Hello Oxfordshire: Where to Have a Perfect Stay in England’s Heartland

With its picture-perfect landscapes, rich history and lively towns, it's easy to see why Oxfordshire is such a popular holiday destination. From Oxford's incredible architecture to the Cotswolds' rustic scenery, this county offers something for every kind of traveller. Finding the right place to stay can be overwhelming, but luckily the experts at Plum Guide are here to make it easier. We'veCotswolds'Oxford's covered every corner and compiled this guide on where to stay in Oxfordshire. So, whether you're seeking an activity-packed holiday or a carefree, spontaneous kind of getaway, take a look at our top picks below.

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No visit to Oxfordshire would be complete without staying in its county town, Oxford. It's one of the oldest cities in the UK, with a rich history of over 1,000 years. You'll come across gorgeous old buildings, cobbled streets, and picturesque views everywhere you look. One of its most visited attractions is the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most famous universities. Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour to see its unique architecture and learn about its fascinating history. Another fun historical site is Oxford Castle and Prison. Visit the exhibitions and listen to the captivating stories of those who once lived here. Finally, for postcard-worthy snaps, climb St George’s Tower to enjoy panoramic views over the city.

Those with a green thumb will love visiting Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum. It'sGeorge'sworld's the oldest botanic garden in the country and a lovely place to unwind amongst the plants. When the weather’s good, a quintessentially Oxford thing to do is to go punting down the River Cherwell. Take in the charming old buildings and lush greenery as you glide along. Even if it’s not punting weather, there'sit'sweather's always something to keep you entertained as the city has a packed schedule of events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Oxford Literary Festival, Oxford Chamber Music Festival and the Oxford Film Festival.

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Part of Oxfordshire lies within the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the loveliest parts of England. Made up of rolling pastures, chocolate-box villages and winding rivers, it’s no surprise that the Cotswolds is an extremely popular place to stay.

Burford is considered the southern gateway to the Cotswolds, a historic market town located on the banks of the River Windrush. The famous High Street slopes down to meet the river and is lined with ancient cottages and shops, a nod to its history, which dates back to Saxon times. One of its most iconic landmarks is the medieval bridge over the river, built in the 14th century and still in use today. Elsewhere in town is the Burford Priory, a Grade I listed house founded in the 13th century (sadly not a Plum Guide home).

Explore the many side streets and pop into the tea rooms, antique shops and cosy traditional pubs. Little has changed since Tudor times, and the challenge here is to spot any perfectly horizontal building. If you visit in the summer, don’t miss the annual summer fair, which has been held here for over 750 years. There are traditional games, rides and food stalls for the whole family to enjoy.

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Wondering where to stay in Oxfordshire for a good mix of shopping, entertainment and nature? Just a twenty-minute drive from Burford is the market town of Chipping Norton, affectionately known as 'don'tit'sChippy’ by locals. Like Burford, it dates back to the Saxon period, and many of its buildings and landmarks are centuries old. It was once a centre for the wool trade, and its history is evident from the medieval Guildhall and the grand St Mary's' Church.

The town has excellent places to eat, drink and shop, with a fantastic selection of antique stores and independent boutiques. There’s also a once-a-month farmers’ market and an outdoor market each week. It has a thriving arts scene, with several festivals and events held throughout the year, including the annual Chipping Norton Literary Festival and the Chipping Norton Music Festival. Even if you miss these, there'sfarmers'There's always the excellent Chipping Norton Theatre and several galleries and art centres to visit.

The town makes for a great base to explore the surrounding countryside, and there are ample opportunities for walking and cycling. One of the best family-friendly routes is the Chipping Norton and Glyme Valley Walk. Starting from the town, the route takes you through the Cotswolds' rolling hills with spectacular farmland views and peaceful meadows.

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Set along the River Thames, this 13th-century market town is one of the most beautiful locations when it comes to where to stay in Oxfordshire. Browse through the selection of independent shops, dine in traditional pubs and visit historic landmarks like the 12th-century St Mary's Church, Henley Bridge and Henley Town Hall, which are among the 300 buildings within the town designated for special architectural or historical interest.

Sports fans should plan their visit for the summer when the Henley Royal Regatta takes place. This is one of the most prestigious rowing events in the world, attracting visitors from around the globe. Typically held over five days, you can enjoy over 200 races with Olympians among the participants. If sport isn't your thing, the Henley Festival of Music and Arts also takes place in the summer and showcases various performances, exhibitions and events.

A stay in the town means you're well-positioned to venture further afield. Surrounded by verdant countryside, spend your days walking along the Thames Path, cruising down the river on a boat, or taking the many hiking trails in the nearby Chiltern Hills. With its excellent transport links, you can even take day trips to other destinations in the region, such as London and Oxford.

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As you may have guessed from the name, this is another market town on the River Thames. Abingdon's idyllic location is perfect for getting out and about in nature. Take leisurely strolls along the riverbank, cycle the Thames Path National Trail or brave the cold water and kayak, canoe and paddle board down the river.

Holding claim to 'the oldest, continuously inhabited town in England', Abingdon is packed with historical gems waiting to be discovered, such as the Abbey Gateway, St Nicolas Church, Abbey Buildings and St Helen's Church. A great place to start your step back in time is the Abingdon County Hall Museum which gives visitors a compelling insight into the town's history, from the Roman era to the present day.

There is also a range of exciting events here, from the annual Abingdon Carnival to the Abingdon Air and Country Show which features thrilling displays and activities such as vintage aircraft and aerobatics. If that all sounds rather quirky, wait until you hear about the town's unique tradition of bun-throwing. Dating back 400 years, this spectacle happens on royal occasions when specially made buns are thrown down to huge crowds from the roof of the County Hall. You'd better come hungry.

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Right on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, Woodstock is famous for its World Heritage site Blenheim Palace. This 18th-century stately home is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and is currently home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. Set within magnificent landscaped gardens created by Capability Brown, the palace offers intriguing exhibits and events throughout the year.

However, the palace somewhat takes the limelight, and few people actually make it to Woodstock's historic town centre. All we can say is that they're missing out, as there are many things to see and do here. Spend hours on end strolling through the town, popping into its many fine Georgian buildings that house cafes, shops and galleries. Watch for the wonderfully peculiar musical clock, which plays a different tune daily. If the weather's not on your side (it is England, after all), there are two excellent museums to while away the time – the Oxfordshire Museum and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum both have an interesting collection of exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.

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