Oxford is a lovely city, but that doesn’t mean you want to spend every single day there! If you’re ready to get out and about near to Oxford, there’s a wealth of nearby countryside to explore, full of interesting places and events. Why not take a trip to one of our top 5 places to visit near to Oxford…
Blenheim Palace
Just a half hour drive North of Oxford city centre is Blenheim Palace. This historic house dates from the early 18th Century and is set in 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Visitors can explore the impressive Palace State Rooms as well as the grand rooms 'Upstairs' in the Baroque palace and the 'downstairs' areas used by household staff. There are also stunning gardens to discover during the summer and events throughout the year from open air cinema screenings to the famous horse trials.
Discover more at Blenheim Palace.
The White Horse at Uffington
If you’re craving a dose of countryside, head across Oxfordshire to the picturesque village of Uffington. Above the village is the huge, elegant figure of the White Horse, cut out of the white chalk on a hillside of the Berkshire Downs. The horse is thought to be the oldest hill figure in Britain, dating back 3,000 years to the late Bronze Age. There are plenty of local walks that take in views of the horse, or you can stroll up to White Horse Hill itself to enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
Find more information about White Horse Hill online.
The Oxfordshire Museum
Based in Woodstock, the Oxfordshire Museum is a hidden gem of a museum, containing a wide range of displays dedicated to the local area and history. The museum is particularly popular with families due to its range of interactive exhibitions that are well suited to children. Why not combine a visit to the museum with a trip to Blenheim Palace just down the road?
Check opening hours online.
The Oxford Canal
The Oxford Canal meanders through pretty English countryside, reaching from Coventry into Oxford city itself. Hire a narrow boat for the day and enjoy a leisurely journey down the river, or choose to walk a section to enjoy lovely views and peaceful scenery. The canal meanders through pretty villages like Thrupp, Cropredy and Aynho, offering plenty of places to stop for an afternoon tea or a relaxed pint in the local pub.
Find more information about Oxford Canal online.
Waterperry Gardens
Half an hour’s drive East of Oxford you’ll find Waterperry Gardens near the village of Wheatley. The extensive gardens contain orchards, woods, formal gardens and even a waterlily canal. Waterperry has long been associated with the arts and is perhaps best known for hosting the popular Art in Action fair every July from 1977 to 2016. While the yearly fair has now come to an end, the gardens still offer a range of arts and craft courses and the colourful grounds provide an inspiring environment for improving your artistic talents.
Waterperry Gardens host a number of events throughout the year.
Do you live in Oxfordshire? What are your favourite places to visit near Oxford? Let us know in the comments section below…