Oxfordshire is a place steeped in history and heritage. Meandering across the county, the River Cherwell and River Thames can guide you through Oxfordshire’s rich heritage. Follow the River Cherwell through the north of the county, with pretty villages built from the richly coloured local Hornton ironstone, the market towns of Bicester and Banbury, plus welcoming pubs and blissfully quiet walking trails. In this 3 day heritage-focused itinerary, explore Woodstock, near Blenheim Palace, before spending time in Oxford and finally travelling south along the River Thames towards the ancient Ridgeway Trail.

 

Day 1 – Banbury/Woodstock

Morning

Start your morning in Banbury – a historic market town nestled in the gentle rolling hills in the north of Oxfordshire. Make sure you take a guided tour of the historic Tooley’s Boatyard which dates from 1788 and is the oldest dry dock working boatyard on the inland waterways. There are inviting cafes and pubs in Banbury’s Old Town, including the 16^th century Ye Olde Reindeer Inn where the wood-panelled Globe Room is believed to have been used by Oliver Cromwell as a base during the Civil War.

Alternatively, there is a rich brewing heritage to discover in the village of Hook Norton (20 min drive from Banbury). You can enjoy a tour of the Victorian Hook Norton Brewery which is still thriving today and supplying many local pubs.

Afternoon

After a morning exploring the Cherwell valley, make your way south to Woodstock – a picturesque Georgian town located on the edge of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. With streets of attractive honey stone buildings, Woodstock is a great place to base yourself, within easy reach of Oxford and the Cotswold countryside. Spend a relaxed evening strolling through the town. If you have time, pop into its sweet bookshops and cafes, or learn more about Oxfordshire’s heritage at the Oxfordshire Museum in the centre of Woodstock.

Hotel Options

Holiday Inn Oxford: If you wanted to base yourself closer to Oxford city centre, Holiday Inn Oxford is conveniently located next to the A34. The hotel offers excellent Executive and Family rooms, with free Wi-Fi access and a fitness centre on site.

Day 2 – Woodstock/Oxford

Morning

Wherever you stay, reserve the morning for exploring magnificent Blenheim Palace on the edge of Woodstock. Home to the 12^th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting beautiful Baroque architecture, 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland and stunning formal gardens. Enter the Palace and explore the gilded State Rooms for yourself or organise a private tour to see even more of the Palace.

Treat yourself to lunch in the grand setting of Blenheim Palace. Visit the stunning Orangery Restaurant for lunch or a traditional afternoon tea or try the Oxfordshire Pantry for a cake or sandwich or The Stables Café for a hot meal.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, travel to Oxford to experience the heritage of this great seat of learning.

Whilst you’re exploring the heart of Oxford, don’t miss the incredible museums. Choose from the Ashmolean museum, Britain’s first public museum and home to world-famous artefacts and collections, the History of Science Museum, the Museum of Natural History and neighbouring Pitt Rivers Museum, the University of Oxford’s quirky museum of anthropology and world archaeology.

Christ Church College offers insight into the heritage of the University of Oxford Colleges (though many colleges are open to visitors in the afternoons) – take a headset tour of the unique college and cathedral to explore for yourself.

To delve deeper into Oxford’s history, visit Oxford Castle & Prison to explore its 1,000 year history. Step back in time with costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life. Descend into the atmospheric crypt of St George’s Chapel, where you can touch the stones where Oxford University was rumoured to begin and stand in the birthplace of King Arthur.

Hotel Options

Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford: Just a short drive from Oxford city centre, the hotel is a great base for adventures in and around Oxford. The hotel also features Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse, Bar and Grill. The restaurant combines British and French influences to serve up perfectly-cooked dishes and hand-crafted cocktails.

Royal Oxford Hotel: The Royal Oxford Hotel provides comfortable accommodation for both business and leisure customers. The hotel is ideally located just two minutes’ walk from Oxford city centre and is very close to both the railway and the coach station.

Day 3 – Oxford or Abingdon/Ridgeway

Optional

If you don’t want to leave Oxford to explore the historic Ridgeway Trail in the south of Oxfordshire, then why not spend another day exploring Oxford’s rich heritage? There’s so much to discover in Oxford! You could pre-book an Oxford Official Walking Tour for a guided walking tour around more of Oxford’s iconic sites and learn about the city’s fascinating history and quirky traditions.

 

Morning

Make the most of your day by heading straight out of Oxford in the morning. Drive down the A34 to Abingdon, a quaint, bustling market town by the River Thames, just 6 miles south of Oxford. Steeped in history and dating back to Saxon era, Abingdon-On-Thames boasts a wealth of architecture, historical treasures and beautiful walks by the River Thames.

Stop for a coffee and cake in one of Abingdon’s independent cafes, or visit the café in the elegant Town Hall.

Continue south-west to Uffington to begin exploring the Ridgeway. The Ridgeway Trail is steeped in history, having been used by traders and invaders as far back as 5,000 years ago. Begin at White Horse Hill, where you will find the famous Bronze Age White Horse – the oldest chalk figure in Britain, dating back over 3,000 years. This is the highest point in Oxfordshire with views across 6 different counties. There is plenty of parking in the National Trust car park at White Horse Hill.

Afternoon

Drive east to Wantage to discover the stories of King Alfred the Great who was born in the town in 849AD. This historic market town offers independent shops and places to eat, as well as the Vale and Downland Museum which has won awards for being family friendly.

Head to nearby village Sparsholt for a nice lunch at The Star, or take a walk up to The Ridgeway to the historic village of Letcombe Basset, where you may like to stop for lunch at The Greyhound pub.

A lovely afternoon stop is at Goring and Streatley, where The Ridgeway meets the River Thames. Linked by a bridge in 1837, Streatley and Goring are picturesque riverside villages with numerous places to eat.

From Goring, drive north along the river to Wallingford. Wander the cobbled streets of the historic market town and discover the town’s links with crime novelist Agatha Christie, as well as the ruins of Wallingford Castle and the excellent Wallingford Museum.

 

Evening

For dinner, drive north towards the 2 Michelin starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Restaurant and prepare to experience a truly unique culinary experience.