Attractions near Oxford
Blenheim Palace
In Woodstock, Oxfordshire, open mid March-end October, daily 10:30-5:30,
Tel. 0993 811325/811091
Can one really call Blenheim a "house"? This place is massive,
overwhelming, ostentatious, and amazing for all that. A gift from
the grateful Queen
Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, for his victory
over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Designed by Vanbrugh,
and completed by Hawksmoor, with grounds by Capability Brown. Winston
Churchill was born in a small room just off the main entrance. Take
your time, there's an awful lot to take in. Official
web site
While you're visiting Blenheim Palace, take in the nearby Oxfordshire
County Museum in
Woodstock (Tel 0993 811456). The museum is housed in a 16th century
house, and contains rural crafts, in addition to a superb "Oxfordshire
through the Ages" exhibit.
Didcot Railway Centre
Didcot, Oxfordshire, open daily Easter-end September 10-5, Tel. 01235
817200 Fax 01235 510621
Didcot houses the steam engine collection from the old Great Western
Railway in the original engine shed. Check ahead for the dates of
their Steamdays, when the old warhorses come out of the shed and take
you for a ride.
Broughton Castle
2 m SW Banbury, on B4035, open mid May-mid September, Wed., Sun. 2-5,
and Thurs. In July and August, Tel. 0295 262624
Home of the Fiennes family for over 600 years, begun about 1300
as a fortified manor. Maintains its medieval roots, though much of
the decor is Tudor.
Waddesdon Manor
6 m NW Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, on A41, National Trust, open
April-mid October, Thurs.-Sat. (and Wed. July-August) 1-6, Sun. and
BH Mon. 11-6, Tel. 0296 651211
Created by Baron Rothschild beginning in 1874, a French chateau
sprouts in the Vale of Aylesbury. Contains an opulent collection of
the family's French treasures, including Sevres porcelain, carpets,
paintings, and furniture once belonging to Marie Antoinette and Louis
XIV. Web
site
Thames Path
This long distance walking trail follows the Thames River for 180
miles from its source to London. Around Oxford the trail passes the
remains of Godstow Abbey, whose most famous resident was Rosamund
de Clifford - "Fair Rosamund" of legend - supposedly poisoned
by Eleanor of Aquitaine after she discovered that Henry II had taken
Rosamund as his mistress.
The Thames Path crosses peaceful water meadows and wanders through
lovely waterside villages, making for a delightful outing for an afternoon
or a full day. web
site
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