The county of Oxfordshire is most famously known for its medieval, prestigious university city of Oxford. But apart from the “City of Dreaming Spires,” visiting the sweet little villages of Oxfordshire offers some much-needed peace and tranquillity away from the bustling, beating heart of the county.
Here’s a look into some of the most beautiful, quintessentially English Oxfordshire villages.
20 Wonderful Oxfordshire Villages:
Aston
The picturesque village of Aston welcomes you with its winding lanes of brick houses and thatched-roof cottages. Home to the Chimney Meadows, a 250-hectare nature reserve brimming with wildlife along the River Thames, you can soak in the rural British atmosphere at Aston. Be sure not to miss the green-winged orchids and meadow foxtails on the Thames National Trail Path.
Photo by Jun on Flickr
Burford
Often seen as Oxfordshire’s gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford rustic cottages and ivy-clad townhouses make it the perfect village to explore on a Sunday afternoon. Stop in at one of the tiny tea houses, pubs or eateries after walking across the medieval bridge that crosses the Windrush River.
Photo by Dave_S. on Flickr
Churchill
The soaring tower of All Saints Church provides the backdrop for the village of Churchill. The Gothic Revival-style church itself has taken inspiration from three of Oxford University’s colleges and is a true spectacle to behold.
Photo by Tejvan Pettinger on Flickr
Kelmscott
The charming village of Kelmscott is home to Kelmscott Manor, a beautiful limestone manor house complete with scenic gardens and pink flowers, a dovecote, lush green meadows and a tiny stream. If you’re visiting in the winter, stop by The Plough traditional pub, where you’ll be able to feast on local food by a cosy, roaring log fire.
Photo by Rictor Norton & David Allen on Flickr
Minster Lovell
If you’re fascinated by the paranormal and all things otherworldly, a visit to the village of Minster Lovell will satisfy your cravings. One of the most haunted villages, soak in the supernatural as you walk around the eerie ruins of Minster Lovell Hall at dusk. For a mouth-watering dinner, head over to The Minster Mill overlooking the Windrush River.
Photo by Hugh Llewelyn on Flickr
Kirtlington
The dreamy village of Kirtlington is nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire and boasts the charming honey-coloured cottages that the Cotswolds are famous for. Make sure you visit the Palladian country house Kirtlington Park, set in 3,000-acres of parkland overlooking the Chiltern Hills.
Photo by Kate Tann on Flickr
Great Rollright
For panoramic views over the countryside below, make sure to check out the scenic village of Great Rollright. Just a little outside the village you’ll find the mysterious Rollright Stones, an ancient stone circle comprising of the King Stone, the Whispering Knights and The Kings Men circle.
Photo by Iain Simpson on Flickr
Witney
The town of Witney is the largest market town in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. The market square itself is complete with 17th century architecture including the Butter Cross, where centuries ago local women would gather to sell eggs and butter. If you’re visiting in the fall, be sure not to miss the celebrations, including the Witney Carnival, Witney Feast and the Wychwood Forest Fair.
Photo by Rictor Norton & David Allen on Flickr
Bruern
The village of Bruern dates back to the year 1147, when an Abbey was recorded in the area – though it is possible the village history goes back even further than that. Stay overnight at the fairy-tale Bruern Cottages for a slice of life in the Cotswolds or explore the magical bluebell woods at the nearby Foxholes Nature Reserve. The enchanted village of Bruern is perfect for the whole family.
Photo by Pedro. On Flickr
Shilton
Downton Abbey fans might recognise areas of Shilton, as the village was used for the backdrop of the famous television program. Be sure to check out the picturesque ford that runs across The Shill brook as well as the lush village green and the Church of the Holy Rood, with its impressive Norman architecture.
Photo by Barry Marsh on Flickr
Kingham
For award winning pubs and home-brewed real ale, Kingham is the best Oxfordshire village to head to. Pop into the Kingham Plough or The Wild Rabbit for a feast of traditional, locally sourced grub before visiting the village’s limestone cottages and ivy-clad buildings.
Photo by grassrootsgroundswell on Flickr
Swinbrook
The honey-coloured, plant-trellised stone cottages of Swinbrook make the village one of the prettiest in Oxfordshire. Left untouched for decades, the place feels somehow trapped in a time loop, preserving the tranquillity of a traditional English village. Stroll across the old stone bridge that cr