Oxfordshire is a county blessed with a wonderful array country houses and gardens.
In the north of the County, lies Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Woodstock. It is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and is currently home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough. It has over 300 years of history to discover and more than 2000 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens to explore.
Venture west to find Cogges Manor Farm, a 13th-century manor house and scheduled ancient monument with a farmyard and walled garden.
Don’t miss the stunning Harcourt Arboretum in South Oxfordshire, and explore 130 acres of tranquil British woodland, open wildflower meadows and trees from around the world.
Further south is Stonor Park, home to the Stonor family for over 850 years. Voted as number 7 in the top stately homes in the UK, there is plenty to see and do at Stonor including a great programme of events throughout the year. The picturesque parkland of Stonor is embedded in a valley within the heart of the Chiltern Hills. Visitors have the possibility to explore three different garden landscapes: the 17th century Pleasure Garden, the Old Kitchen Garden and the Arboretum.
In Wallingford you will find the site of one of the strongest and most important castles in England. The building of the castle began in 1067 on the direct instructions of William the Conqueror, it was expanded in the C13 and went on to become a royal castle. The site is now a garden offering the visitor a peaceful stroll and a place for rest and contemplation amongst the ruins.
Just a stone’s throw from Oxford is the delightful Waterperry Gardens (pictured above) where visitors can explore 8 acres of beautiful ornamental gardens, sample Afternoon Tea in the cafe, and pick up a few souvenirs in the garden shop.
The city of Oxford is full of green spaces to relax and unwind. Situated in the heart of Oxford, Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanic garden founded in 1621 and is an oasis of green in the city centre. The city’s many parks and meadows like Christ Church Meadows, South Parks, University Parks and Port Meadow are some of the best parks you can visit in Oxford.