Nearby | The Laurels

The iconic City of Dreaming Spires

Enjoy Oxford’s museums, college tours and punting on the river

Places to visit in Oxfordshire

The Laurels holiday cottages are ideally located to make the most of being as busy or as relaxed as you like. Oxfordshire and its surrounding area has so many places to visit including historic buildings, family attractions, motor museums, arboretums, walks, boating on the River Thames, steam railways as well as excellent pubs and restaurants.

Oxford

Oxford City

The City of Oxford is just under 10 miles from here. Catch the City 11 bus at the end of the track or drive to Red Bridge Park and Ride on the Abingdon Road, Oxford. Otherwise, there is good underground parking at the Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill, is around 40 minutes by car. Take a picnic and soak up the atmosphere of the landscaped grounds designed by Capability Brown.

Broughton Castle

Broughton Castle is a moated and fortified Elizabethan manor house near Banbury in north Oxfordshire. Just under an hour away from us and easy to get to on the M40; exit at J11.

Windsor Castle

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world is just 45 minutes away by car.

Oxford Botanic Garden

The garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain, founded in 1621. Just 9 miles away, easily accessible from here by bus.

Bourton-on-the Water

A delightful village often referred to as the ‘Little Venice’ of the Cotswolds because of the number of bridges that span the River Windrush. Visit the charming town of Burford en route.

The Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire Golf Course

The Oxfordshire is recognised as one of the most exciting courses in the country. In fact, the 18 hole championship course is a former European tour venue. You can book your tee time online. There is also a spa onsite if you want need a massage after a morning on the course.

Cotswold Wildlife Park

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is home to more than 260 species of animals and 120 acres of beautiful parkland near Burford. With giraffes, lions, a lemur walkway, wolves and rhinos to name but a few, you can easily spend a whole day visiting this attraction.

Silverstone

Silverstone F1

Around an hour away is the home of British Motor Racing including the British Formula One Grand Prix. With its museum, driving experiences and a busy calendar of events, Silverstone is a dream destination for all motor racing fans.

Cotswold Farm Park

Britain’s most comprehensive collection of rare breed British farm animals. There are plenty of activities for the children including rabbits and guinea pigs to stroke, lambs and goat kids to bottle feed and seasonal demonstrations as well as a farm safari ride, wildlife walk and play areas.

Crocodiles of the World

Come face-to-face with one of the world’s most feared predators at the UK’s only crocodile zoo. Crocodiles of the World is dedicated to crocodile conservation and is home to over 100 crocodiles including endangered species. With daily feeds and keeper experiences you’ll have a wild time.

Bicester Village Retail Park

Easily accessible via car or train (from Oxford), Bicester Village is a popular designer outlet. With more than 160 boutiques from leading British and international fashion and lifestyle brands, it’s a shoppers paradise.

Walking and Cycling

Walking is on our doorstep; you can head north across the fields to Little Milton and the Haseleys or south to Stadhampton and Chislehampton. All walks are easy and scenic. There is a good circular walk from us via Little Milton and back to Stadhampton.

There’s plenty of cycling, some of it challenging, to be had in the area. Routes to look for are The Phoenix Trail from Thame to Princes Risborough as well as rides into the Chilterns which can be started from here.

Places to Eat and Drink

The Crazy Bear

Quirky restaurant in Stadhampton just minutes away by car. Alternatively, cycle or walk along the footpath to the pub for lunch or supper at this uniquely-decorated hostelry. Booking advisable. Also visit The Crazy Bear Farm Shop to stock up on interesting food items.

The Lamb

The Lamb, Little Milton

A traditional and cosy pub just 5 minutes by car. It’s also possible to walk on the footpath adjacent to us and head across the fields to Little Milton. We recommend booking a table in advance.

La Table d'Alix

The Plough in Great Haseley is a little corner of France in a pretty English pub. Either drive or cycle to Great Haseley via Rofford and Little Haseley. The car journey is roughly 10 minutes. Table reservation recommended.

The Mole Inn

The Mole Inn is a highly rated gastro pub-restaurant in the village of Toot Baldon just down the road from us.

A countryside tavern with sprawling gardens, serving a seasonal menu of globally influenced cuisine.

The Hand and Flowers

The Hand and Flowers, Marlow

Not far from Henley is Marlow, another pretty, Thames-side town with many interesting shops and restaurants including Tom Kerridge’s Hand and Flowers.

The Nelson

The place to eat, drink and shop in beautiful Brightwell Baldwin. Just 5 minutes from us by car. They serve great breakfasts and lunches. Dinner served on Friday evenings.