Oxfordshire Tourist Information

Oxfordshire is situated in the southern part of the heart of England, with history stretching back to Saxon times. The county is delightfully rural, over seventy per cent is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Rivers Cherwell and Thames (or Isis as it is known to locals) flow through Oxfordshire, creating water meadows, river valley walks and lush verdant countryside.

Oxfordshire Tourist Information can be accessed in the County Town of Oxford, known throughout the world for its University - the second oldest in Europe. It's also known for its motor car production. Some of the finest architecture in Britain can be found within the city. The city's Asmolean Museum is Britain's oldest public museum while the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens was the first Botanic Garden in the country.

Just north of Oxford is magnificent Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The nearby town of Woodstock is home of the Oxfordshire County Museum. Nearby, the peaceful village of Blaydon is Sir Winston's final resting place.

In north Oxfordshire Tourist Information offices are in the market towns of Banbury and Bicester. Call in for details of circular walks and village trails in the area. To learn more about the area visit Bygones Museum in Banbury. Sulgrave Manor is a popular destination for a day out. For gardeners, a visit to Brook Cottage Garden offers a tranquil and inspirational treat. All the family will enjoy an outing to historic Broughton Castle.
The Oxford Canal flows through the area, from Oxford to Coventry, passing historic churches and pretty villages along the way.
Chipping Norton is Oxfordshire's highest town. It's a prosperous market town, based on its textile industry. Just north of Chipping Norton is the site of the Rollright Stones, which date from the Neolithic period.

West Oxfordshire is where the county meets the Cotswolds. Burford is a beautiful old town which continues to delight its visitors. Oxfordshire Tourist Information can be found in Witney, where you can visit Witney and District Museum to learn the history of this famous blanket making town. Nearby at Cogges Manor Farm you are sure to have an interesting visit. The museum presents a full programme of events throughout the season. Nearby at Long Hanborough is Oxford Bus Museum. There is Oxfordshire public transport and Morris Motors on display here covering the 1920s to the 1980s.

Oxfordshire Tourist Information can be found in the Vale of the White Horse in the ancient towns of Abingdon, Faringdon and Wantage. Each is steeped in history and well worth visiting. White Horse country is situated between the Ridgeway and the River Thames. The name refers to Britain's oldest chalk figure - dating from around 1000 BC - which you can see at White Horse Hill near Uffington. The area has many lovely walks, with miles of footpaths and pleasant villages with friendly country pubs.

Buscot Park, with its beautiful grounds and water garden, offers a relaxing day out. Admirers of William Morris and the arts and crafts movement should take the opportunity to visit his home Kelmscott Manor. At Wantage you can find out more about the Vale of the White Horse at the Vale and Downland Museum.

In the South Oxfordshire Tourist Information is available at Didcot, Henley on Thames and Wallingford.

Didcot is still an important railway junction town today. You can visit Didcot Railway Centre, a living museum of the Great Western Railway.
Henley on Thames is a lovely old town, dating back to the 12th century as a river crossing and port. Today it is famous for its annual event in July, the Henley Royal Regatta, reminiscent of times passed, but still part of England's proud heritage.
For a real historical experience visit nearby Stoner where a priest hole used during the Civil War can still be seen.

Greys Court is a great example of an historic home being preserved for the nation by the National Trust.