De Vere : Local Attractions

1

Witney Lakes Resort

A large Complex with Health Club, Beauty Spa and a 18 hole 71 par Golf Course.

2

Woodstock and Blenheim Palace

Go cross country to Woodstock taking in Churchill’s grave in Blaydon cemetery. Blenheim Palace is spectacular and whilst entrance to the house can be a little on the expensive side, a walk round the grounds is cheap and relaxing.

Top Tips: Like the other villages mentioned parking on the street is difficult so do try to park in designated car parks. Woodstock in April and May is spectacular with the most amazing wisterias in full bloom draped on the ancient buildings

Address: http://www.blenheimpalace.com

3

Modern Art Museum Oxford

A variety of modern art exhibitions through out the year.

Website: www.modernartoxford.org.uk

4

Cotswold Wildlife Park

An impressive collection of birds, animals and insects for the whole family to enjoy.

Website: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

5

Banbury Village

A medieval town, steeped in history with lots to see and do.

6

Burford

A picturesque town crammed full of history with specialist shops, galleries and antique shops.

7

Cogges Manor Farm

A unique working museum depicting Oxfordshire rural life in Victorian times, set in an historic manor house and Cotswold stone farm buildings. Explore the beautiful farmstead, original Cotswold buildings and displays about farming in years gone by. Meet traditional breeds of farm animals, talk to farm hands and dairy maids and watch them go about their daily work.

Website: www.cogges.org

8

Oxford

What can we say about Oxford that hasn’t already be said? Dreaming Spires, Harry Potter, Inspector Morse and of course, the university. There really is something for everyone in Oxford, if you want to get a taste of Oxford in one hit, go to the Oxford Story on The Broad or jump on one of the sightseeing buses. Alternatively go to the Tourist Information Centre in Gloucester Green and plan your day with the experts. The General Manager’s personal favourite though is the covered market with Ben’s Cookies and Feller, Son and Daughter, Oxford’s premier organic butcher.

Top Tips: Parking in the centre of Oxford is scarce and very expensive. Either use the Park and Ride facility at Pear Tree, signposted from the A40. Alternatively catch the S2 from the top of the road opposite the White Hart Inn and go right to the centre. Afternoon tea at the Randolph is our local answer to tea at the Ritz!!

Website: www.visitoxford.org

9

Bicester Designer Outlet

Approximately half an hour away, take A40 towards Oxford then A34 towards M40 and then on towards Bicester. This really is a designer outlet, with Versace, Ralph Lauren, DKNY and Paul Smith to name a few. Styled as a New England village, some amazing bargains can be found here.

Website: www.bicestervillage.com

10

Tetbury

On the southern edge of the Cotswolds this imposing town has the characteristic grey stone buildings of the south Cotswolds. This is antique heaven with antique showrooms standing shoulder to shoulder down the main street. Now also home to a shop dedicated to Duchy of Cornwall and Highgrove produce it also has limited edition prints of watercolours painted by the Prince of Wales. There are also some great pubs for a cosy pub lunch.

Top Tips: Head for the car parks, it’s almost impossible to park on the street. Another tip from the General Manager, you have just got to go to the House of Cheese, one of the first specialist food shops in the area and Hobbs House Bakery where the ‘Hiker Bars’ also get a personal recommendation!

Website: www.tetbury.org

11

Cheltenham

Cheltenham is 30 miles away, but a relatively swift half an hour drive along the A40. This is a real favourite of the General Manager’s firstly because she lived there for three years and secondly because you really don’t get shopping like this anymore on Britain’s high streets. Personal recommendations include the Montpellier Parade of shops and bars, especially the Montpellier Wine Bar and Kitchener’s kitchen shop, which still has a Victorian style cashier’s booth.

Top Tips: Like Oxford there is simply not enough parking to go round, so do take advantage of Park and Ride facilities. Afternoon tea at the Queens Hotel on Imperial Gardens can’t be missed. If you fancy Michelin starred cuisine, Cheltenham is home to Le Champignon Sauvage.

Website: www.visitcheltenham.co.uk

12

Bourton on the Water

When you say the Cotswolds this is the village most people identify with. With the shallow river running through the centre it’s so easy to lose a half day wandering the centre. The model village is also worth a visit a 1:9 scale model of Bourton as is Birdland.

Top Tips: A major destination on the coach tour routes, this village really does get busy during the day, so it’s best to get there nice and early. Parking is plentiful and well sign-posted.

Website: www.bourtoninfo.com

13

Steam Railway Museum, Swindon

Run by Swindon Borough Council on the site of the old Great Western railway works in Swindon. A real boys-toys day out and for the girls, Swindon Designer Outlet is right next door!

Website: www.swindon.gov.uk/steam

14

Stratford upon Avon

Heading north from Minster Lovell, it is possible to make a day trip out of visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace. Head straight to the tourist information to plan your day or simply get on a Guide Friday open topped bus which visits all the major tourist destinations.

Address: http://www.shakespeare.org.uk

15

Bibury

Home to many famous residents including Jilly Cooper and Kate Moss, Bibury is a hidden jewel in the Cotswold. In the centre of the village is a trout fishery which is open to visitors seven days a week and where all things trout-y can be purchased. The main attraction in Bibury though is the picture-perfect English country cottages. Arlington Row is reputed to be the oldest continually inhabited row of stone cottages in the world. In the summer the cottage gardens are simply stunning.

Top Tips: Parking is limited. Bibury is popular with coach tours, so try to get in there either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds!

Website: www.bibury.com