Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
Formerly a florist and greengrocer, Gee's, Oxford's fine dining restaurant, was converted by present owner Jeremy Mogford 15 years ago. The menu is based on seasonal food, local produce and fine ingredients.
Branca opened its doors in late 2000, offering Oxford a contemporary Italian bar and restaurant. The restaurant seats 110 and serves nothing but quality food with quality ingredients.
This Italian restaurant is open for lunches, evening meals and Sunday lunch.
This wine bar is open for lunches, evening meals and Sunday lunches too. Every other Monday is 'Open Mic Night' and there's also live music every Friday and Saturday night.(see website for other opening information)
This pub and restaurant is a former 15th century coaching house and serves classic pub food. Enjoy a pint of real ale in the garden or a delicious meal in the restaurant.
The Paper Mill is located next to the waterside, on an important historic site in Hemel Hempstead and enjoys lovely views across the waterways. It is a warm and welcoming pub with a friendly atmosphere, the decor is bright and modern and is enhanced by the open fires and comfy sofas. There is a balcony and a large patio terrace where you can sit and enjoy the views of the Grand Union Canal. The menu serves a selection of classic British food that is prepared using fresh, seasonal local ingredients that are well cooked and presented and represents great value for money. The bar stocks a good range of real ales, beers, lagers and wines. They are open daily from 10.00am to late and have a full social schedule with a range of events such as comedy nights, quiz nights and live music, it is certainly worth checking these out. The Paper Mill is a pub that everyone can enjoy, it is family friendly and on a sunny day the terrace offers a lovely spot to enjoy the weather and the great food they serve.
Fun Days Out
Delve into the dark side of Oxford's alleyways and streets and find out about its ghostly past, if you dare! With its many colleges and historic buildings, it's a great place for ghostly goings on.
Snakes and Ladders is a huge indoor playground fitted to the brim with climbing frames, ball ponds, cargo nets and slides. A ride on electric motor bikes is also not to be missed.
Find out about upcoming races and events, book tickets or just enjoy a coffee and browse the walls of this visitor centre at Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. Now you have the chance to follow in the wheel tracks of these motor racing legends and drive a range of racing and sports cars on the legendary circuits at Silverstone.
Try digging for fossils in the dinosaur park or ride a tractor in the farm park. Discover what's lurking in the pond at the Pond Explorer Station or visit the animals in the Cuddle Corner. You won't want to miss tending to farmer Gully's crops in the giant vegetable patch.
There's plenty of hands on fun for children here. They can bottle feed lambs, milk cows, groom ponies, play crazy golf, race go karts, or play in the adventure playground. An endless day of fun and games!
Home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world, the park encourages a greater understanding and respect for wildlife. Lots to see and do, making it a great family day out.
Jump aboard the road safari and see big animals roaming free. Encounter lemurs, wallabies and other small animals at the Wild World Leisure area. Climb, slide or crawl in the children's indoor adventure playground. With such an exhaustive list of fun-filled activities, this safari park is the perfect day out.
Tour Gems - 27 Miles (43.2 KM)
Groups of two to four travellers who want to get the most out of their stay in Cotswold can schedule a Tour Gems day tour! Climb inside an air conditioned 8 seat people carrier and let your guide do the driving. Standard tours cover much of the region's lush landscape with trout-filled streams, valleys and views atop the Cotswold Escarpment.
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts has been a focal part of the community since 2000, it provides a suitable venue for both amateur and professional performers to show their talents, to locals and visitors. The centre is also a favourite of local art groups and touring companies. A large number of people walk through the doors each week to enjoy the assortment of live shows, films, and partake in the workshops and classes they operate or to dine in the Cafe. The Gallery allows you to see contemporary art by local artists and the exhibitions change every three to four weeks. The Cafe Bar is open daily serving refreshments and food, there is a range of sandwiches, soups, hot dishes, daily specials and Sunday roasts available, the pre dinner theatre menu offers great value for money. The centre has a full and varied schedule so do check the calendar on the Website to see what events are taking place. Norden Farm Centre for the Arts provides the perfect venue for people to enjoy the arts in a relaxed and welcoming setting, where they can see local talent and sit back and have a coffee or meal with friends or family, a great all round venue.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
On this tour you can visit some of the scenes seen on the TV show Inspector Morse, with lots of stories along the way. See the places where the famous TV detective cracked the crimes of Oxford.
Get on your bikes as a family and explore the forest along the 5 mile cycle route. Alternatively, follow the three walking trails, two of which are all-access. You'll definitely want to ascend the Tree Top Way, a wooden walkway that takes you above the trees and beyond! The views from the top are fantastic.
Golf & Sports
This is a large outdoor heated swimming pool with free swimming for kids, relaxation area, outdoor play area and refreshments.
With a choice of three championship golf courses and over 54 holes, Woburn is the ideal place for a quality day's golfing.
Make your way down the tree lined drive to see the spectacular views over the lakes that await you at the bottom. On offer is top quality fishing in pretty, peaceful and relaxing surroundings.
Nature Reserves
No recommended Nature Reserves found within 30 miles of this property.
Gardens & Woodlands
Visitors to Stowe Gardens can explore more than 40 monuments, temples and secret corners, enjoying breathtaking scenery whilst strolling along the walks and trails through the gardens and surrounding parkland.
Stonor Park is one of England's oldest manor houses and is set in beautiful surroundings. The park, with its herd of fallow deer can be accessed via public footpath.
This quiet country park is the perfect place for a day out walking or fishing. Fishing day tickets are available to buy. There's also a children's play area, picnic area and toilets.
Birdland - 26.9 Miles (43 KM)
The beautiful Birdland Park and Gardens was founded in 1957 in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water. This location was among the first bird encounter attractions to open in the United Kingdom. The facility features 9 spacious acres with more than 150 trees that form lofty canopies for the facility's beloved feathered residents.
The Dragonfly Maze is more than a beautiful garden. This exciting attraction also holds many surprises for curious visitors who successfully unravel its secrets. Gather your clue card at the start of the journey then attempt to make your way to the centre, gathering new clues displayed on engraved flagstones.
Batsford offers one of the largest and most extensive private collections of trees and shrubs in Britain. You'll also find a statue of Buddha Batsford and a Japanese style bridge in this amazing garden.
A fantastic Cotswold garden covering 3 acres that has only recently opened for public viewing. Its features include a knot garden, potager, coloured borders and a shade house.
Built upon a number of shallow terraces, this delightful 2 1/2 acre garden has been open for public viewing since the early 1990s. The old mill pond has been incorporated into the design of the garden.(Limited wheelchair access - enquire before visit)
These 200 acre gardens designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown come complete with a mile long avenue dating back to 1695. Browse around the interesting variety of shops in the old converted farm buildings where you'll find special gifts and crafts for any occasion.
Local Attractions
Formerly The Oxford Apollo, now under the name of New Theatre, this exciting venue offers a wide range of shows and events — check the website for up to date listings.
A city centre cinema showing up to date films (check website for times). Free and disabled parking is available and the centre is wheelchair friendly.
Peatfire Tales offers a different kind of attraction here in Orkney. Run by a husband and wife team they invite you to join them in an evening of storytelling around the delights of a blazing and welcoming peat fire. Settle in and enjoy the warmth and sit back to be regaled by stories of the history of the island, hear local folklore and and learn about the local culture as well as enjoying wonderful music and dancing. Many of the tales have been passed through generations and continue to enthral and entertain audiences from all over the world, you are transported to another era and get a real feel of this bygone time. John and Lynn are very welcoming and friendly as well as being passionate and accomplished storytellers, you are immediately transfixed and will be captivated by the stories being told. This magical evening just flies by and you glean so much from the stories being told. Their storytelling takes place in a number of venues on the island. They are extremely popular and advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Peatfire Tales offers a unique and delightful experience, the storytelling is faultless and you will end the evening wanting to return again, highly recommended.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the U.K. behind the wheel of a classic car! The Open Road Day Drives provides visitors with the unique opportunity to hire a classic car in many popular styles, including Ford Mustang Convertibles, Jaguar MK II, Jaguar XK8, Morris Minor Convertibles, MGB Roasters, Jaguar E-Types, Triumph Stags and many more!
Come and experience the colourful fun and excitement that is the Giffords Circus! This extravaganza of entertainment began in 2000 as a small, traditional circus company with big potential. Today the troupe tours with waggons baring musicians, performers, horses and many other unique elements that make this captivating show so memorable!
Historical & Heritage Sites
Blenheim Palace is located in 2000 acres of stunning parkland at the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and yet is only 8 miles from Oxford. It is a world heritage site and well known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Over 40 vehicles are on display. Most are buses in the ownership of the museum. Some are privately owned buses on long-term loan for exhibition to the public.
The legendary Bletchley Park where the Enigma code was broken is now home to the national codes centre. This fascinating site was home to to one of Britain's biggest war time secrets and played a pivotal role in gaining victory in 1945. Learn how they cracked the code, see the impressive Churchill collection and delve into tales of spies, deception and intrigue.
Home to the Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years this abbey houses a world renowned art collection. Visitors can walk amongst 9 species of deer, wander the beautiful gardens designed by Humphrey Repton or enjoy an open air play.
A wonderful museum with much to see, including lots of rare artefacts from Wellingtons and other aircraft. In addition it features a unique collection of Royal Airforce treasures, records and photographs and a village history.
Situated on the corner of Olney's historic marketplace, this large brick building is where 18th century poet William Cowper lived and worked. Whilst there, visit the vicarage where John Newton wrote 'Amazing Grace'. Attractive shops and places to eat are just a stone's throw from the museum.
The Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection is a fun place for families in Bourton-on-the-Water. The extensive collections feature a wide range of exhibits, including the Mill Gallery which is full of sleek vehicles. Visitors can see a blacksmith's workshop or take a journey through Windrush Alley for a closer look at street level motoring.
This is a little property with a big history, a very rare 17th century Cotswold country estate. A unique Deer Park with deer course and 4,000 acres of stunning countryside to escape to.
Frogmore Paper Mill is a unique mill that is located in Apsley, it is the worlds oldest mechanised paper mill. To this day it continues to be a working paper mill producing an incredible 100 tonnes of specialist grade paper on their historic machines. During a visit you will get to see the process of paper making as well as making your own piece of paper that you can take home with you, get an insight into the local history and see the industrial machinery in operation, as well as old machines such as the 120 year old steam driven machine, in addition you can visit the inhouse fire-station and even see a book binding demonstration. There is also a Memory Bank commemorating the history of the mill and stories of the people involved with the mill and the history of paper. They are open throughout the week with guided tours at 11.15am, 1.00pm and 5.45pm, full details can be got from the website. The guides are friendly, informative and very knowledgeable and the tours are given at just the right level for all to enjoy. There is a nice cafe that serves a selection of beverages and snacks, that you can enjoy whilst looking out at the River Gade. The onsite shop sells a selection of the paper it produces both machine and handmade, in addition there is a gallery that is free to look around and exhibits individual artists at different times, the artwork on display is for sale. Afterwards you can for an extra cost take a boat trip around the mill. It can be cold in the mill so ensure you take along something warm to wear. Frogmore Paper Mill is an intriguing and mesmerising look into the history and production of paper, there is so much to gather from a visit and it is an outing that everyone will enjoy, highly recommended.
Maidenhead Heritage Centre is a great source of information on the local area, and takes in the varied history from Roman times right through to present day. There is a permanent exhibition, "Story of Maidenhead" that encompasses lots of items, the oldest dating back more than 4000 years, the towns involvement in racing cars, the renowned Hammer House of Horror films, the growth of the railways, World War II and so much more. On the first floor of the museum is "Grandma Flew Spitfires" that is an exhibit dedicated to Air Transport Auxiliary, it has probably the largest collection of ATA memorabilia and records around, the story is told through uniforms, photographs, letters, log books, local records, diaries and personal recollections. Whilst here for a charge you can experience the amazing Spitfire simulator. The centre runs a number of different events and different exhibitions during the year so if thinking of visiting do check to see what is taking place. Maidenhead Heritage Centre is an astounding and intriguing place to visit, the staff are so friendly and helpful, there is so much to see and do and the exhibits are done in a way that they will appeal to both adults and children alike.
