seen. Many buildings in Henley are designated 'of special
architectural interest' including a 14th century chantry
house, connected to the church and the Speakers house,
the home of William Lenthall, Speaker of the House of
Commons (1629-1640) who was a signatory to the warrant
for the execution of Charles I. The main street has many
Georgian frontages built on to older buildings. There
are many coaching inns including the Red Lion, which, so
legend has it, has accommodated Charles I, Boswell and
George III.
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King's Arms Barn, Kings Road, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2DG
Email: henleytic@hotmail.com
HENLEY ON THAMES CLICK
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Tel: 01491 578034 Fax: 01491 412703
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Barn Galleries
The Barn Galleries are one of the most important cultural
centres in this small community. They display a rich and
eclectic range of paintings and sculptures which have been
influenced by the local area are created by artist' from
Oxfordshire. This is not to say that works of art cannot
be displayed by artists from other regions, in fact the
regular rotation of works is one of the elements that has
maintained this galleries popularity, and retained its
status as a well visited tourist attraction. The Barn Galleries Henley on Thames venue is
now closed to the public.
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Aston, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 3DX
BARN GALLERIES CLICK
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Phone: +44 (0)1491 577786 - Fax: +44 (0)1491
577786
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Dusty Springfield Memorial
The permanent memorial to the famed musician Dusty
Springfield was placed in the grounds of St Mary the
Virgin on 7th June 1999. Dusty, who was awarded an OBE for
her contribution to the music industry, died at her home
in Henley on Thames aged 59. Dusty�s hits included �You
Don�t Have to Say You Love Me� and �Son of a Preacher
Man�. She also performed with the Pet Shop Boys. The
memorial can be found beside the path through the grounds
of the church.
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St Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Henley-on-Thames,
Oxfordshire
RG9 2AU
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Fawley Court
Fawley Court has a history that dates back to the
11th Century, was designed by the world famous
Christopher Wren and built in 1663 for Colonel William
Freeman as a family home. The breathtaking carved
ceiling in the drawing room, a work by Grinling
Gibbons from 1690, is one of only three that have
survived in the country. Since 1953 Fawley Court has
been maintained by the Congregation of Marian Fathers
and houses a museum and a library.
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Henley-on-Thames,
Oxfordshire RG9 3AE
FAWLEY COURT
CLICK
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tel:
01491 574917
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Greys Court
A picturesque and intriguing house, originally 14th century
but much added to later, with a beautiful courtyard and one
surviving tower dating from 1347. The house has an
interesting history and was involved in Jacobean court
intrigue. Inside, the intimate rooms contain some
outstanding 18th century plasterwork. The outbuildings
include a Tudor wheelhouse, beautiful walled gardens full of
old-fashioned roses and wisteria, and an ornamental
vegetable garden.
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Rotherfield Greys
Henley-On-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 4PG
4 Apr - 30 Sept
GREYS COURT CLICK
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Tel: +44 (0)1491 628 529
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Kenton Theatre
The Kenton Theatre is the fourth oldest working theatre
in the country ( opened in 1805) and is staffed entirely
by volunteers.There are people around Henley-on-Thames - some of
them very sober and sensible citizens - who report
that they have seen a ghost. Now, the Kenton Theatre
is the fourth oldest theatre in the country, so a
ghost is not as unlikely as you may think. In it's
chequered history the theatre has seen enough action
(and inaction) to attract the spirits of long dead
actors, managers, stage-hands or even theatre-goers.
An investigation by the Ghost Club Society last year
proved that the ghost did exist - and we have a
photograph to prove it!
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New Street
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
KENTON THEATRE CLICK
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tel:
01491 575698
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Maharajah�s Well
The Maharajah�s Well is located in the heart of the
village of Stoke Row. It was a gift from the Maharajah of
Benares in 1864 to the villagers. The well is 370 foot
deep and is covered with a golden dome and elephant. It
was renovated after falling into disuse and is now a
visitor attraction with benches and a guidebook available
at the donation box. The adjacent quaint well keeper�s
cottage is let out as a residential property.
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2 Well View,
Stoke Row,
Oxfordshire
RG9 5QL
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Nuffield Place
Nuffield Place is the former home of William Morris, Lord
Nuffield, founder of Morris Motors and benefactor of
numerous medical and educational foundations. Set high in
the Chilterns, Nuffield Place is a rare survival of a
complete middle class home and garden of the 1930's. In
beautiful wooded surroundings, the house and gardens provide
a lovely family day out, catering for architectural
interest, beautiful setting, historical background and
wonderful teas!
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Huntercombe, Nettlebed
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire RG9 5RY
April 24; May 8 & 22; June 12 & 26; July 10 & 24;
Aug 14 & 28; Sept 11 & 25
2pm - 5pm
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Tel: +44 (0) 1494 825556
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River & Rowing Museum
Visit the award winning River & Rowing Museum with its
stunning architecture and unique interpretation of the River
Thames, the riverside town of Henley and the sport of
Rowing. History is brought to life with interactive displays
and fascinating exhibits. Special exhibitions, family
activities and events are held throughout the year and the
Riverside Caf� offers excellent food in distinctive
surroundings. Kenneth Grahame�s much-loved tale has
come to the Museum in a spectacular permanent attraction. EH
Shepard�s famous illustrations are brought to life in an
enchanting recreation of the classic English book. You can
walk along the River Bank, through the Wild Wood, into
Badger's house and through all twelve chapters of this
delightful adventure story. Using many theatrical and
audio-visual techniques, models, lighting, and sound you
will be magically transported into the world of Ratty, Mole,
Badger and of course the irrepressible Toad. The River &
Rowing Museum is an ideal venue for conferences,
product-launches, wedding receptions with excellent on-site
catering.
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Mill Meadows
Henley-On-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 1BF
RIVER & ROWING
MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel:01491 415 600
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Stonor Park
Historic home of Lord and Lady Camoys and the Stonor family
for over 800 years. The house is surrounded by a wooded deer
park in a valley in the Chiltern Hills. With its origins in
the 12th century the house has architectural features of
medieval Tudor and Georgian periods now with a warm red
brick facade. The ancient family Catholic chapel is situated
alongside near the site of a pre-historic stone circle. To
the rear of the house a hillside walled garden affords
commanding views of the deer park. Inside on display are
many items of rare furniture, sculptures, bronzes, paintings
and family portraits from Britain, Europe and the USA. The
family's Catholic roots are evident and an exhibition within
the house features the life and work of St Edmund
Campion.
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Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 6HF
Stonor is open to the public in 2006 between Sunday 2nd April
and Sunday 24th September.Guided Tours including House,
Chapel, Gardens are available to the general public between
2.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. as follows during this time :Sundays
(2nd April -24th September inclusive) Bank Holiday Mondays
Wednesdays (July and August only)
STONOR PARK
CLICK
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Tel: 01491 638 587
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Kidlington
The largest village in England (population over 17,000) has
resisted all proposals to make it a town. Although expanding
rapidly in all directions with modern housing Kidlington has
grown from an ancient village with a 13th century church,
farm and a vicarage dating from the 16th century. It also
boasts some large Georgian houses and Hampden House with its
18th century pavilion. The county Fire Service and Thames
Valley Police are headquartered in Kidlington. At Oxford
Airport, CSE Aviation have established a world-renowned
pilot training school. Since opening in 1962 it has trained
over 10,000 pilots for 80 airlines in 40 different
countries.
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Exeter Hall,
Oxford Road,OX5 1AB
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Tel: 01865 378479
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Tackley
Over the centuries the name of the village has changed no
less than 13 times. The �old �uns� used to refer to it as
Ensam, spelt Ensham, its last spelling before the present
one which has been in use for most of the 20th century and
is not likely to be changed again.A Benedictine abbey was
founded here in 1005 and became very wealthy, owning land
throughout Oxfordshire. The abbey was surrendered to Henry
VIII in 1539. The ruins stood for a couple of centuries and
then, as they began to deteriorate, the land became a
quarry. The only remains now are carved pieces of stone
built into many of the cottages and garden walls. Perhaps
the villagers were encouraged to cart it away and build
their own dwellings, some which still remain today. The
abbey also owned the flour and corn mill, the yearly rent
payable by the miller being ten shillings and 450 eels. Many
years later it became a paper mill supplying fine paper for
the bible presses, and it was there that experiments were
carried out to make paper from grass. During the early part
of the 20th century it became a glue, rag and flock mill.
Rags were turned into cheap flock mattresses. This all came
to an end in the late 1920s, but the old mill buildings had
a further use. The rubble from them was used as ballast when
the nearby A40 was built in 1935. The lovely mill house
still remains.
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It is about 6 miles
west of Bicester and
4.5 miles north of Kidlington.
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Oxford
Oxford is renowned the world over, as the home of one of
the oldest and most highly revered Universities in Europe.
The city lies at the confluence of the Rivers Cherwell and
Thames, or "Isis", as it is locally known, giving the
opportunity for boating, punting and many pleasant
riverside walks. Oxford is a compact city; its main
streets radiate from Carfax Tower in the centre, with most
of the colleges and University buildings all within easy
walking distance. It was Mathew Arnold whose description
lingers in the mind, and best sums up Oxford: "And that
sweet City with her dreaming spires, she needs not June
for beauty's heightening". Just outside the City on Boar's
Hill is the best place to see an overall view of the
"dreaming spires", a hauntingly beautiful and
unforgettable sight. The University Church of St. Mary the
Virgin - First mentioned in the Domesday Book, one of the
best views of Oxford is from the magnificent tower, which
was built in the 13th century, the nave dates from the
15th and 16th centuries.
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15/16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS
E-mail:
tic@oxford.gov.uk
Web:
www.visitoxford.org
|
Tel: 01865 726871
Fax: 01865 240261
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All Souls College
(1438) Founded by Henry Chichele Archbishop of
Canterbury, to commemorate those who had lost their lives
in the Hundred Years War against France, and to pray for
their souls. All Souls has no undergraduate members, only
graduate fellows elected for their academic distinction.
The architecture of the college is among the finest in
Oxford, the north quadrangle and twin towers are the work
of Hawksmoor and the sundial is by Wren. The Chapel is
particularly fine, for its hammer-beam roof with angels,
the reredos was uncovered and restored in the 19th
century.
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High Street,
Oxford OX1 4AL
ALL SOULS
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
279379
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Ashmolean Museum
Founded in 1683 and part of the University of Oxford, this is
one of the oldest public museums in the world, which contains
major pieces of Greek and Roman sculptures such as the
Parthenon frieze, the Apollo from Olympia and the Prima Porta
Augustus.
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Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PH,
ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM CLICK
|
Tel:
01865
278000
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Balliol College
(1263) Founded by John Balliol was given its Statutes by
his widow the Scottish Princess Dervorguilla of Galloway in
1282. Most of the college buildings are from the 19th
century. Past Students include: Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie, Shogi Effendi, Guardian of the
Baha'i Faith, Cardinal Heard and Archbishop William Temple;
statesmen too - Lord Beveridge, Sir Edward Heath KG, Lord
Roy Jenkins, Sir Seretse Khama, Harold Macmillan, Vincent
Massey, Viscount Samuel; writers - Robertson Davies, Graham
Greene, Aldous Huxley, Anthony Powell, Nevil Shute; creative
artists in other media - John Schlesinger in film and
Laurence Whistler on glass; sportsmen - the Nawab of Pataudi
and his son `Tiger', both famous Captains of India at
cricket, and Richard Sharp, Captain of England at rugby in
the year he took his degree
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Broad Street,
Oxford OX1 3BJ
BALLIOL
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
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Bath Place Hotel
The Bath Place Hotel is a cluster of seventeenth century
cottages surrounding a tiny flagstone courtyard in the heart
of Oxford.The cottages were built in the early sixteen hundreds by
Flemish weavers who won permission to build against the
outside of the city wall. It is believed there had
previously been a communal well and bath house on the site.
Going even further back in history, the area now known as
Bath Place would have been part of the medieval defence
area, being at the foot of the city wall.Very little of the original city wall remains. However,
parts of it are exposed on the back wall of the present
dining room, and one can see a well preserved section of it
from several of the hotel windows.
The buildings stood empty for some years in the early
eighties until in 1987 the Fawsitt family completed a
total refurbishment of the buildings to create the existing
hotel. Their restaurant is superb - well worth a drive out
from London for Sunday lunch
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4&5 Bath Place, Oxford
OX1 3SU
BATH PLACE
HOTEL CLICK
|
tel:
01865
791812
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Bate Musical Collection Museum
The Bate Collection celebrates the history of the western
musical tradition from medieval times to the modern day. The
museum houses a large collection of instruments from around
the world as well as a complete bow maker�s workshop and
historic bows. The institutions aim is to further the
understanding of our musical past and preserve the enjoyment
of historical performances for all. The museum is situated
centrally, close to the river and Christ Church College;
admission is free.
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Faculty of Music, St. Alate�s, Oxford OX1 1DB
Monday to Friday 14.00�17.00
Saturday 10�12 during Oxford Full Term
Closed � Christmas and Easter Holidays ring for details
BATE MUSICAL COLLECTION MUSEUM CLICK
|
tel:
01865
276139
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Blackbird Leys Park
Blackbird Leys Park is a large area of greenery located
in the middle of Oxford�s Blackbird Leys estate and
comprises of 9 hectares of mixed habitats with an open
grass area, a brook and a number of tree lined meandering
brooks. In addition to the nearby Blackbird Leys Leisure
Centre the park boasts two very popular children�s play
areas and football and cricket pitches are located close
to the park�s bowls club. Well suited for games of hide
and seek, romantic walks and family picnics.
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Blackbird Leys Park
Oxford,
Oxfordshire OX4
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Blackfriars College
Blackfriars College is unique within the University of
Oxford as it is the only specialist Theological and
Philosophical school. Friars began a Dominican academic
community in 1221 on the site and that is where the
college has remained ever since. The college prides itself
on its warm welcome to both visitors and visiting
students. The institution takes a larger than usual number
of mature students. Situated between the
Ashmolean Museum and
Pusey House, this centrally located college is a popular
visitor attraction.
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64 St. Giles,
Oxford
OX1 3LY
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Phone: +44 (0)1865 278441 - Fax: +44 (0)1865
278441
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Blackwell's Books
It is rare that a bookstore becomes a tourist attraction,
but Blackwell's is not just any bookstore. For one thing, it
lays claim to the largest single room devoted to book sales
in Europe, the cavernous Norrington Room (10,000sq.ft.).
How, in cramped-for-space Oxford, did Blackwell's manage to
create enough space for the Norrington Room? They excavated
under neighboring Trinity College Gardens, that's how! So
while students walk and - hopefully - study above, shoppers
peruse endless shelves of books well underground.In truth,
Blackwell's is not one Oxford bookstore, but nine! The main
store at 48-51 Broad Street is the largest, holding 250,000
volumes, but there are also specialised stores for Art,
Music, Rare Books, Paperbacks, Maps and Travel, Medicine,
Children's Books, and a University bookstore. The main store
also has a large used books section.Benjamin Blackwell
founded his store in 1879 in a tiny building at 50 Broad
Street, which is now the main store. That first store
measured only 12 feet square, and held just 700 used books!
Blackwell's catered exclusively to the academic market, and
gradually opened new stores in university towns around the
UK.
Since the 1920s Blackwell's has also published its own text
books, medical texts, and periodicals.
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48-51 Broad Street
Oxford
OX1 3BQ
BLACKWELLS BOOKS
CLICK
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Tel: 01865 792792
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Bodleian Library
Founded in 1602 and regarded as a masterpiece of English
Gothic architecture, the Bodleian is one of the oldest
libraries in Europe and today serves as the main research
library of the University of Oxford.The Divinity School and the Bodleian's exhibition room are
open to the public, and receive a quarter of a million
visitors each year
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Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
Easter Monday opening - Monday 17 April 2006
Library open on Saturday afternoons during term
BODLEIAN LIBRARY
CLICK
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Tel: 01865 277180
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Brasenose College
(1509) Founded on the site of an earlier community. The
name is thought to derive from the Brazen Nose doorknocker
hanging in the dining hall, which resembles an animal
snout. The front, the first quadrangle and the gateway
tower are all original, the hall and chapel are attributed
to Wren. Past Members - Field Marshal Haig, Jeffrey
Archer, and William Golding, Colin Cowdrey & Henry
Addington, Lord Sidmouth.
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Radcliffe Square,
Oxford OX1 4AJ
BRASNOSE COLLEGE
CLICK
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tel: 01865
527
7823
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The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs in Oxford is almost as famous a
landmark as its Italian counterpart. The bridge was built in
1913 and is named after the famous Venice Bridge. However,
it was modelled on the Rialto Bridge, another famous bridge
in Venice. The bridge links two buildings belonging to
Hertford College and is close to the Radcliffe Camera.
Visitors can take a walk underneath the bridge to the Turf
Tavern, a popular pub with tourists and students alike.
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New College Lane, Oxford OX1 3BL
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Brilliant Weekends in Oxford
Stag Weekends, Hen Weekends, Activity Breaks, Corporate Weekends, Birthday Celebrations, Golf Weekends.The dreaming spires of Oxford conjure an image of calm
serenity and reservation in the English heartland. Forget
it! However well-reputed the university may be, it's still
full of young people and where there are students there are
clubs, parties and a nightlife to knock you flat! Oxford is
a busy and cosmopolitan city, and a popular destination for
groups travelling from all over the country. A major and
historic city nestled between the Thames Valley and the
Cotswolds, Oxford has everything a brilliant Stag or Hen
weekend could require.
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Brilliant Weekends Limited,
Mardyke House, 18 Hotwell Road, BRISTOL, BS8 4UD
Monday 8.30am -
6.30pm
Tuesday 8.30am -
6.30pm
Wednesday 8.30am -
6.30pm
Thursday 8.30am -
6.30pm
Friday 8.30am -
6.30pm
Saturday 10am -
3.00pm
Sunday closed
OXFORD BRILLIANT WEEKENDS
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tel:
01295
721256.
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Bury Knowle Park
Bury Knowle Park in Oxford was first established in 1930
as a public park when Bury Knowle House was purchased by
Oxford City Council for its owner Henry Beaufoy in 1930 so
that its grounds could be developed into a park for the
people of Oxford to enjoy. In addition to large areas of
open space and woodland the park boasts a range of
activities including mini golf, a Narnia inspired
children�s play area, tennis courts and a special sensory
garden for the visually impairments.
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Headington
, Oxford,
Oxfordshire
OX3 9HX
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Carfax Tower
The name Carfax, derives from the French "carrefour", or
"crossroads", and the tower's location makes it a good
central reference point for touring the old city centre of
Oxford.The Tower is all that remains of the 13th century St.
Martin's Church. If you are fit (or simply determined) a
climb to the top of the 74 foot high tower is rewarded by an
excellent view over central Oxford. Look for the clock on
the east side of Carfax. It is a copy of the original church
clock, with mechanical figures called "quarterboys" which
hammer out the quarter hour on bells. Carfax Tower is open
from Easter to October 1000-1730 and from October - Easter
1000-1530
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Carfax Tower stands at the conjunction of St. Aldate's,
Cornmarket, Queen, and High Street in central Oxford
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Cherwell Boat House (CBH)
There are two main punting stations in Oxford, near the
city centre below Magdalen Bridge and in North Oxford at the
Cherwell Boat House (CBH). The CBH is tucked down a lane off
Bardwell Road between Dragon Prep and Wolfson College. The
CBH itself is a gem of Edwardian architecture from 1904. The family run Boathouse now has over 80 handmade punts in
the water and is an idyllic spot for punting, dining and
picnics.
The Teahut Bar and Cafe is open in season and serves light
food and drinks on a river terrace whilst our restaurant is
open all year round. With an alfresco terrace on the decking
in the summer, the Cherwell Boathouse is the perfect spot
for a relaxing afternoon.
We can cater for private parties, events and corporate
entertainment.
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Bardwell Road,
Oxford
OX2 6ST
CHERWELL BOAT HOUSE CLICK
|
Tel :
Restaurant 01865 552746 | Punts 01865 515978
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Christ Church
(1525) known as "The House", Founded as Cardinal
College by Cardinal Wolsey on the site of St.
Frideswide's Monastery. Re-founded by Henry VIII (1546)
and re-named Christ Church. Oxford's largest and most
magnificent college, incorporates England's smallest
Cathedral, which is also the college chapel. Tom Tower,
designed by Christopher Wren contains the great bell
weighing over seven tonnes, known as Great Tom. Each
evening at five minutes past nine the bell rings 101
times, one peel for each member of the original college.
The Cathedral is mainly a Norman building with many
interesting features, the choir with its lovely Norman
columns rise to delicate fan-tracery in the roof. The
stained glass is by Burne-Jones and William Morris. Past
Members - Thomas More, Philip Sidney, William Penn
(founder of Pennsylvania U.S.A.), C.L. Dodgson (alias
Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice in Wonderland while he
was a mathematics fellow at the college), John Ruskin,
John Wesley, A. Waugh, Sir Adrian Boult,
John Taverner, John Locke, Robert Hooke , Robert
Peel, William Gladstone, Albert Einstein, Frederick
Lindemann, William Walton, W.H. Auden, Hugh Trevor Roper,
Jan Morris, David Dimbleby, Rowan Williams, Richard Curtis
and Howard Goodall
. The Picture Gallery at Christ Church, contains a
superb collection of paintings and drawings from the
14th-18th centuries. Paintings from Italy, Flanders and
France, with works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da
Vinci.
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St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP
Christ Church is situated on St Aldates, just two minutes
walk heading south from the junction of Cornmarket and
the High Street, the crossroads at the centre of the city. The
visitor entrance is through the Meadow Gate on the South side
of the College. It is easily reached by walking down St
Aldates, past the majestic Tom Tower and turning into
the Memorial Garden entrance to Christ
Church Meadow, which brings you immediately to the Meadow
Gate on your left.
CHRIST CHURCH CLICK
|
Tel:
01865
276 150
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Christ Church College
Christ Church College has an interesting history. It was
initially founded by Cardinal Wolsey in the 16th Century
and was re-founded later in the century by Henry VIII.
During the Civil War Charles I lived here and held
Parliament in the Great Hall, and Christopher Wren, a
former student, designed a bell tower for the college. In
more recent times, the college has been used in the Harry
Potter films to depict Hogwarts and fans will enjoy
reliving their favourite scenes as they wander through the
college.
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St Aldate�s,
Oxford
OX1 1DP
|
Tel: 01865 276158
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Corpus Christie College
(1516) Founded by Bishop Richard Fox of Winchester. The
college is the smallest in the University, but one of the
most academic.
Its 16th and 18th century buildings are some of the most
beautiful in Oxford, and it enjoys an unrivalled position,
overlooking gardens and meadows yet within five minutes walk
of the city centre and the Bodleian Library.In the twentieth century, its graduates included the
philosophers Isaiah Berlin and Thomas Nagel, the writer
Vikram Seth and David Miliband, a Cabinet minister in the
current Labour government.
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Corpus Christi College
Merton Street
Oxford
OX1 4JF
CORPUS CHRISTI
COLLEGE CLICK
|
tel:
01865 276700
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Cricket in the Parks
The Parks is the cricket ground for Oxford University and a
magnificent setting to watch the present team playing during
the summer term. Colin Cowdrey, Mike Smith, Tiger Pataudi,
Maurice Manasseh and many other leading cricketers played
for O.U.CC here
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University Parks, South Lodge, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1
3RF
CRICKET IN THE
PARKS CLICK
|
tel:
01865
282040
|
CutteslowePark
A nice friendly family park with sports facilities
(Cricket, Tennis, Bowls, Football). It has an aviary which
in addition to many fine birds also holds bunny rabbits and
guinea pigs. There is a duck pond with many ducks and
occasionally swans, a heron, and mad local people feeding
them too much over-processed bread. There is also miniature
railway on which children of all ages can purchase tickets
to ride. The park also boasts the Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile, a
measured mile dedicated to a peace campaigner. The park is
occasionally used as a venue for outdoor performances by
large rock bands. It is often used for take-off or landings
by local Balloonists and in May it hosts an annual Balloon
Festival.
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Harboad Road
Oxford
Oxfordshire
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Eagle and Child
Without a doubt this pub is top of the list for a great
deal of literary pilgrims to Oxford. Famed as the meeting
place of the �Inklings�, a group of writers including JRR
Tolkien and CS Lewis between the years 1939 and 1962, the
ancient inn attracts tourists from around the world. The
famous �Rabbit Room� at the back of the pub was the
location for the group�s regular Tuesday morning drinks
and discussions about their latest works. This room still
survives and has several commemorative plaques explaining
the history. More recently the pub was a favoured watering
hole of Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter.
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St. Giles�,
Oxford
OX1
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Examination Schools
Oxford University�s impressive Examination Schools
building was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and
constructed between 1876 and 1882. Jackson had been
inspired by the Jacobean architecture of Kirby Hall in
Northamptonshire, although he also used elements of Gothic
and classical styles. During the main exam period in June,
students are required to sit their exams here dressed in
traditional �subfusc� clothing - a rule that the
university strictly enforces. Outside of term-time the
building is used as a conference
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75-81 High Street,
Oxford,
OX1 4BG
|
Tel:01865 276903 - Fax: 01865
276904
|
Exeter College
Exeter, one of the three 'Turl Street Colleges', is in the
middle of Oxford. It would be difficult to be more central.
It's a short step to just about everything - cafes, shops,
libraries, lectures, the science labs, the parks and the
river (or more exactly, rivers: it's hard to get away from
water in Oxford). With its exquisite Chapel, tranquil
Fellows' Garden and terrace overlooking Radcliffe Square,
the College is an enviable place to call home.J.R.R. Tolkien
was an undergraduate here, as were William Morris and Edward
Burne Jones. Alan Bennett and Martin Amis studied here;
Philip Pullman, another Exonian, based Jordan College on
Exeter. The fictitious Inspector Morse died in the front
quad.
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Turl Street,
Oxford OX1 3DP
EXETER COLLEGE
CLICK
|
tel: 01865 279600
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Florence Park
This pleasant small park towards the east of Oxford was
opened to the public in the summer of 1934 by Councillor
F. E. Moss and named in memory of his sister Florence. In
addition to a large amount of open space for use by the
public the park also boasts a number of well maintained
and colourful flowerbeds with a variety of different
blooms, a bowls green and six tennis courts which can be
rented in advance. A large children�s play area is very
popular as is a seasonal kiosk that serves refreshments
between May to September each year.
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Cowley Road,
Oxford,
OX4 3PW
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Garsington Opera
Garsington Opera, founded by Leonard Ingrams in
1989, runs for a month in the summer and successfully
combines a repertoire of well known operas with discoveries
of little known works. These have included British premieres
of Haydn�s Orlando Paladino, Richard Strauss�s
Die �gyptische Helena, Rossini�s
La gazzetta, L'equivoco stravagante and the first
British professional productions of Haydn�s
La vera costanza, Richard Strauss�s
Die Liebe der Danae, Jan�cek�s ��rka and
Tchaikovsky's Cherevichki. Garsington Opera has
been keen to promote young singers and as a result of this
policy, a number of notable UK debuts have taken place at
Garsington.
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|
Garsington Opera, Garsington Manor, Oxford OX44 9DH
GARSINGTON OPERA CLICK
|
tel:
01865 361636
|
Green College
Green College is a Graduate College of the University of
Oxford. At the centre of the College is the magnificent
Radcliffe Observatory. Green College is made up of over 300
graduate students in various disciplines including medicine,
health, education, welfare, the environment and the social,
behavioural and life sciences.The College was established in
1979 and named after its principal benefactors, Dr Cecil
Green (a founder of Texas Instruments) and his wife, Dr Ida
Green. At the centre of the College estate is the
outstanding Radcliffe Observatory, built over 200 years ago
with inspiration drawn from the Tower of the Winds in
Athens.
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|
Green College
At the Radcliffe Observatory
Woodstock Road
Oxford
OX2 6HG
GREEN COLLEGE CLICK
|
tel:
1865 274770
|
Harris Manchester College
Harris Manchester College is Oxford University's newest
College,The College recruits mature students and is the
foremost Higher Education establishment in the United
Kingdom for the education of older students. Harris
Manchester College was founded in Manchester as Manchester
Academy in 1786 by English Presbyterians. It was one of the
last of a long line of "dissenting academies" established
after the Restoration to provide higher education for
Nonconformists, who were denied degrees from the ancient
universities of Oxford and Cambridge by religious tests. In
1996 Her Majesty the Queen gave her approval to a new royal
charter for the College, granting it full college status
within the Oxford University.
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|
Harris Manchester College
Mansfield Road
Oxford, OX1 3TD
HARRIS
MANCHESTER COLLEGE CLICK
|
tel. 01865 271006
|
|
Hogwarts, Harry Potter's prestigious wizarding
prep school, is a composite of several locations, many of them
real places in Oxford. Christ Church College inspired two film
sets familiar to Potter fans. In The Sorcerer's Stone, the
kids are ferried to Hogwarts and then ascend a stone staircase
that leads into the Great Hall. Christ Church's high-ceilinged
dining hall was a model for the one seen throughout the films
(with the weightless candles and flaming braziers). Later in
The Sorcerer's Stone, Harry sneaks into the restricted book
section of Hogwarts Library under a cloak of invisibility.
This scene was filmed inside Oxford's Duke Humfrey's Library.
Hermione reads about the Sorcerer's Stone here, too. At the
end of The Sorcerer's Stone, Harry awakens in the Hogwarts
infirmary, filmed in the big-windowed Divinity School, on the
ground floor of the Bodleian Library; Ron also recuperates
here after being poisoned in The Half-Blood Prince. In The
Goblet of Fire (2005), Mad-Eye Moody turns Draco into a ferret
in the New College cloister.
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The Headington Shark
The Headington Shark is one of Oxford�s more bizarre
tourist attractions. Created by the sculptor John Buckley,
the fibreglass shark is 25 feet long and weighs four hundred
weight. It was commissioned by Bill Heine, an American
Oxford graduate and placed in the roof of his house in 1986
to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the dropping of the
atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The last two decades have seen
opinions of locals and tourists divided on this strange
artwork, many claiming it is an eyesore and others
marvelling at the ingenuity of the project.
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|
2 New High
Street,
Oxford OX2
|
|
Hertford College
Hertford has enjoyed a colourful history since its
foundation in 1282 by Elias de Hertford, having been
dissolved and recreated on a number of occasions. The
modern-day College, created by Act of Parliament in 1874
after a very substantial benefaction by Thomas Baring MP.
The College is centrally located on Catte Street, directly
opposite the Bodleian Library and within a few minutes' walk
of all the other principal libraries and laboratories of the
University. The main College site is composed of three
intimate quadrangles -- Old, New and Holywell Quads -- whose
buildings date from the 15th to the late-20th centuries.
|
|
Hertford College
Catte Street
Oxford OX1 3BW
HERTFORD
COLLEGE CLICK
|
tel:
01865
279
400
|
Hinksey Park
The site on which Hinksey Park now resides was originally
the Oxford Waterworks and was given to the people of
Oxford to enjoy in the 1930�s as a recreational area.
Today the park is a haven for a wide variety of flora and
fauna and attracts large numbers of people who enjoy the
peace and quiet. One of the most prominent features of the
park is the avenues of Giant Redwood and Pine trees,
whilst other areas of the site have been set aside for
picnics, sports and woodland.
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|
Abingdon Road,
Oxford,
OX1 4RR
|
|
History & Science Museum
The Museum of the History of Science houses an unrivalled
collection of historic scientific instruments in the
world's oldest surviving purpose-built museum building -
the Old Ashmolean on Broad Street, Oxford. By virtue of
the collection and the building, the Museum occupies a
special position, both in the study of the history of
science and in the development of western culture and
collecting. The present collection of the Museum preserves
the material relics of past science. As a department of
the University of Oxford, the Museum has a role both in
making these relics available for study by historians who
are willing to look beyond the traditional confines of
books and manuscripts as well as presenting them to the
visiting public. The objects represented - of which there
are approximately 10,000 - cover almost all aspects of the
history of science, from antiquity to the early twentieth
century.
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|
Broad Street, Oxford
OX1 3AZ
12 to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The Museum closes over Christmas and New Year.
HISTORY & SCIENCE
MUSEUM CLICK
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+44 (0)1865 277 280
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Jesus College
Jesus College, the only Oxford college to date from the
reign of Queen Elizabeth I, received its first royal charter
on 27 June 1571. Jesus College is perhaps most accurately
described as the 'major Welsh college' at Oxford.Labour
Party leader Harold Wilson, Baron Wilson of Rievaulx
(1916-95), Prime Minister 1964-70 and 1974-76. & T E
Lawrence of Arabia were notable students. Other
well-known 20th-century undergraduate and graduate members
have included the quiz-master Magnus Magnusson; the poet Dom
Moraes, who won the 1958 Hawthornden Prize as an
undergraduate of 19; the historian Lord (Robert) Skidelsky;
the novelist William Boyd (author of works including
'Brazzaville Beach' and 'Armadillo'); and Ffion Jenkins
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Turl Street,
Oxford OX1 3DW
JESUS COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865 279700
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Jewish Heritage Trails in England Oxford
Description: Home to some of the most celebrated scholars and
academics of all time, since the days of the Domesday Book,
Jews have made a vital contribution to both Oxford the
university and Oxford the town.
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In 2006, Anglo-Jewry celebrated the 350th anniversary of the
readmittance of Jews to England. But, in fact, the history of
the Jewish community in England stretches back well over 1,000
years. JTrails, the National Anglo-Jewish
Heritage Trail, is a new initiative of the Spiro Ark to raise
awareness of this rich, but often unknown, history among both
Jews and non-Jews alike, and to encourage individuals to
further investigate their own roots as well as the fascinating
origins of the community
JEWISH HERITAGE TRAILS
IN OXFORD CLICK
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Keble College
The Victorians founded Keble College, most notably Edward
Pusey, in 1870. The college is named after Pusey�s friend
and colleague John Keble who was a fellow member of the
�Oxford movement� and died four years before the college was
completed. The college was not a welcome addition to the
university for many, and was especially despised by
neighbouring St. John�s college students who started a
secret society, which aimed to eventually destroy Keble. In
recent times the college has expanded and is now a well
thought of constituent of the University.
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Parks Road,
Oxford OX1 3PG
Keble College is situated on the northern edge of Oxford city
centre, just off Banbury Road and the northern end of St
Giles.Keble College is open to the public during the Vacations
(Summer � July, August and September; Christmas � mid December
to mid January; and Easter � mid March to mid April) between
2pm and 5pm. However, we do sometimes have events which
necessitate closing the College to visitors, so it is always
wise to contact prior to planning a visit
KEBLE COLLEGE CLICK
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Tel:
01865 272727
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Kellogg College
Kellogg College is now responsible for those students who
are on part-time courses leading to qualifications such as
MSc, MSt, DPhil or PGCE and are matriculated members of the
University. All remaining students fall under the Department
for Continuing Education. The name Rewley House lives on and
is now reserved for the building in Wellington Square which
houses Kellogg College and the Department for Continuing
Education.
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Wellington Square,
Oxford OX1 2JA
KELLOGG COLLEGE CLICK
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Tel:
01865
270383
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Lady Margaret Hall
Lady Margaret Hall, the first women�s college in Oxford,
was founded in 1878 by Elizabeth Wordsworth, a great-niece
of the poet William Wordsworth. It was named for Lady
Margaret Beaufort, a medieval nun of exceptional learning
and high birth. The college�s original house, Old Old Hall,
is still in use. Its first nine students were (by rule)
Anglicans, and Somerville College opened as a non-sectarian
Oxford alternative a year later. In 1979, along with most of
the other women�s colleges, it decided to admit men as well
as women
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Lady Margaret Hall,
Oxford, OX2 6QA
LADY MARGARET
HALL CLICK
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tel: 01865 274300
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Lincoln College
Lincoln College is one of the oldest academic institutions
in the world and is situated in the heart of Oxford�s
historic centre. It has a medieval hall, a 17th Century
chapel, and a Baroque library, and is a beautiful building
for visitors to enjoy. Its Front Quadrangle has a
fifteenth-century fa�ade which has changed very little since
it was first built. The college was also the first of
Oxford�s colleges to have a Middle Common Room for the use
of graduates.John Radcliffe,Sir Osbert Lancaster,Sir Edward Abraham,
John le Carr�, Stephanie Cook, Lord Florey, Norman Heatley,
Dr. Seuss, Nevil Sidgwick, Edward Thomas and John Wesley are
among the past students at Lincoln.
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Lincoln College
Oxford
OX1 3DR
LINCOLN COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865 279800
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Lewis Carroll
Lewis Carroll was the pen-name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.
He studied at Christ Church College in Oxford and after
graduation became a mathmatics teacher and stayed on. He
also became the "Reverend" Charles Dodgson, taking holy
orders in 1861 A shy, retiring batchelor, he was happiest in the company
of children, and his favourite was Alice Liddell, daughter
of the Dean of Christ Church. A keen amateur photographer,
he took many pictures of Alice and her sisters and they
often accompanied him on outings around the town and boat
trips along the river On the 4th of July 1862, Dodgson and his friend Duckworth
treated the three older Liddell sisters to a boating trip up
the river Isis for a picnic at Godstow Lock. There he told
the story of "Alices' Adventures Underground", weaving into
it many of the places and things which they'd seen on their
days out around Oxford.
Alice was enchanted by the story and begged him to write it
down. By the following February Dodgson had written a first
draft, and decided to publish it as "Alices' Adventures in
Wonderland". As with the follow-up story, "Through the
Looking Glass and What Alice Found There", Dodgson adopted
the pen-name "Lewis Carroll" and, although he wrote a wide
range of other books, including many on the subject of
advanced mathematics, it's probably these two for which
he'll best be remembered.
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Authors at Oxford
Lewis Carroll was
at Christ Church. Robertson Davies, Graham Greene, Aldous Huxley, Anthony
Powell, & Nevil Shute were at Balliol.C.S.Lewis & Oscar Wilde were at Magdalen.John le Carr�, at Lincoln, T.S.Elliot & J R R Tolkein at Merton
Jeffrey Archer, and William Golding at Braesnose
A.E. Housman, Robert Graves, Kingsley Amis, Philip Larkin and
John Wain
at St.Johns. To name but a few.
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Alice got no royalties,
nor did the Mad Hatter.
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Magdalen Bridge Boathouse
A trip to Oxford would not be complete without trying out
the traditional activity of punting down the River Cherwell.
The Magdalen Bridge Boathouse is conveniently situated at
the bottom of the High Street next to Magdalen College and
offers visitors the chance to try punts (either self-drive
or chauffeured), rowing boats and pedalos. Glide past the
Botanic Gardens, the playing fields of Magdalen College, and
even up to Christ Church meadow if you are feeling
adventurous!
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High Street, Oxford OX1 4AX
MAGDALEN BRIDGE
BOATHOUSE CLICK
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tel: 01865 761586
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Magdalen College
Magdalen College was founded in 1448 by William of
Waynflete and was one of the first colleges to teach
science. The impressive buildings of the college are
situated next to the river and are surrounded by over a
hundred acres of woodland. Visitors can enjoy some of the
best riverside walks in Oxford including the Addison Walk
where visitors can try and spot a few of the 57 species of
bird that the grounds are home to. Magdalen�s Great Tower
is perhaps the most spectacular of the college buildings
as it stands at the East entrance to the city. Famous
students include:Joseph Addison, Lord Richard Atkin, Stephen Breyer,
Lord Alfred Denning, Lord Alfred "Booosie" Douglas,
Sir John Eccles , Rt. Hon. William Hague MP, Professor
Howard ,Edward Gibbon ,Omar Hassan , Seamus Heaney,
C.S. Lewis , Sir Peter Medawar, Dudley Moore, Sir Robert
Robinson , Dr Erwin Schrodinger, Sir Charles
Sherrington , David Souter, and Oscar Wilde
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High St., Oxford, OX1 4AU
MAGDALEN
COLLEGE CLICK
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Tel: 01865
276000
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Mansfield College
The college was originally founded (under the name of
Spring Hill College) in Birmingham, as a college for
Nonconformist students, who could not at that time be
admitted to Oxford or Cambridge. The college moved to Oxford
following the relaxation of the religious restrictions, and
was founded in its present form in 1886. The Victorian
buildings were designed by Basil Champneys. The college is
one of the smallest of the Oxbridge colleges and has had a
long rivalry with Corpus Christi College after stealing
their crown.
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Mansfield Road,
Oxford OX1 3TF
MANSFIELD
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865 270999
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Martyrs' Memorial
In 1841 a memorial was erected to commemorate Cranmer
Latimer and Ridley, the three protestant martyrs. The cross
was built as an initiative in response to the Oxford
movement. And intended to re-emphasise the role of
protestant martyr's in the churches history. It was designed
by Gilbert Scott, and modelled on the Eleanor Cross at
Waltham The story goes that gullible tourists can be
persuaded that this is really the spire of a sunken church.
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St.Giles, Oxford
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Merton College
Merton College was founded in 1264. It is one of three
ancient Oxford colleges founded in the thirteenth century.
The College buildings, set in extensive gardens and grounds,
are of exceptional historical and aesthetic interest. The
Library is probably the oldest surviving working library in
the United Kingdom, and the Hall, Chapel, Lodge and Mob
Quadrangle also date from the College's early years.Former
students include: Archbishop Thomas Bradwardine,.John Wyclif (1356), Sir Thomas Bodley (1563),Sir Henry
Savile (1565),Admiral Blake (1615), Dr William Harvey
(1645), Sir Richard Steele (1691),Cardinal Newman
(1825),Cardinal Manning (1832), Lord Halsbury (1842), hop
Mandell Creighton (1862),
Lord Randolph Churchill (1867), Sir Max Beerbohm (1890), Professor Frederick Soddy (1895) (c.1321) ,
F E Smith (1896),
Sir Basil Blackwell (1907), T S Eliot (1914),
Andrew (Sandy) Irvine (1921), Lennox Berkeley (1922), Louis
MacNeice (1926),
Edmund Blunden (1931), Theodor Wiesengrund Adorno, Leonard
Cheshire (1936), Professor J R R Tolkien (1945),Professor Niko Tinbergen (1949) (1934),
Sir Roger Bannister (1950), Professor Anthony Leggett
(1959), Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys (1968) , Professor
Sir Andrew Wiles (1971) , Mark Haddon (1981)
Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan (1983)
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Merton College
Merton Street
Oxford OX1 4JD
MERTON COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865 276310
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Mini Plant Oxford
Plant Oxford is the birthplace and heart of MINI production.
Manufactured to individual customer specifications, hundreds
of MINIs leave the plant's assembly lines each day, off to
meet new owners in 108 countries around the world. Gain
insight into the automotive production during a guided plant
tour. Experience the production of MINIs, from the welding of
steel parts into car bodies to the individual interior
equipment in the assembly. We are open Monday to Friday. You
may book a tour Monday to Thursday between 9 am and 6 pm and
Friday between 9 am and 1 pm after previous booking. We are
looking forward to welcoming you at MINI Plant Oxford.
We offer the following options for guided tours: Guided
Tour (mixed Group)
Exclusive Guided Tour Vouchers for guided tours
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Eastern Bypass Road
Oxford,
Cowley,
Oxfordshire
OX4 6NL
MINI PLANT
OXFORD CLICK
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Tel:
01865 824 000
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Modern Art Oxford
Modern Art Oxford is the leading centre for modern and
contemporary art in the South East, with a national and
international reputation. A full programme of events
including free gallery tours, talks, music, films, poetry
and family activities accompanies each exhibition. Free
admission.
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30 Pembroke Street
Oxford, Oxfordshire
OX1 1BP Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm, Sunday
12.00pm to 5.00pm, closed Mondays.
email:
info@modernartoxford.org.uk
MODERN ART
OXFORD CLICK
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+44 (0)1865 722 733
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  Oxford was the key location for the filming of Inspector
Morse and Lewis. In 2012 we saw the young Detective Constable
Endeavour Morse solve the murder of a young girl in Bagley
Wood, set in 1965. We have now seen the ITV series put
Endeavour back on the TV screen. If you're lucky enough to visit during filming, you can turn
the corner and unexpectedly find Shaun Evans in front of the
cameras! At other times there is still plenty to see and
do to follow in the detectives footsteps. Have a coffee in the Morse Bar at the Randolph Hotel,
or take a walk around some of Morse's favourite pubs, The
Eagle and Child, The White Horse, The Kings Arms and The Bear
are all in the city centre and have featured in
episodes. Visit Exeter College and see where John Thaw acted Morse's
fatal heart attack scene. Take the short trip to The Trout Inn at Wolvercote, where so
often we saw Morse with a pint glass in his hand! Visit The Ashmolean Museum and see 'The Hunt in the Forest'
painting as featured in the 'Point of Vanishing' Lewis
episode. The museum also featured in an Inspector Morse episode 'The
Wolvercote Tongue', as did Didcot Railway Centre. Other Oxford city locations, like the University of Oxford
Botanic Garden, Martyr's Memorial, The Sheldonian Theatre, and
Blackwell's bookshop can all be visited. Travel out of the
city to Blenheim Palace, Burford and Thrupp to tick off more
locations. Download the pdfs of the Inspector Morse Trails by clicking
on the leaflets on either side of here.
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Museum of Oxford
Housed in the historic Town Hall, the Museum of Oxford
tells the story of the city and the University using finds
from local archaeological excavations including an
outstanding Medieval collection. The museum offers
atmospheric room settings, replica college treasures, a
rescued college barge, and the town's first charter of 1192,
one the oldest in England, showing the "Ox" and the
"Ford".
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St Aldates , Oxford
Oxfordshire, OX1 1DZ
Tue - Fri 10.00am - 4.30pm, Sat 10.00am - 5.00pm and Sun
12.00 - 4.00pm. Monday Closed.
Email:
museum@oxford.gov.uk
MUSEUM OF
OXFORD CLICK
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Tel:
01865 252 761
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Natural History Museum
Housed in a Victorian-style building, this University
museum features collections of zoological, entomological and
mineral specimens that have been collected over the last
three centuries.
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Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW
NATURAL HISTORY
MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel:
01865
272950
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New College
New College is one of the University of Oxford�s largest
colleges and was the first college to be designed around a
quadrangle. The college has an interesting history as it was
built to replace the clergy that had died during the plague
in 14th Century Britain. In addition to marvelling at the
grandeur of the college�s architecture, visitors can see New
College�s collection of silver, pictures, medieval, 18th and
19th Century glass, and Epstein�s statue of Lazarus
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Holywell Street,
Oxford OX1 3BN
NEW COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865 279555
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Nuffield College
Nuffield is a graduate college of the University of Oxford
specialising in the Social Sciences, particularly Economics,
Politics, and Sociology. It aims to provide a stimulating
research-orientated environment for postgraduate students
(about 75 in number) and faculty (approximately 60 academic
fellows of the College). Nuffield College, which was founded
in 1937, is located in the centre of Oxford.
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Nuffield College
New Road Oxford OX1 1NF
NUFFIELD COLLEGE
CLICK
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tel:
01865 278500
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Old County Hall
The Old County Hall building in the centre of Oxford is
apparently often mistaken by tourists as a castle but was
actually built in the 19th Century in a Norman style. The
building still houses the Council Chamber and a courtroom of
historic significance. The County Hall was built in the form
of a castle because it is on the site of Oxford Castle which
was built in 1071. Visitors can still see parts of the
castle such as St George�s Tower and the Mound which are
situated next to this interesting building.
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Castle Street, Oxford OX1
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Old Fire Station Theatre
The Old Fire Station Theatre is a studio theatre situated
on George Street in the centre of Oxford. Officially the
studio theatre to New Theatre Oxford, it runs as its own
separate venue, with its own management and theatre
technician. About 20 student shows are performed there per
year, with the rest of the weeks being filled by a mixture
of professional, semi-pro and community theatre. The
capacity of the theatre is about 170.
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40 George Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 2AQ
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tel:
01865 297170
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Old Parsonage Hotel
An oasis in the middle of Oxford. The building was once
the lodgings of Oscar Wilde.
A real fire burns in the warm lobby all year round, the
d�cor, traditional meets modern best describes the
Parsonage. 30 recently refurbished rooms situated over 2
floors around a herb and lavender planted roof garden
provide luxury accommodation.The Parsonage Bar/Restaurant has the intimate appeal of a
private members club and is open from breakfast to 11pm
serving modern British classics, its emphasis on fresh local
ingredients. Whether it�s the simplicity of a good steak and
chips, stunning seafood imported from Jersey or a lobster
salad in summer, you�ll be guaranteed great quality food and
service. 24 Hour room service provides guests with a club
sandwich, burger or good selection of a la carte dishes
anytime.
From July to the end of September there is a nightly
barbeque on the front terrace, with live jazz all year
round every Friday evening between 8-10pm. We pride
ourselves in using local suppliers where possible, fish
and shellfish from Jersey, meat and vegetables from our
owners farm in Oxfordshire and cheese from a local
supplier.
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1 Banbury Road,
Oxford OX2 6NN
OLD PARSONAGE
HOTEL CLICK
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Tel: 01865 310210
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Oriel College
Oriel College is in the centre of Oxford and is the fifth
oldest college in the university. While none of the original
buildings remain, the college�s architecture is of
considerable historic interest and is extremely beautiful.
Many of the buildings standing today date from the 17th
Century, and the college boasts three quadrangles each with
their own distinctive character. Notable graduates of the
college include Beau Brummel, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Samuel
Wilberforce.
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The Lodge,
Oriel College, University of Oxford,
Oxford OX1 4EW
ORIEL COLLEGE
CLICK
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tel:
01865 276555
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Oxford Bus Museum
The Museum has on display more than a century of
Oxfordshire public transport and Morris Motors covering the
1920s to the 1980s. There over 40 vehicles on display in the
Bus Museum, most of which are in the ownership of the
Museum. However, some are privately owned and are on
long-term loan for display to the public. In addition there
are various other exhibits on loan to add a period feel to
the core collection. These vary from fire engines to
bicycles. For reasons of safety, and to preserve the more
fragile exhibits, visitors cannot enter all the vehicles on
display but access to a number of them is possible.
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Station Yard , Long Hanborough, Witney
Oxfordshire
OX29 8LA
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm (last
entry 4.00pm).
Open all Bank Holidays.
Closed Christmas Day.
OXFORD BUS MUSEUM CLICK
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tel:
01993 883 617
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Oxford Canal
The Oxford Canal starts by the River Thames in Oxford and
runs for 77 miles, mainly through quiet rolling countryside,
to near Coventry where it connects with the midlands canal
system. At one time it was the main transport route from the
midlands to the south of England and it is now one of the
most beautiful and popular cruising canals.
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THE OXFORD
CANAL CLICK
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Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle was founded after the Norman invasion and
first became a prison in the 13th Century although the main
buildings date from the 1770s. The prison closed in 1996 and
was used occasionally as a film or television location. It
has now been completely renovated and converted into a
leisure quarter in the heart of Oxford city. The main prison
building has been converted into a hotel and is surrounded
by a varied collection of bars, caf�s, restaurants and
galleries to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. Oxford
Castle Unlocked, opened in May 2006, gives an insight into
the history of the city and its castle, bringing the history
of the ancient buildings to life. Oxford castle is across
the road from the Westgate shopping centre car park and
within walking distance of Oxford railway station.
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The Treadwheel Building, 43 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY
OXFORD CASTLE
UNLOCKED CLICK
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tel:
0871 2300 780
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Oxford Covered Market
The indoor market in Oxford high street has a long and
interesting history. Designed by architect John Gwynn,
creator of Magdalen Bridge, the market opened its doors for
the first time in 1772. It was built in an attempt to keep
the messy market traders off the main part of Oxford High
Street, thus creating a cleaner and tidier thoroughfare. The
market quickly grew; housing butchers, bakers, fruit and
vegetable traders and in more recent times boutique style
shops and stalls selling more exotic produce from around the
world.
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High Street, Oxford OX1
Click here to see shops in Oxford High Street
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Oxford New Theatre
The New Theatre (formerly the Appollo Theatre) puts on
everything from musicals to comedians, strippers to singers,
and Mr. Men musicals to opera. It also regularly hosts gang
shows - the highlight of any scout or guides' year.
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George Street
Oxford OX1 2AG.
NEW THEATRE
OXFORD CLICK
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Tel:
0870
606 3500
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Oxford Playhouse
Oxford Playhouse has a reputation as one of Britain�s
leading theatres and has done since its foundation in 1920.
The theatre has strong links with the University and has
helped to launch the careers of many of Britain�s biggest
acting stars such as Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen,
Ronnie Barker and Dirk Bogarde. The theatre offers a wide
variety of plays throughout the year from classics to
contemporary and also hosts dance and performance art.
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11-12 Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW
OXFORD PLAYHOUSE
CLICK
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tel:
01865 305305
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Oxford River Cruises
Step aboard and experience the beauty, peace and
tranquility of river life.
A trip aboard an Edwardian River Launch in Oxford offers
a taste of a slower life, where cares drift away with the
gentle flow of the water and life�s pleasures can be
enjoyed to their utmost.
Oxford River Cruises offers a range of trips and charters
to suit all tastes, from lazy lunchtime picnics and sunset
dinner cruises, to corporate day charters and birthday
parties afloat. Whatever your taste or whim we will
endeavour to meet and exceed your expectations.Oxford River Cruises
provides a range of luxurious cruises along the same
stretch of the River Thames as that taken by Lewis Carroll
and Alice Liddell in a small rowing boat almost 150 years
ago, when the timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland was
created.
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Oxford River Cruises
7 Rogers Street
Oxford
OX2 7JS
All trips leave from our landing stage in the centre of
the city opposite Christchurch College.
OXFORD RIVER
CRUISES CLICK
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Tel:
0845
226 9396
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Oxford Story
Discover the world of Oxford University at The Oxford
Story: how it began, how it works today and where it will lead us tomorrow. On board a
25-minute indoor �dark� ride you will travel through 900 years of University history, complete
with sights, sounds and even smells. On your relaxing journey through scenes from the
University�s past you will meet some of the writers, scientists, politicians and eccentrics
whose careers began in Oxford. You will encounter 14th Century riots between �town and gown�,
the Tudor threat to the colleges and Oxford as the capital of Charles I�s realm. Magnus Magnusson provides the commentary and, for younger
visitors, an entertaining
children�s commentary is available. Commentaries are
also available in French, German, Italian, Spanish and
Japanese. Our Children�s Literature Celebration exhibition explores
Oxford�s many connections with
popular authors such as C S Lewis and J R R Tolkein, whilst
our interactive exhibition �Innovate� lets you quiz world-leading experts from Oxford
University on modern day issues
using touch screen technology.
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The Oxford Story,
6 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AJ
The Oxford Story is open every day except Christmas Day.
Jan � Jun & Sep � Dec 10.00 � 16.30 Mon � Sat
11.00 � 16.30 Sun Jul �Aug 09.30 � 17.00 Daily CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
OXFORD STORY CLICK
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tel:
01865
728822
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The Oxford Union
The Oxford Union is the most famous debating society in he
world. Housed in an architectural masterpiece at the very
heart of the city the union hosts debates and guest speakers
throughout term time at the university. In its illustrious
history dating back to the early nineteenth Century the
union has played host to some of the most famous academic,
political and social speakers on the planet. It continues to
attract world leaders, politicians and learned thinkers as
well as an eclectic mixture of popular celebrities to its
hallowed chambers week in week out.
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Frewin Court, Oxford OX1 3JB
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tel:
01865 241353
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OXFORD UNIVERSITY
SPORTS CENTRE
Perhaps the most renowned running track in England for it
was here in 1954 that Roger Bannister became the first man
to break the 4 minute mile ably assisted by Chris Brasher (
Olympic steeplechase gold medal and Christopher
Chataway ( later Government minister)
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Oxford University Sports Centre
Iffley Road
OXFORD
OX4 1EQ
OXFORD UNIVERSITY SPORTS CENTRE CLICK
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Tel:
01865 240476
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Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Regimental Museum
The militaria of the county regiment of Oxfordshire and
Buckinghamshire, now incorporated in the Royal Green
Jackets. Includes a fine medal collection, uniforms,
badges, pictures and regimental silver.
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TA Centre, Slade Park,
Headington
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tel:
01865 716060 ext 8128
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Pembroke College
Founded in 1624, Pembroke College is concentrated in its
traditional site in the centre of Oxford but it has a fine
new building on the Thames, as well as its own renovated
graduate facilities close by the College. The main site is
particularly attractive, being primarily built between the
seventeenth and nineteenth centuries with Cotswold stone.From the early days of the University, Broadgates Hall, now
Pembroke College, existed as a hostel for law students. The
combined generosity of an Abingdon merchant, Thomas Tesdale,
and a Berkshire clergyman, Richard Wightwick, provided the
necessary endowment for the transformation of this Hall into
Pembroke College, originally intended to supply places at
Oxford for boys from Abingdon School
.
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St Aldate's,
Oxford OX1 1DW
PEMBROKE COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865 276444.
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Pitt Rivers Museum
One of Oxford's most popular attractions, famous for its
period atmosphere and outstanding collections from many
cultures around the world, past and present.
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University of Oxford , Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire
OX1 3PP
Daily 12.00 - 4.30pm.
email:
prm@prm.ox.ac.uk
PITTS RIVERS
MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel:
01865 270 927
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Queen's College
QUEEN'S IS ONE OF THE OLDEST
constituent Colleges of the University of Oxford. Our
College motto is 'Reginae erunt nutrices tuae' or 'queens
shall be thy nursing mothers' (Isaiah 49:23). The queen in
whose honour the College was named is Edward III's wife
Philippa, whose chaplain Robert de Eglesfield founded the
College in 1341. Several other Queens of England have played
a significant role in our history. Elizabeth I granted the
College a new Charter in 1584, and George II's wife Caroline
contributed towards the building of the Front Quadrangle in
the mid-eighteenth century. By tradition, the female consort
of the reigning or former king serves as Patroness of the
College.
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Woodstock Road,
Oxford OX2 6HS
QUEEN'S COLLEGE
CLICK
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tel:
01865
279120
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Radcliffe Camera
Completed in 1737, this domed classical building forms the
hub of architectural Oxford, and is considered one of
England's earliest examples of a round library.Sadly, the Radcliffe Camera is not open to the public.
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Radcliffe Sq., Oxford OX1 4AJ
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RSPB Otmoor
We are restoring and enhancing the wetland habitat at our
Otmoor nature reserve, in Oxfordshire, which is one of the
most important wetland sites in central England. A portion
of the site is lowland wet grassland within a river
floodplain.
The RSPB bought the site in 1997 when it had been
identified as one of the top potential wetland restoration
sites in the country. Since then, the site has been added to
as we bought additional land to restore the former
wetland within the reserve. The total amount of land
now owned by the RSPB at this site is over 260 ha.
In the 1960s and 1970s about a quarter of the land at
Otmoor had been drained for intensive arable farming. In
1994, a scheme called UTTESA - The Upper Thames Tributaries
Environmentally Sensitive Area - was established to try and
restore the area and improve the river valleys flowing into
the floodplain. However, by 1997 only one farmer had
restored arable land to grassland and no other action was
forthcoming. At that time, Otmoor was the most important
single site within the Upper Thames Tributaries ESA area as
it was home to 41 pairs of breeding wading birds, including
lapwings, redshanks, snipe and curlews.
We began to restore the site in 1998 in partnership with
the Environment Agency and with support from the Heritage
Lottery Fund and many others. A project team of RSPB and
Environment Agency staff have overseen the work from concept
to the present day. They designed the habitats, completed
feasibility studies, and involved a number of people from
conservationists and ecologists to landscape architects,
land agents and civil engineers.
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Nr Beckley village
Oxfordshire
Open at all times during daylight hours.
Please note: The neighbouring army firing range may be active
every day except Monday and Thursday.
If the red flags are flying do not enter the rifle range
area.
RSPB OTMOOR CLICK
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Tel:
01865 351163
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St Anne's College
St. Anne's College, founded in 1952, can trace its origins
back to 1878 and the formation of the Association for the
Education of Women in Oxford, later known as the Society of
Oxford Home Students. Today it is one of the largest of the
Colleges and Halls which admit undergraduate and graduate
students to read for degrees within the University of
Oxford. It is fully co-educational, with a near equal mix of
men and women both in the student body and on the teaching
staff.
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St Anne's College Oxford
Woodstock Road
Oxford
OX2 6HS
ST.ANNE'S COLLEGE
CLICK
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tel:
01865
274800
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St Antony's College
St Antony's College is the most international of the seven
graduate colleges of the
University of Oxford,
specialising in international relations, economics, politics
and history of particular parts of the world - Europe,
Russia and the former Soviet states, the Middle East,
Africa, Japan, China, South and South East Asia and Latin
America.
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St Antony's College
62 Woodstock Road,
Oxford
OX2 6JF
ST.ANTHONY'S
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865 284700
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St Catherine's College
The origin of today�s College was a �Delegacy� (a
non-collegiate organisation under the control of the
University) founded in 1868 in order to provide access to
an Oxford education for those who could not afford the
costs of college membership. That mission is once again
particularly relevant as we approach our 150th
anniversary.
It was not until 1952 under
the auspices of the eminant historian Alan Bullock that the
conversion to a full college was muted. The college opened
in 1962 and by 1978 had become the biggest college.
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Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UJ
ST. CATHERINE'S
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel
01865
271700
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St Cross College
St Cross College is one of the few colleges in the
University of Oxford that specifically cater for graduate
students. It was founded in 1965, and occupies attractive,
traditional-style buildings on a central site in St Giles',
five minutes' walk from the major University laboratories,
libraries, institutions and parks. It is renowned for its
friendliness and informality, its high standard of care for
its members and its excellent food. It provides the
atmosphere, structure and life of a modern graduate college
with the appearance and location of a traditional
undergraduate college.
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St Giles', Oxford OX1 3LZ
ST. CROSS
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
278490
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St Edmund Hall
Although a College in the strict sense only since 1957, the
history of St Edmund Hall goes back to the thirteenth
century, for it is the sole survivor of the medieval Halls
that provided undergraduates with accommodation and tuition
before the Colleges began to do so.In 1957 Queen Elizabeth
II approved the grant to the Hall of its charter of
incorporation as a College, which H.R.H. the Duke of
Edinburgh presented to it on 6 June 1958.
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Queen's Lane, Oxford OX1 4AR
ST. EDMUND
HALL CLICK
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tel:
01865
279000
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St Hilda's College
St. Hilda's was founded as an Oxford hall for women in 1893
by Dorothea Beale, Principal of the Cheltenham Ladies'
College. In 1897 St. Hilda's was accepted as a recognized
hall for women by the Association for Promoting the Higher
Education of Women (A.E.W.) and the Hall became an
incorporated company with its own governing council.In 1959 the women's societies made an application to the
University to be admitted as full Colleges of the
University. This was agreed and the change in status was
effected by a supplemental charter and amended statutes in
1961.St. Hilda's is now the only remaining women's college in
the University.
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Cowley Place, Oxford OX4 1DY
ST. HILDA'S
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
276884
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St Hugh's College
Compared to many Oxford Colleges, St Hugh's is
young. It was founded in 1886 by Elizabeth
Wordsworth, the great niece of the poet. But she had a
strong sense of the historical perspective in which her new
foundation would take its place. Using money left to her by
her father, a bishop of Lincoln, she named it after one of
his twelfth century predecessors, Hugh of Avalon, who was
canonised in 1220, and in whose diocese Oxford had been.
Elizabeth Wordsworth was a champion of the cause of womens
education, and her foundation was intended to enable poorer
women to gain an Oxford education.
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St Margaret's Road, Oxford OX2 6LE
ST. HUGH'S
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
274900
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St John's College
St John's was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas White, a
wealthy London merchant. White was Master of the
Merchant Taylors' Company, and established a number of
educational foundations including the Merchant Taylors'
schools. Although the College was closely linked to those
institutions for many centuries, it became a more open
society in the later 19th century. The endowments
which St John's was given at its foundation,
and during the 20 or so years afterward, served it
very well. In the second half of the nineteenth century it
benefited, as ground landlord, from the suburban development
of the city of Oxford and was unusual among Colleges for the
size and extent of its property within the city. Although
primarily a producer of Anglican clergymen in the earlier
periods of its history, St John's also gained a
reputation for both law and medicine. Fellows and alumni
have included Archbishop Laud, Jane Austen's father and
brothers, the early Fabian intellectual Sidney Ball, who was
very influential in the creation of the Workers' Educational
Association (WEA), and Abdul Rasul, one of the first
Bengalis to gain the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law at
Oxford. More recently, graduates of St John's have
included the novelists and poets A.E. Housman, Robert
Graves, Kingsley Amis, Philip Larkin and John Wain, as well
as the present Prime Minister, Tony Blair
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St Giles', Oxford OX1 3JP
ST. JOHN'S
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
277300
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St Peter's College
St. Peter's College occupies the site of two of the
University's oldest Inns or medieval hostels, Bishop
Trellick's, later New Inn Hall, and Rose Hall, both of
which were founded in the thirteenth century. But its
history really began in 1929 when St. Peter's Hall was
founded by Francis James Chavasse, Bishop of Liverpool,
who was concerned at the rising cost of education in the
older universities in Britain, and projected St. Peter's
as a College where promising students, who might otherwise
be deterred by the costs of College life elsewhere, could
obtain an Oxford education. The commitment to make Oxford
accessible to any student of ability, irrespective of
means, remains a feature of St. Peter's today.
In 1961 the University approved a statute giving St.
Peter's Hall full collegiate status. With the granting of
its Royal Charter in the same year, it took the name St.
Peter's College.
Among the distinguished students who have studied at the
College are a former President of Ghana, Edward Akufo
Addo; a former Speaker of the United States House of
Representatives, Carl Albert; a former Governor-General of
New Zealand, Sir Paul Reeves; the film director, Ken
Loach; and the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner,
Sir Paul Condon. St. Peter's students have achieved
eminence in academic, political,
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New Inn Hall Street, Oxford OX1 2DL
ST. PETER'S
COLLEGE CLICK
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01865 278900
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Saxon Tower
The Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate is nearly
1000 years old and is Oxford�s oldest building. Visitors who
pay to go inside the tower can see the Prison Door of
Martyrs, an exhibit of church treasures which includes
Elizabethan silver, John Wesley�s pulpit, William Morris�s
marriage certificate, and a 19th century chiming clock. The
tower also offers spectacular views across what Samuel
Johnson referred to as the �city of dreaming spires�.
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Cornmarket Street, Oxford OX1
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tel:
01865 240940
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Sheldonian Theatre
Built by Sr. Christopher Wren from 1664-9, the design of
this architectural gem was inspired by the Marcellus Theatre
in Rome.
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Broad Street, Oxford
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Somerville College
Somerville is a college for women and men. It was founded
(as Somerville Hall) in 1879 to provide an opportunity for
women, who at that date were excluded from membership of the
University, to gain some kind of higher education in Oxford.
The founders' insistence that students should be subjected
to no religious tests or obligations marked Somerville off
from its Anglican counterpart, Lady Margaret Hall, and set
the tone of cultural diversity which has characterised the
college to this day.
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Somerville College, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HD
SOMERVILLE
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
270600
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Telecom Museum Oxford
The exhibits comprise a selection of telephone and
telegraph equipment illustrating the history and
evolution of telecommunications.
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35 Speedwell Street,
Oxford
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Tel:
01865
246601
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Templeton College
Founded in 1965, Templeton is a full graduate college of
the University of Oxford dedicated to management studies.
Its programmes for executives are international in scope,
combining academic rigour with practical relevance, and
focusing clearly on the needs of the individual participant.
Its faculty and students are drawn from around the world.
Templeton College and the Sa�d Business School are partners
in business and management at the University of Oxford.
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Kennington Road, Oxford OX1 5NY
TEMPLETON
COLLEGE CLICK
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01865 422500
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Trinity College
Trinity College was founded by Sir Thomas Pope in 1555. A
devout catholic with no surviving children, Thomas Pope saw
the Foundation of an Oxford college as a means of ensuring
that he and his family would always be remembered in the
prayers and masses of its members.Trinity saw many
significant changes in the last century, and many of these
are reflected in the more modern buildings of the College.
The undergraduate Library was built in 1928 as a memorial to
the 155 members of Trinity who died in the First World War.
The years following the Second World War were another period
of great expansion of student numbers within the University,
and Trinity's Cumberbatch building was completed in 1966 to
provide increased accommodation. Women were admitted to
Trinity College in 1979.
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Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BH
TRINITY COLLEGE
CLICK
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tel:
01865
279900
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The Trout Inn
17th Century inn constructed from the ruins of Godstow
Abbey. The Trout is VERY popular with tourists as it
appears in all the guides due to its long history which
includes being torched by Parliamentarian troops. Over
the years unfortunately it has become a Vintage Inn thus
losing the old individuality. It once even had a
butchers shop in it & Peacocks strutting around.The
menu is the same as any other Vintage Inn, Many
graduates used to drive down from London for Sunday
lunch there but find the ambience a little too
commercial these days. More than likely the fault of
"Inspector Morse". The Trout however, is blessed with a
stunning location on the banks of the Thames.
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195 Godstow Road, Lower Wolvercote, Oxfordshire, OX2 8PN
TROUT INN CLICK
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Tel: 01865 302071
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University College
University College owes its origins to William of Durham,
who died in 1249. A legend grew up in the 1380s that we were
really founded even earlier, by King Alfred in 872, and,
understandably enough, became widely accepted as the truth.
Nowadays, however, William of Durham is accepted as Univ's
true founder, but that still gives us a claim to be the
oldest College in Oxford or Cambridge.Two twentieth-century
Prime Ministers have been associated with Univ: Clement
Attlee was an undergraduate here, and Harold Wilson a
Fellow. Other political leaders include President Bill
Clinton, and Bob Hawke, Prime Minister of Australia. Outside
politics, recent Old Members of Univ include William
Beveridge, the social reformer and author of the Beveridge
Report, Professor Stephen Hawking, C. S. Lewis, author of
the Narnia books, the Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, the
novelist and Nobel Prize winner Sir V. S. Naipaul, the
actors Michael York and Warren Mitchell, the broadcaster
Paul Gambaccini, and - perhaps the most exotic of them all -
Prince Felix Yusupov, the assassin of Rasputin.
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High Street, Oxford OX1 4BH
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
CLICK
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tel:
01865
276602
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University of Oxford
Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking
world and lays claim to nine centuries of continuous
existence. As an internationally renowned centre for
teaching and research, Oxford attracts students and scholars
from across the globe, with almost a quarter of our students
from overseas. More than 130 nationalities are represented
among a student population of over 18,000.
Oxford is a collegiate university, with 39 self-governing
colleges related to the University in a type of federal
system. There are also seven Permanent Private Halls,
founded by different Christian denominations. Thirty
colleges and all halls admit students for both undergraduate
and graduate degrees. Seven other colleges are for graduates
only; one has Fellows only, and one specializes in part-time
and continuing education.Oxford University is a member of the
Russell Group
of 19 research-intensive universities.
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UNIVERSITY OF
OXFORD CLICK
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Universtity of Oxford Botanic Gardens
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is nearly 400
years old and is the oldest in Britain. The garden has
over 7,000 different types of plant, the majority of which
are clearly labelled. There are three sections: a
glasshouse for plants that require protection from the
British climate, a walled garden where plants are grouped
for research purposes, and an area outside the walled
garden that has classic garden features for visitors to
enjoy. Admission is free for children and they will enjoy
the children�s trails that are available. There is a small
admission charge for adults.
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Rose Lane,
Oxford OX1 4AZ -
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD BOTANIC GARDENS CLICK
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tel:
01865 286690
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Wadham College
Wadham College was founded by Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham
in the reign of King James I. Nicholas Wadham, a member of
an ancient Somerset family, died in 1609 leaving his fortune
to endow a college at Oxford.The college was founded for men
only. Indeed, under the original statutes no woman was even
to be employed in the college, except for the laundress, and
she was to be of 'such age, condition, and reputation as to
be above suspicion'. These rules were relaxed over the
years. But a momentous change occured in 1974, when the
statutes were altered to allow the admission of women as
full members of the college at all levels.Two twentieth-century Lord Chancellors, F E Smith (Lord
Birkenhead) and John Simon, were undergraduates together in
the 1890s, along with the great sportsman C. B. Fry; Sir
Thomas Beecham was an undergraduate in 1897, though soon
abandoning Oxford for his musical career. Frederick
Liridemann, Lord Cherwell, Churchill's scientific adviser
during the Second World War , was a fellow of the college.
Cecil Day-Lewis, later Poet-Laureate, came up in 1923, and
Michael Foot M.P. in 1931. Sir Maurice Bowra, scholar and
wit, was Warden between 1938 and 1970.David Manners read law here to.
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Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PN
WADHAM COLLEGE
CLICK
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tel:
01865
277900
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Waterperry Gardens
The beautiful 8-acre gardens of Waterperry House were
founded by Beatrix Havergal in the 1930s. Today it
includes formal gardens, an herbaceous border, woodland
garden, rose garden and a wildlife walk by the banks of
the river Thame. The gardens also offer free admission to
the �Art in Action� arts and crafts gallery, the �Pear
Tree� teashop, a plant centre and gift shop, as well as
the Waterperry Rural Museum. This houses a large
collection of gardening, agricultural, veterinary and
domestic tools, equipment and memorabilia.
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Waterperry, Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1JZ
Apr-Oct, daily, 0900-1730
Nov-Mar, daily, 0900-1700.
Closed 25 Dec-2 Jan
WATERPERRY
GARDENS
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Tel: +44 (0) 1844 339254
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Westgate Shopping Centre
Oxford�s Westgate Shopping Centre is in the centre of the
city and offers shoppers the option of escaping the traffic
and tourists of the main streets by providing a whole host
of undercover shops. It is also linked to Oxford�s
multi-storey car park making it easily accessible. There is
a good selection of shops selling clothes for men and women,
household furnishings, food and drink, jewellery,
entertainment and technology so you won�t have to battle
with the crowds outside.
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Centre Management Office, 37 Westgate Galleries, Oxford OX1
1NZ
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tel:
01865 725455
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Wolfson College
Wolfson College is a large graduate college of the
University of Oxford situated in North Oxford beside the
River Cherwell. At present it consists of some sixty
Governing Body Fellows, thirty Research Fellows, forty
Junior Research Fellows and about four hundred and fifty
Graduate Students. The total membership of Common Room is
nearly 1200.
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Linton Road, Oxford OX2 6UD
WOLFSON COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
274100
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Worcester College
There has been an institution of learning on the College
site since the late thirteenth century, though Worcester
College, in its current form, was founded only in 1714.The buildings, particularly in the main quad, are diverse.
On one side there is an imposing eighteenth century
neo-classical building, and on the other the �Pump Quad� and
the picturesque row of medieval �cottages� which are among
the oldest residential buildings in Oxford, and are the
surviving parts of Gloucester College, Worcester's
predecessor, which was founded in 1283 for the Benedictine
order.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries in about 1539 ended the
existence of Gloucester College. After a brief interlude,
Gloucester Hall, which lacked the full range of powers of an
independent College, occupied the earlier buildings but in
1714 it was refounded as Worcester College after a
Worcestershire baronet, Sir Thomas Cookes, had left a
benefaction for the foundation of a new college.
The eighteenth century buildings were erected for the new
College.
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Walton Street,
Oxford, OX1 2HB
WORCESTER
COLLEGE CLICK
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tel:
01865
278300
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Thame
Thame is managing to retain some of its historic character
whilst steadily expanding. It was first mentioned in the
Domesday Book in 1087. In the 13th Century the Parish Church
was rebuilt and the boat-shaped market area made, with a
main road that was diverted to run into it. During the Civil
War the town was occupied by Royalist and Parliamentarian
forces. Oliver Cromwell's cousin, John Hampden died in what
was then the Greyhound Inn in 1643 after the battle of
Chalgrove. The wide main street includes houses and inns
dating from the 15th century and a grammar school, Lord
Williams's from the 16th century. The picture on the right shows the prominent Victorian Town
Hall. The parish church includes memorials to Lord Williams
and his wife and Geoffrey Dormer who, with two wives, had no
less than 25 children.
Also masquerading as 'Causton' in the TV series "Midsomer
Murders" - Causton town hall is really Thame town hall - its
weekly and monthly markets are popular with tourists after
local produce. DCI Barnaby is also no stranger to its
streets; portrayed as the classic British super sleuth, he's
often seen wandering its shops and streets piecing together
evidence.
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Market House, North Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HH
www.thame.net
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Tel/Fax: 01844 212834
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Chinnor
Chinnor is situated at the base of the Chiltern Hills, 18
miles east of Oxford and just five miles from the M40. There
has probably been a settlement here for many centuries
because of the proximity of the ancient Icknield Way running
from Lincolnshire down to Wiltshire, which is thought to be
pre-Roman and was certainly used during the Middle Ages for
driving cattle and sheep.
Still standing in the village today is the mostly 14th
century church of St Andrew, although parts of it go back to
the 12th and 13th centuries. The wooden screen is reputed to
be the sixth oldest in England and a splendid collection of
wall-mounted brasses include a foliated cross from about
1338. The stained glass windows date from 1350 through to
modern. The bells link the Elizabethan reigns, the tenor
having been cast during Elizabeth I�s time and the sanctus
in 1965. The church is undergoing much needed
restoration.There is also a Congregational church built of brick and
flint, the local building material, opened in 1805, the year
of the battle of Trafalgar. The Methodist church is the most
recent of the three places of worship, having been rebuilt
in 1873 after blowing down the previous year two months
after opening. Because of Chinnor�s position near Oxford a certain amount
of Civil War activity took place in the vicinity. Oral
tradition maintains that Prince Rupert was involved in a
skirmish in the High Street before the battle of Chalgrove
Field in 1643. Industries based in and around Chinnor included lacemaking,
chair-making and agriculture. There were four lace schools
in Chinnor in the early 19th century. Among the 268
lacemakers there were many children working to supplement
the very low agricultural wages. Timber for chairmaking was
known to be stored in the barn at Chairmakers, a 16th
century property in the High Street. �Bodgers� were the men
working the beech woods in the surrounding hills.
In more recent times the cement works opened in 1908 which
brought facilities to the village earlier than in
surrounding areas. The village is the centre today for
several small industries including a sawmill and a funeral
director
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Chinnor is a village in the county of Oxfordshire
in the United Kingdom. It is approximately 30 miles north
west of London and about 20 miles east of the city of
Oxford.
CHINNOR CLICK
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Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway
Originally known as the Watlington and Princes Risborough
Railway Company, the railway was largely promoted by local
land owners following the failure of the planned extension
of the Wallingford branch through to Watlington.
Construction of the branch was authorised by an Act of
Parliament dated 26th July, 1869.
This authorised the construction of the branch as a Light
Railway, commencing from the Great Western Railway Station
at Princes Risborough and running for a distance of 8 miles
66 chains to a terminus at Pyrton just outside Watlington. On 20th December, 1989, a class 47 diesel (No. 47258)
together with 35 hopper wagons made the final journey into
Chinnor cement works, with the locomotive sporting a
headboard with the legend �Last BR Train on the Watlington
Branch�. Maintenance of the branch from Chinnor to the
junction with the Thame branch near Princes Risborough was
given to the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway
Association from January, 1990.The Chinnor and Princes Railway was granted a Transport and
Works Order under section 6 of the Transport and Works Act
1992 on 4th July 1994, the order coming into force on 26th
July 1994. Thus the legal of the C&PRR status was
assured and passenger services recommence.
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Chinnor Station,
Station Approach
Station Road
Chinnor, Oxon.
OX39 4ER
CHINNOR & PRINCES RISBOROUGH
RAILWAY CLICK
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Tel: 01296 433795
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Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve
Cuttle Brook is a tributary of the River Thame and this
local nature reserve, opened in 1995, covers about 30
acres of wet grassland flood plain. This habitat is
becoming nationally scarce and the Cuttle Brook reserve
offers superb, open river-meadow views and a network of
paths through mixed meadows, young woodland, sedge and
reed beds, hedges, trees, riverbanks and scrubland. There
are several entrances to the reserve, which is just a few
minutes walk from Thame town centre, and a picnic
area.
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Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve, Brook Lane, Thame, Oxfordshire
OX9
CUTTLE BROOK
NATURE RESERVE CLICK
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The Phoenix Trail
The Phoenix Trail is a 5-mile long shared use path for
walkers, cyclists and horseriders. Forming part of the
national cycle network, it was constructed along part of
the old branch railway line to Oxford. As well as
providing a traffic-free route between the market towns of
Thame and Princes Risborough, the trail is a haven for
wildlife and also boasts a collection of award-winning
sculptures by contemporary artists such as Angus Ross. The
trail is accessible to wheelchair users and seating is
provided every 250 metres.
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Thame (Oxfordshire) to Princes Risborough
(Buckinghamshire)
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Rycote Chapel
A 15th-century chapel, with exquisitely carved and painted
woodwork and many intriguing features, such as two roofed
pews and a musicians� gallery.Elizabeth I worshipped here as a princess.
The wedding scene from LWT�s Jane Eyre was filmed here. Owned by Mr and Mrs Bernard Taylor and managed by the
Rycote Buildings Charitable Foundation, this 15th-century
chapel has original furniture, including exquisitely carved
and painted woodwork.
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Rycote Chapel, near Thame.
1st April - 30th September: Friday - Sunday & Bank
Holidays, 2 - 6 pm.
RYCOTE CHAPEL CLICK
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tel:
01424
775705
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St. Mary the Virgin
St. Mary�s is located in the oldest part of the
attractive market town of Thame in Oxfordshire. The church
dates from the 13th Century and contains features dating
from that time right up until the present day. Many
original features were removed during the reformation and
the church also shows damage from the civil war when Thame
was on the front line between Royalist Oxford and
Paliamentarian Aylesbury. Many points of interest remain
including the early English font, a fragment of a medieval
mural, the Tudor chancel stalls and screen and the
Jacobean carved altar table. There is a prominent albaster
tomb for Lord Williams of Thame and his wife, Elizabeth
Bledlow.
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Church Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3AJ
St. MARY THE
VIRGIN CLICK
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tel:
01844 213491
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Thame Leisure Centre
Thame Leisure Centre is a modern swimming and fitness
centre located on the outskirts of the attractive market
town of Thame. The centre has a 25m adjustable depth main
swimming pool and a shallow parent and toddler pool with
water slide, water cannons and bubble makers. There is also
a fully equipped gym, sports hall, dance studio, squash
courts, sauna and sun beds. The pool and gym both have
stunning views of the Chiltern hills. The cafe offers
snacks, drinks and meals for those who need an energy boost!
There are regular children�s fun sessions in the pool and
special events during the school holiday
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Oxford Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2BB
THAME LEISURE
CENTRE CLICK
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tel:
01844 215607
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eader
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Wallingford
Wallingford was a walled Saxon Town on the Thames, and the
remains of the town walls can still be seen today. William
the Conqueror built Wallingford Castle, which was used as a
royal residence until the time of the Black Death. The
Castle was demolished by the order of Oliver Cromwell in
1646 after a 65 day siege. The 350th Anniversary of the
siege is being celebrated this year. The remains of the
Castle can be seen from the Castle Gardens.
The Town Hall, built in 1670, houses the Town Plate and
many portraits including the only known portrait of Judge
Blackstone. Other portraits painted by Hayller, Lawrence and
Gainsborough may be viewed by appointment. Wallingford was formerly a Borough, having its first
Charter granted in 1155. The Council are still robed and the
Mace is processed on Ceremonial occasions.Dick Turpin�s favourite Inn was said to be in Berkshire -
the George in Wallingford. Here, he could sleep soundly in
the small room overlooking the yard, because he knew he
could make a quick getaway if the need arose. Black Bess
was tied up in the entrance arch below, and he could jump
from the window to her back and be away in a few
seconds. Today Wallingford is a thriving Market Town; the centre is
a major conservation area with examples of churches and
architecture dating back to the 14th Century. The landscape
from the River Thames is officially designated as an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. The narrow streets with their variety of small shops, pubs
and restaurants, the antique shops in the Lamb Arcade, and
the parks, commons and gardens make it a very pleasant
town.
Wallingford�s not the sort of place you�d immediately
think of for �Murder and Mayhem� but Agatha Christie, �The
Queen of Crime�, is one of Wallingford�s best kept secrets!
This creator of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple had a house
in Winterbrook for over forty years, where she wrote many of
her later books, inspired perhaps by the tales she heard as
she visited the local Post Office and shops! Wallingford
Museum's new exhibition includes various letters she wrote
and you can detect for yourself the intriguing story of her
association with Wallingford. She was President of local
drama group The Sinodun Players, who now run the Corn
Exchange Theatre. Wallingford is within easy reach of both the M40
and the M4, and is only 15 miles from Oxford.
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Town Hall,
Market Place, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 0EG
WALLINGFORD CLICK
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Tel: 01491 826972 Fax: 01491
832925
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Aston Martin Heritage Trust Museum
The Aston Martin Heritage Trust Museum at Drayton St.
Leonard, Oxfordshire is dedicated to preserving and
interpreting the significant historic heritage of Aston
Martin Lagonda Ltd. through our collections and educational
programmes.
The medieval barn in which the Museum is housed provides
the perfect backdrop to display our extensive collections.
Built in the fifteenth century by the monks of Dorchester
Abbey, the great tithe barn at Drayton St. Leonard now
houses the Trust Museum and Archives and is HQ for both the
Aston Martin Owners Club and the Aston Martin Heritage
Trust.
The Car Collection is Aston Martin's living heritage, from
the oldest surviving Aston Martin to the prototype
AMR1/01.
A3 - the oldest known Aston Martin in
existence
A 1933 Ulster, one of only 29 in
existence
A 1972 AM Vantage
AMR1/01, the protoype that came 11th in
the 1989 Le Mans 24 Hour Race.
'Buzzbox', the only Renwick &
Bertelli built car and kindly on loan to the Trust.
1990 Aston Martin Virage, part of the
Virage Production Photo Essay. (Kindly on loan)
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Drayton St Leonard
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 7BG
ASTON MARTIN MUSEUM
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Tel +44 1865 400414
Fax +44 1865 400200
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Benson Veteran Cycle Museum
A fine collection of about 450 veteran bicycles dating from
1818 to 1930.
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61 Brook Street, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LH.
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tel:
01491
838414
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Berinsfield
Berinsfield is a village and civil parish in the South
Oxfordshire district of Oxfordshire, England, with a
population of 2,700 (2001 census). The village is just north
of Dorchester-on-Thames
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BERISFIELD CLICK
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Cholsey & Wallingford Railway
The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway is a preserved former
Great Western Railway branchline that links the national
railway network at Cholsey, with the historic market town of
Wallingford, Oxfordshire. Trains run on selected weekends
and bank holidays throughout the year and, where available,
are steam hauled. Known locally as "The Bunk", passenger services ceased in
1959. Having secured the line in 1981, the CWR Preservation
Society now aims to re-create a GWR Station, similar to the
original, at its site in Hithercroft Road.
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c/o 5 Hithercroft Road
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 9GQ
10am - 5pm
CHOLSEY & WALLINGFORD RAILWAY CLICK
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Tel: 01491 835067
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Dorchester Abbey Museum
The Museum has displays in the Abbey, notably the newly
opened Cloister Gallery, and in the Old School in the
adjoining Abbey Guest House. The Cloister Gallery display,
described as the best of its kind in the country, tells the
story of the Abbey through an interpreted collection of
carved and moulded medieval stonework. The displays and
artefacts in the Abbey Guest House pick out special features
of the village of Dorchester-on-Thames and its environs,
both past and present; the area has been an important centre
of civilisation since Neolithic times, and the attractive
village buildings are regularly used as sets for period
films and TV.
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The Abbey, Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Old School Room, in the Abbey Guest House, Saturday 15th April
to 30th September, 2.00 � 5.00 pm dailyCloister Gallery, in
the Abbey, 1st January to 31st December, 8.00 am � 6.00 pm
daily
DORCHESTER ABBEY
MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel.
01865 340007
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Mapledurham House & Watermill
Nestled on the banks of the River Thames is Mapledurham
House. Historic home of the Blount family for over 500
years. Visit the last working watermill on the River Thames.
Inside the house visitors will see a collection of
portraits, furniture, great oak staircases and original
plaster ceilings. Enjoy a cream tea in the Old Manor Tea
Room and browse the well-stocked gift shop. Visitors may
also arrive by boat.
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Mapledurham House
Mapledurham
Oxfordshire
RG4 7TR
MAPLEDURHAM HOUSE CLICK
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Tel: 01189 723 350
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Thankfully, the Midsomer Murders faced by Inspector Barnaby
are fictional, but the villages and market towns seen in each
episode are not. Location teams spend hours finding period
properties in locations full of character and charm, the real
stars of the show. hese two driving tours pass through South Oxfordshire's
Midsomer Murders countryside, an area easily accessible from
the M4 and M40. Travelling without a car?
Rail and bus routes
to the area lead to many walking and cycle paths. We recommend
taking an overnight stay to stop, eat and enjoy the routes at
your leisure.
The Southern Trail, taking in Causton Playhouse and Badgers Drift Primary
School, as well as opportunities to enjoy manor houses,
village pubs, museums, river trips and a steam
railway
Covers Henley on Thames - Nettlebed � Wallingford � Moulsford
- Goring - Mapledurham - Rotherfield Peppard/Rotherfield Greys
- Henley on Thames (total drive time approximately 3 hours).
Download and print a PDF of the Southern
Trail
The Northern Trail, taking in Midsomer Newton Museum and Causton Library,
as well as pubs, churches and shops filmed for the series;
with options to visit the gardens and nature reserves set
in Midsomer countryside.
Dorchester - Wallingford - Ewelme � Watlington � Lewknor �
Aston Rowant � Chinnor � Thame � the Miltons and the Haseleys
� Dorchester (total drive time approximately 3.5 hours).
Download and print a PDF of the Northern Trail
Linger a little longer - take your pick of
places to stay
and
things to see
in South Oxfordshire.
Not keen on selfguide / self drive?
Then why not take a
guided/escorted Midsomer Murders tour. Among the companies offering such a service are
Absolute Touring Limited,
Detective Tours,
Sho4Travel and
Brit Movie Tours. They are happy to discuss your detailed requirements.
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St Thomas of Canterbury
Travelling over the double bridges joining together the
villages of Goring and Streatley, after taking in the
breathtaking views of the River Thames, you will spot St.
Thomas of Canterbury on the right hand side (from
Streatley into Goring). This charming church was built
around 1100. It is thought that the church was built by
the great Norman Baron, Robert D�Oilly who was a supporter
of William the Conqueror. St Thomas�s is a short walk from
Goring and Streatley train station.
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Manor Road, Goring on Thames, Oxfordshire RG8
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tel:01491 872196
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Wallingford Castle
There is not much of the old Castle left above ground but
the green mounds you will see are the remains of what was
once one of the largest, strongest, and most important
castles in England..The Castle would have had a massive impact on Wallingford
as it occupied one quarter of the town. It was
even bigger
than Windsor Castle.The Castle was demolished after the Civil War, in 1652,
and has been largely forgotten since. The land was
purchased by South Oxfordshire District Council in 1999,
and is being managed as an area for informal recreation,
for people to see the castle remains, and for the
wildlife.The Northmoor Trust are involved, at the request of the
District Council, because of our experience of managing public
sites with complex influences. In this case there are
potential conflicts between the need to protect the Castle, a
Scheduled Ancient Monument, and the need to provide safe
public access and appropriate wildlife conservation
management. A detailed site management plan which aims to
resolve these conflicts is posted on the South Oxfordshire
District Council website.
The building of Wallingford Castle was begun in 1067 on
the orders of William the Conqueror, to defend the
important river crossing. The castle was then extended by
King John at the start of the 13th century to have three
walls and moats, and become one of the largest castles in
England. In fact the castle was so strong that it has very
little military history, and was mostly used as a prison.
The Castle was a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War,
and was not captured despite a long siege by Parliamentary
forces so was subsequently demolished.
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Castle Street
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 0AL
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Tel: 01491 835373
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Wallingford Museum
This small gem of a museum, housed in part of a mediaeval
hall-house, has been recently refurbished. It includes
features on "The River Thames through Time", Saxon and
Mediaeval Wallingford , with a model of the Castle, a
Victorian Street Scene, pub, shop, workshop and domestic
area. A walk through Saxon and Medieval Wallingford,
including a personal audio commentary and a display of
recent local Roman excavations are now in operation.
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Flint House,
High Street,
Wallingford
March to November: Tues
to Fri: 2 to 5; Sat 10.30 to 5
plus June to Aug:
Sun & Bank Hol Mon: 2 to 5
WALLINGFORD
MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel:
01491
835065
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Well Place Zoo
Well Place Zoo was first opened in 1968. A large and varied
collection of birds and animals from all over the world can
be seen. The Zoo is set in beautiful Oxfordshire
countryside. Bring your binoculars to look out for Red
Kites- a near extinct bird which has been introduced to the
area.
Coffee Shop (seasonal), Gift Shop, Museum, Wishing Well
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Well Place , Ipsden
Wallingford, Oxfordshire
OX10 6QZ
email:
John@wellplacezoo.
fsnet.co.uk
WELL PLACE ZOO CLICK
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tel: 01491 680 473
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Wantage
King Alfred was born in 849 AD in Wantage at a time when it
was an important Saxon centre. The towns buildings are
mostly 17th and 18th century with narrow cobbled streets and
passages. The Church of St Peter and St Paul, part of which is 13th
century contains tombs of the Fitzwarren family into which
Dick Whittington - four times Lord Mayor of London -
married. Wantage lies at the foot of the Downs and there are
numerous racing stables in surrounding villages. Nearby is
the historic, probably pre-Roman, Ridgeway track running
from Ashbury to Streatley on the Thames. The Downs are also
the site of the famous White horse carved into the chalk
hillside. Wantage is also in the heart of an area of high technology
close to AEA Technology, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory,
Culham Laboratory, Esso Research Centre and the Williams
Motor Racing Centre in Europe's second largest village,
Grove. Wantage has a thriving social life with many clubs and
local organisations. Music is important with a brass band in
the first division and an operatic society. A month long
festival of music and arts is held in June and July. There
is a Dickensian Evening before Christmas when shops open
late and the Town Mayor and Town Crier lead the townspeople
and visitors around the town.
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Wantage Visitor Centre
19 Church Street , Wantage
Oxfordshire OX12 8BL
All year Monday - Saturday 10am-4.30pm.
Closed Christmas Day..
WANTAGE CLICK
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Tel:
01235 760176
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Ardington House
In the countryside just a few miles south of Oxford stands
Ardington House.Surrounded by well-kept lawns, terraced gardens, peaceful
paddocks and parkland, this Baroque house was built in
1720.You will find it on the edge of the village of Ardington,
with its picturesque cricket ground, village stores, and
ancient church, in the lee of the downland linking the
Thames valley to the Kennet.
Built by the Strong brothers with typical Georgian
symmetry, the House is also famous for its Imperial
Staircase. Leading from the Hall, the staircase has two
matching flights leading into one and is considered by
experts to be one of the finest examples in Britain.
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Ardington House
Ardington
Near Wantage
Oxfordshire OX12 8QA
We are just off the A34 between the M4 and M40 in
Oxfordshire, 20 mins from Oxford or Newbury by car. From
London by car allow 1hr 20mins.
ARDINGTON HOUSE CLICK
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tel:
01235
821 566
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Dragon Hill
Dragon Hill is an ancient, natural mound, flattened by man
and situated in the valley below the White Horse of
Uffington. The hill is steeped in mystery and legend because
of its proximity to the White Horse and the bare patch on
one part of the hill. Some legends tell that St. George slew
the dragon here and it was the beast�s blood which poisoned
the ground so that no grass would grow on that spot. Another
legend claims that the slain dragon is buried under the
hill.
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Near Wantage,
Oxfordshire SN7
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The Manger
The Manger is a curious-shaped valley on the side of a
hill below the famous White Horse of Uffington. It is
believed that its strange shape was formed by the melting
of ice in the last Ice Age. On the western side, there is
a series of ripples, sometimes called �giants� steps�.
These terraces are a visual reminder of medieval strip
farming dating from before the Black Death. In myth, the
White Horse is said to leave the hill once a year at night
to feed in the Manger.
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Near Wantage,
Oxfordshire SN7
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Tom Brown's School Museum
The Museum is housed in the 380 year-old schoolroom which
was featured in the novel "Tom Brown's School Days", first
published in 1857. Author Thomas Hughes was born in
Uffington and many of the places described in the book are
still visible today. Founded by Thomas Saunders in 1617,
the schoolroom was one of the earliest secular schools. It
was founded for local boys: the original charter is
displayed in the Museum and makes it clear that girls were
excluded!
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Broad Street , Uffington
Oxfordshire SN7 7RA
26th March to end of October, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank
Holiday Mondays 2pm-5pm.
email:
museum@uffington.net
TOM BROWN's SCHOOL MUSEUM CLICK
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Uffington Castle
Uffington Castle is one of a chain of Iron Age hill-forts
sited along the ancient Ridgeway path. The fort was built
in around 500BC to a single ditch, single rampart design.
Originally, there were two entrances at east and west, and
the earth ramparts were topped with a wooden palisade.
This was replaced with a stone wall in around 300BC.
Archaeologists believe the fort was only used seasonally
or temporarily. Visitors to the fort can climb up to a
trig point which marks the highest point in Oxfordshire
(858 feet).
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7 miles west of Wantage, Oxfordshire SN7
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Uffington White Horse
The White Horse is cut out of the turf on the chalky upper
slopes of Uffington Castle near to the Ridgeway. It is 374
feet long. The Uffington white horse is Britain�s
oldest and most famous hill figure at 2,000 to 3000 years
old. As to the origins and builders of the white horse there
are numerous theories, as many as those associated with
Stonehenge. A Celtic god or tribal symbol, the dragon slain
by St. George, Celtic horse goddess Epona, a religious icon
to represent fertility, built to celebrate Alfred�s
victory over the Danes in 861 AD, horse worship in the Iron
Age, created in the seventh century by Hengist in the image
of a horse on his standard etc. The monument became very
overgrown in the 19th Century and it has now been restored
and is cared for by English Heritage. Visitors should be
aware that can be very windy on top of the hill with no
cover if it rains.
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Uffington
Oxfordshire
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Vale & Downland Museum
The Museum is housed in a converted 17th century
cloth-merchant's house - a fine example of local
vernacular architecture. Behind it, in a new extension
with 20th century wooden crucks spanning two floors, are
the visitor facilities. The collections held at the Museum
contain geological, natural history, archaeological,
social history and contemporary objects that reflect the
Vale of White Horse today. The Museum has audio visual
presentations and multi-media programmes developed
in-house.
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19 Church Street , Wantage
Oxfordshire OX12 8BL
All year Monday - Saturday 10am-4.30pm.
Closed Christmas Day.
email:
museum@wantage.com
VALE & DOWNLAND MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel:
01235 771 44
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Waylands Smithy
Wayland�s Smithy is an ancient burial site situated
right next to the Ridgeway long-distance path.
Atmospherically enclosed by a ring of beech trees, the
site comprises a Neolithic long barrow, with four
large standing stones at the entrance and marker
stones along the side of the barrow. The barrow is
approximately 5000 years old and had two phases of
construction. Traditionally, Wayland was blacksmith to
the Saxon gods. Legend states that a horse left at the
barrow overnight with a penny, would be shod by
morning.
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Near Wantage,
Oxfordshire SN7
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Wilts & Berks Canal
Originally started in 1792 and opened in 1810 the canal
linked the Kennet and Avon canal near Trowbridge, with the
river Thames near Abingdon. The challenge of restoring the Wilts & Berks Canal is
that it has been abandoned for nearly 100 years. The Wilts
and Berks Canal Trust, and its predecessor the Amenity
Group, have re-discovered the canal and its structures and
have set about the task of full restoration. Considering the
passage of time, it is surprising that much of the
rural part of the canal still exists. With a moderate amount
of clearance it can, and is being brought back to its
original standard.
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Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, 117 High Street, Wooten
Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 7AU
WILTS & BERKS CANAL CLICK
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Witney
Since the Middle Ages, Witney was famous for the
manufacturing of blankets using water from the River
Windrush which, so the story goes, was the secret of their
quality. Over recent years Witney has grown rapidly, yet it
still manages to retain its charm as an attractive Cotswold
market town. The market square which lies at the junction of the two
main streets contains the Buttercross, a medieval marketing
and meeting place where women from neighbouring villages
gathered to sell butter and eggs. It has a steeply gabled
roof surmounted by a clock-turret added in 1683. Opposite is
the 17th century Town Hall. Market Square widens into Church
Green which is dominated by the tower and spire of the 13th
century church of St. Mary. The Henry Box comprehensive school near the church of St.
Mary takes its name from a local boy who, like Dick
Whittington, went to London to seek his fortune. In 1662
having succeeded he left money to fund the formation of the
new school. A short distance from the town centre is the parish of
Cogges where a Victorian working Manor Farm museum is
situated. In nearby South Leigh the Church of St James is home to
some remarkably well preserved medieval wall paintings and
are well worth a visit. The Charlbury road leads through one of Witney's best
preserved streets - West End, which gave rise to the song
"Just an old fashioned house in an old fashioned street".
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51a Market Square, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX8 6AG
E-mail:
witney.vic@westoxon.gov.uk
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Tel: 01993 775802 Fax: 01993 709261
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Aston Pottery
Visit a real working pottery that supplies over 200 shops
in the UK and view traditional techniques for making
teapots, mugs, jugs and plates. Have a go at decorating your
own mug and visit the award winning shop for pottery,
unusual gifts and country produce. Guided tours available in
summer months on weekdays. Children�s summer activity
programme � ring for details.
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Aston Pottery, The Stables
Kingsway Farm, Aston
Oxfordshire OX18 2BT
Open daily all year
ASTON POTTERY CLICK
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tel:
01993
852031
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Bampton
Bampton, also called Bampton-in-the-Bush, is a village and
civil parish in Oxfordshire, located in the Thames Valley
about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) southwest of Witney. Meaning
settlement by the tree or cross, Bampton was a major late
Anglo-Saxon centre: the focus of a royal manor and site of a
�minster� church. It may seem oddly familiar to Downton fans for this is
where the village scenes are filmed and where many dramas
have been played out in the streets. The set locations for Downton Abbey have become stars in
their own right and are as much a character in the series as
any of the actors.Take the opportunity to explore the wonderful sites of
Downton Abbey yourself. Official tours out of London and
Oxford to the Oxfordshire Cotswolds with a Downton Abbey
theme are available through travel specialist International
Friends. [ * Please note that access to the Downton filming
locations is not suitable for large vehicles and there is
little parking. As well as a variety of buildings that have been used as
pubs, shops and the post office the main locations in
Bampton are:
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Churchgate House is used as the Crawley
family home
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The old Grammar School building, which
now houses Bampton Community Archive, served as �Downton�
hospital
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St Mary�s Church, renamed as St Michael and All Angels,
has hosted a number of dramatic �Downton� events including
weddings, funerals, christenings and even a jilting at the
altar!
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Church View has appeared regularly
throughout the series and is home to two fictional pubs -
The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck - both featured
in various episodes. It was also the site of Downton
Fair.
Swinbrook
Two miles east of Burford is the beautiful village of
Swinbrook.
The Swan Inn which is currently owned by Debo, Dowager Duchess
of Devonshire - the last surviving Mitford sister. This is
where Lady Sybil and Branson stayed whilst planning their
elopement, a controversial storyline in series 2.
Cogges
Close to Witney, Cogges is a former
Victorian Farm Museum and its historic farm buildings were the
fictional Yew Tree Farm, which played host to many of the
farming scenes in series 4 and was home to Mr Drewe, the
tenant farmer. It sits on the banks of the River
Windrush.
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Bishops Palace
The foundations of this magnificent medieval building,
built by the Bishop of Winchester are situated at Church
Green opposite St Mary�s church, in the centre of Witney.
The Palace was originally built in the 12th Century and then
extended in the 13th Century.
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Open all year �
Site only: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm
Site & interpretation centre: Easter to end of September
Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 4pm
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tel:
01993 814114
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Charlbury
The name Charlbury is of Anglo-Saxon origin, from the old
English �burgh�, a fortified place or earthwork, belonging
to �Ceorl�, possibly a personal name but more likely meaning
that it was inhabited by freemen.In the 8th century it
belonged to the Mercian kings and in 1094 it was given by
the Norman Bishop of Lincoln to Eynsham Abbey. When the
abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII, there were two claimants
to the manor of Charlbury. . Eventually the courts
found in favour of the President and Scholars of St John�s,
who leased Charlbury to Sir Henry Lee and his descendants
for the term of three lives. In 1857, by exchange, the
property passed to the owner of Cornbury Park. St John�s
College still appoints the vicars of Charlbury.
Cornbury Park was an important part of the history of
Charlbury. An Elizabethan hunting lodge, the gift of Queen
Elizabeth I to the Earl of Leicester, it was demolished and
a beautiful house built in its stead by Lord Clarendon in
the reign of Charles I. Spinning and weaving went on in many
homes, and in the early 1800s the gloving industry was
revived by leading Quakers to help alleviate the poverty
resulting from the Napoleonic Wars. Gloving continued as a
cottage industry and then in small factories until the early
1960s During the "cold war" many world politicians flew into
Brize Norton to secretly meet and the Royal Navy had a
secret premises at Charlbury for those meetings which
included Kruschov, Bulganin, Kennedy, Johnson, De Gaulle and
many others.
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CHARLBURY CLICK
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Charlbury Museum
Museum displays illustrating the traditional crafts and
industries of Charlbury, with maps and photographs.
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April to end of September
Saturdays 10am - 12noon
Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays 2.30pm - 4pm
CHARLBURY MUSEUM CLICK
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tel:
01608 810060
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Cogges Manor Farm Museum
Come to Cogges to discover life in rural Oxfordshire in
Victorian times. You step back in time when you enter the
beautiful farmstead with its original Cotswold buildings.
Parts of the manor house are over 700 years old; now you can
see what life was like here 100 years ago.
In the kitchen you can sample home baking fresh from the
kitchen range and talk to the 'Victorian maids' to find out
about the history of the house and the people who lived
here. There's plenty to keep the children happy too, from
building models to dressing up and playing with Victorian
games.
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Church Lane , Witney
Oxfordshire, OX28 3LA
22nd March to 30th October.
Tuesday � Friday 10.30am � 5.30pm. Saturday & Sunday
12.00pm � 5.30pm
Bank Holiday Mondays 10.30am � 5.30pm. Early closing at
4.00pm in October. Advent Weekend (3&4th Dec)10.30am �
5.30pm Last admission an hour before closing. Closed Mondays
& Good Friday.
COGGES MANOR FARM MUSEUM CLICK
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tel:
01993 772 602
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Combe Mill in Steam
Mid 19th Century sawmill with working steam beam engine,
original Cornish boiler and a working blacksmith�s forge. A
pattern maker�s shop on the first floor houses a collection
of tools, models and displays of the Society�s
collection.
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Combe, Long Hanborough
Witney, Oxfordshire
OX29 7ET
A4095 Witney to Woodstock. Turn north for Combe, after
crossing the river, the mill is on the left before railway
bridge
COMBE MILL IN
STREAM CLICK
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Tel:
01865 379 402
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Eynsham
Over the centuries the name of the village has changed no
less than 13 times. The �old �uns� used to refer to it as
Ensam, spelt Ensham, its last spelling before the present
one which has been in use for most of the 20th century and
is not likely to be changed again.A Benedictine abbey was
founded here in 1005 and became very wealthy, owning land
throughout Oxfordshire. The abbey was surrendered to Henry
VIII in 1539. The ruins stood for a couple of centuries and
then, as they began to deteriorate, the land became a
quarry. The only remains now are carved pieces of stone
built into many of the cottages and garden walls. Perhaps
the villagers were encouraged to cart it away and build
their own dwellings, some which still remain today. The
abbey also owned the flour and corn mill, the yearly rent
payable by the miller being ten shillings and 450 eels. Many
years later it became a paper mill supplying fine paper for
the bible presses, and it was there that experiments were
carried out to make paper from grass. During the early part
of the 20th century it became a glue, rag and flock mill.
Rags were turned into cheap flock mattresses. This all came
to an end in the late 1920s, but the old mill buildings had
a further use. The rubble from them was used as ballast when
the nearby A40 was built in 1935. The lovely mill house
still remains.
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Eynsham is a large village and civil parish about 5 miles
north-west of Oxford and about 5 miles east of Witney
EYNSHAM CLICK
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Minster Lovell Hall & Dovecote
English Heritage site next to the River Windrush and
Minster Lovell Church, in a beautiful setting. The romantic
ruins of Lord Lovell�s 15th Century Manor House �
interesting Dovecote. Fine church at entrance.
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Adjacent to Minster Lovell church, 3 miles W of Witney off
A40 (OS Map 164; ref SP 324114
Open Daily
MINSTER LOVELL
HALL CLICK
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tel:
01993 775262
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Minster Lovell Experience
The Heritage Centre, a small private collection, is
situated onthe outskirts of the village in one room of a
busy picture framing workshop
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The owner Graham Kew, Artist, Tour Guide and Story Teller,
is a fanatical lover of the village, devoting considerable
time and energy to keeping alive legends and history of this
beautiful village. You will soon be captivated by the
exhibits and the friendly welcome you receive. Ask Graham to
sing you the ballad of the 'Mistletoe Bough', the song of
the Lovell Bride who tragically died on her wedding night.
Or ask him to show you the Minster Lovell Jewel.
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130 Burford Road, Minster Lovell on the B4047 - one and a
half miles west of Witney. Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm &
2pm - 5pm
MINSTER LOVELL
EXPERIENCE CLICK
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Norton Leigh Roman Villa
The part exposed floor plan of a large Roman Villa first
unearthed in 1813 and consisting of over 60 rooms including
some mosaics that are now under shelter. The access to this
English Heritage site is down an unsurfaced track, some
distance from road.
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Witney,
Oxfordshire,
OX29 8ER
Open daily
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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West Oxfordshire Arts Gallery
West Ox Arts Association has a lovely and light gallery on
the first floor of a Grade II listed building in the pretty
Cotswold village of Bampton. It offers regularly changing
exhibitions of quality arts and crafts. It is a registered
charity with membership open to all artists and art
lovers.
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Bampton, Oxfordshire
Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm
Sunday 2pm - 4pm
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tel:
01993 850137
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Witney & District Museum
Opened in 1996, the Witney & District Museum is
situated in the centre of the town, along the High Street.
The large ground floor gallery houses a long term
exhibition, showing the history of Witney and the
surrounding area, and highlighting the changes that have
taken place over the past 1,000 years. Local industries,
such as the making of Witney Blankets, glove making and
brewing are all features.
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Gloucester Court Mews
High Street, Witney
Oxfordshire, OX8 6LR
13th April - October, Wed - Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm; Sunday 2.00
- 4.00pm.
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Tel: +44 (0)1993 775 915
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Woodstock
Woodstock was a favourite hunting place for nearly all the
Kings of England from Saxon times to the late Stuart Period.
It was Henry I who built a Manor House in what is now
known as Blenheim Park. Edward the Black Prince, son of
Edward III, was born here, Henry VIII was a frequent visitor
with his first wife Katharine of Aragon, and Elizabeth I was
imprisoned in the Manor for almost a year. Medieval
Woodstock was a very small place with forests on all sides.
The villagers were very poor � some were craftsmen but many
scraped a living from the land. By the year 1450 Woodstock
had become a Market Town having been granted a charter. The
inhabitants became free burgesses and were allowed to send
two representatives to Parliament, and the town was granted
a staple for wool. In about 1500 gloving became a Woodstock
industry which gradually increased through Victorian times
when there were many small factories producing gloves. Many
were sent out to be hand-stitched by women and girls in
their own homes. Gloving only started to decline after the
last war when cheap Japanese imitations became readily
available. It is still, however, a tradition that when a
reigning king or queen visits Wood-stock, a pair of gloves
is presented to him or her, and when Queen Elizabeth II came
here, the Mayor presented her with a pair of white kid
gloves.
At one time families lived in the same house for
generations, and all the shops were owned by local people,
but today with high rents and properties fetching enormous
prices this is no longer the case. One exception is the
Banbury family who still have a drapers� shop in Oxford
Street and have lived there for generations.Many buildings
are most attractive and date from the 16th, 17th and 18th
centuries. Fletchers House is a notable example, a 16th
century merchant�s house which is now used as a County
Museum. Lots of interesting exhibitions are held there. In
the nearby village of Bladon is the church of St Martin
where the grave of Winston Churchill still proves a place of
interest to those who also visit his birthplace of Blenheim
Palace. A small gateway close to the church leads to the
grounds of the Palace and from here a very pleasant walk may
be taken round the estate.
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within The Oxfordshire Museum, Park Street, Woodstock,
Oxfordshire, OX20 1SN
Tel/Fax: 01993 813632
E-mail:
tourism@westoxon.gov.uk
www.oxlink.co.uk/woodstock
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Tel/Fax:
01993
813632
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Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace offers a wonderful day out for all the
family. You will be inspired by the majesty of the Palace,
with its carvings by Grinling Gibbons, delighted by the
interior filled with treasures and intrigued by the
apartments devoted to Sir Winston Churchill. There are
gardens in a variety of styles; lakes to row on, an
adventure play area for children and even a narrow-gauge
railway to take you from car park to the Palace. Blenheim
Palace was built for the National Hero John 1st Duke of
Marlborough and his Duchess Sarah, given by Queen Anne as
a gift in reward for his military services. The palace was
built between 1705 and 1722. The architect chosen to
complete this task was Sir John Vanbrugh and his clerk of
works Hawksmoor, who had already proved their ability with
the masterly designs for Greenwich Hospital and Castle
Howard. Set in glorious parkland, Blenheim can be exciting
to look at in all seasons and is the supreme example of
English Baroque architecture.
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Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1PX
email:
operations@blenheimpalace.com
BLENHEIM PALACE
CLICK
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tel: 01993 811 091
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Iona House Gallery
Iona House Gallery is situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. It
is young, vibrant and eclectic, showcasing quality and
affordable International, Scottish and local contemporary
art from both established, eminent artists and new rising
talent. It exhibits over 300 pieces at any one time:
original paintings, limited edition prints, sculpture,
ceramics, silver, woodwork and jewellery, with a framing
service also provided.The gallery is unique as it is owned
by the charity, Scottish International Relief (SIR) and is
named after the charity�s first children�s home in
Romania.
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4 High Street
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1TF
IONA GALLERY
CLICK
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Tel: 01993 811 464
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Oxfordshire Museum
Situated in the heart of the historic town of Woodstock,
the award winning redevelopment of Fletcher's House provides
a home for the new county museum.Set in attractive gardens, the new museum celebrates
Oxfordshire in all its diversity and features collections of
local history, art, archaeology, landscape and wildlife as
well as a gallery exploring the County's innovative
industries from nuclear power to nanotechnology. Interactive
exhibits offer new learning experiences for visitors of all
ages.
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Fletcher's House , Park Street, Woodstock
Oxfordshire OX20 1SN
Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday 2.00pm -
5.00pm (last admission 4.30) Closed on Mondays.
email:
oxon.museum@
oxfordshire.gov.uk
OXFORDSHIRE
MUSEUM CLICK
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Tel: +44 (0)1993 8115456
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The Woodstock Wallhangings
The story of Woodstock, from its foundation in Norman times
is told in the embroidered wallhangings in Woodstock Town
Hall. Seventeen colourful scenes show life in the town and
the historic events which shaped it. The wallhangings have
been made by the Woodstock Broderers, and are one of the
four attractions on the Woodstock Textile Trail
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Wednesday 10.00am - 1.00pm from early April to end of
September
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tel:
01993
813276
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I'm Cerdic. First King of Wessex
OXFORDSHIRE TOURIST GUIDE
