72 hrs in the Oxfordshire Cotswold - Oxford, UK
The Oxfordshire Cotswold are a rural paradise in the west of the county. A designated area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds are known for their attractive honey-coloured stone buildings and quintessential English charm. The perfect destination for a long weekend away. If you've only got 72 hours in the area, we've got an action packed schedule for you to enjoy.
Day 1
- 9.30
Start your day early in the handsome Georgian town of Woodstock by visiting UNESCO World
Heritage Site Blenheim Palace. Get there at 9.30 am and enjoy wandering around the park for an hour or so before the Palace opens at 10.30. You can easily wile away the day at the Palace, but our must-sees include the Butterfly House, the Marlborough Hedge Maze and the Temple of diana, where
Winston Churchill proposed to his wife. If you are feeling peckish at any point, visit the Palace's Orangery Restaurant for lunch or Water Terrace Cafe', before you set-off to explore more of the Palace and Gardens.
- 15.00
Take some time to explore the town of Woodstock where you will find the Oxfordshire Museum and Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, before heading over to The Feathers for some delicious gin cocktails (they have over 400 gins from around the world)
- 18.30End your day at The Bear Hotel and restaurant. Set in what was once a 13th century coaching
inn, the award winning restaurant offers a splendid array of British cuisine; we recommend trying their beer battered fish and chips for a traditionally English option.
Day 2
- 10.00
Bright and early it's time to head the Cotswold Wildlife Park. With 260 different species of animal, it's one very easy to spend a day here as you explore the expansive grounds, take a ride on the miniature train and enjoy the award-winning gardens.
- 14.30
Say goodbye to the penguins and take the short journey to Minister Lovell. Enjoy an hour ambling through the picture perfect town, and visiting the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall, a 15th century manor house. After the walk, you could even treat yourself to one of the best afternoon teas in the county at the nearby Old Swan and Minster Mill.
www.experienceoxfordshire.org
Day 3
- 10.00
Enjoy the excellent breakfast at Eynsham Hall, and then take the short trip to Cogges Manor Farm. Here you can spend the morning visiting the farmhouse, meeting the farm animals and wandering the gardens. For fans of Downton Abbey, Cogges Manor Farm is the Cotswold town of Witney. Dating back to Saxon times, the town is famous for the production of woolen blankets, and is now a thriving market town and home to some excellent independent shop and restaurants. Our recommendation for food would be the Three Horseshoes, a traditional pub serving locally sourced food.
Another option for the afternoon is the nearby town of Burford. This picturesque medieval market town is lined with independent furniture, antique and clothing shops along with a good choice of
cafes and restaurants including Huffkins and the award winning.
Baty Tree restaurant
18.00
For a different take on Burford, go on a one hour ghost trail with Bill Spectre* around Burford and experience a unique way of learning more about the town's history.
19.30
End the day at The Angel at Burford, a 16th century inn, with a delicious dinner. We recommend their
black pepper and sea bream fillet!
www.oxfordshire.org
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