The beautiful county of Oxfordshire sits between both the Cotswold Hills and the Chiltern Hills, with the River Thames meandering through the centre. Its most famous city, Oxford, is commonly known as the โcity of dreaming spiresโ because of the beautiful architecture of the university buildings. For anyone who loves history, this county is definitely a must visit. Featuring beautiful cotswold villages, historic houses and stately homes. Donโt think that is all there is to do on holiday in Oxfordshire though. With food festivals, boat races and wildlife reserves, thereโs plenty for the whole family.
Where to stay
Oxford Camping and Caravan Club Site, Oxford
This site, located on the outskirts of Oxford, makes it an ideal base for both exploring this historic town and wandering through the Oxfordshire countryside. Pets are welcome too.
Bridge Villa Camping and Caravan site, Wallingford
Located beside the River Thames, amongst unspoilt river meadows and on the edge of Corwmarsh Gifford village, in Bridge Villa Camping and Caravan Site. A picturesque family-run site within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty. Visitors to Bridge Villa are able to take a short walk over the part-medieval bridge with its 19 stone arches to the centre of the historic market town of Wallingford. Dogs are allowed.
The Pig Place, Banbury
Head to The Pig Place for canal-side camping, an outdoor cafe and bar, a farm shop and, you guessed it, pigs! A little different from the norm, water is from a borehole, there are no showers and only festival style toilets. This is a ‘child free campsite’, although dogs are allowed. Sit around a campfire, using designated canal-side fire pits, with logs and kindling bought from the fam shop. The site is gently sloping so donโt forget your levelling ramps and chocks. Canal boat mooring is also available here.
Oxfordshire Days out
Best for families: Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
A fantastic day out for all the family, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens has more than 260 species, many of which are endangered in the wild, and 160 acres of beautiful parkland to explore. See lions, rhinos, zebras and giraffes roam. Watch penguins and lemurs at feeding time and pet the farm animals. A narrow gauge railway will take you around the park and an adventure playground lets you climb high to get a birds eye view of the park. If youโre a fan of the cold-blooded, Cotswold Wildlife Park also has the largest collection of reptiles in the UK.
Enjoy a picnic on the lawns overlooking the animal enclosures, or get ice cream from one of the kiosks dotted around. Dogs are allowed in the park on leads, but are not permitted in any indoor attractions or anywhere the animals are free range.
Best for history and shopping: Oxford
The โcity of Dreaming Spiresโ – this is how poet Matthew Arnold described the beauty of the university buildings in Oxford in the 18th Century. The city has plenty of attractions to offer wandering visitors. Head to the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest Libraries in Europe, and then climb Carfax tower, built in the 12th Century, to get a view of the historic city and those dreaming spires. Wander the streets and narrow lanes, taking in the atmosphere and architecture of the university buildings. Take a tour by foot, bicycle, bus or boat to see where the dining hall scene in Harry Potter was filmed. Or find the locations used in the iconic TV show, Inspector Morse.
As well as the abundance of history and stunning buildings, Oxford has a bustling shopping centre and a historic covered market. Antique shops, boutiques and delicatessens can all be found around the streets of Oxford. The city also boasts its own castle and a prison where you can climb St Georges tower and descend into the candlelit crypts of 18th century prison cells. Private daytime tours are available, or (for those a bit braver) evening tours!
Best for stately homes: Blenheim Palace
An UNESCO world heritage site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this stunning Palace featured fine Baroque architecture and grounds that have plenty to do for everyone. There are 2000 acres of โCapabilityโ Brown parkland and 90 acres of formal gardens to wander, or you can take a 1 hour free guided tour. Hop on a miniature train to the pleasure gardens, where you will find a hedge maze, butterfly house and adventure playground. All-year round there are events, exhibitions and tours both inside and outside the palace.
See this
Henley Regatta
One of the most famous Regattas in the world, the Henley Regatta has over 300 races on the river Thames, attracting international and Olympian crews. Over five days in, July Henley on Thames becomes a hive of excitement and the river is lined with spectators to see the boats moored up in an amazing spectacle. Steeped in tradition, formal attire is required by all who attend the enclosures, so dust off your straw boater and best frock before heading down and enjoying the sunny days beside the river.
The Graves of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien
CS Lewis, known for his book series The Chronicles of Narnia, is buried within the cemetery of Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry, just outside Oxford. The church contains a whimsical etched glass window, full of Narnia’s favourite characters. Lewis was educated at Oxford University and fresh flowers are still often found on his grave.
JRR Tolkien, another literary great, and CS Lewisโ friend, is buried in Wolvercote Cemetery in Oxford, along with his wife Edith. Tolkien was also educated at Oxford University and, upon his return to Oxford in 1937, he wrote his first book, The Hobbit.
Do this
Watch the Red Kites
Look up and you wonโt fail to see the distinctive tails of the Red Kite. Reintroduced in 1989, This species of bird is now thriving here. Please do not feed the birds though, just sit and watch them gently soar in the sky for a simply beautiful site.
Punting on the river
Popular since the 1880โs and one of the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon, Punts can be hired from various places in Oxford. Try Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and have a go yourself, or hire a chauffeured punt, pack a picnic and spend a very lazy day messing about on the water.
Eat this
Cherwell Boathouse
Enjoy dinner by the water, on the banks of the River Cherwell, in an authentic Victorian boathouse. Cherwell Boathouse is well known for its creative cooking and impressive wine list, handpicked by its own sommeliers. In the daytime, youโll find a Tea Hut serving drinks, snacks and ice creams. A perfect place to sit and watch the punts go by.
Thame food festival
For one weekend in September, the pretty town of Thame is taken over by this food festival. Featuring celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, live music, wine, gin gardens and street food stalls. If youโre a foodie then this one is not to be missed!
Drink this
Moo Moo’s Milkshakes
If you or your children love milkshakes then head to the covered market in Oxford for the iconic Moo Mooโs Milkshakes. Choose from a vast selection of chocolate bars, cookies and flavourings to blend together and add your favourite topping.
Ye Olde Swan at Radcot
This pub lies on the banks of the River Thames in a stunning location. It boasts its own campsite, so you can enjoy a drink by the river and take a quick stroll straight back to your own bed. Hire paddle boards and kayaks from the pub, or take a luxury boat trip up the River Thames to sit back and enjoy a glass of something fizzy as you cruise the river.
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