Historic Properties & Places of Interest in Oxfordshire

Stonor is one of England’s oldest manor houses and owned by the same family for over 800 years.  The imposing building houses a collection of family portraits, beautiful stained glass, old Master Drawings, European Bronzes, an early 19th century wallpaper of Paris as well as contemporary ceramics.  There is also a 13th century chapel in the grounds.

Oxford Castle dates back to 1071, when it first incarcerated people and continued to do so until HM Prison closed in 1996. The old buildings have been preserved and the stories of violence, executions, escapes and betrayal, can now be told.

Blenheim Palace is a stunning baroque Palace dating back to the 18th century. The Palace has been the family home of the Churchill family for over 300 years and subsequent Dukes have made differences to the structure and gardens. As well as the State Rooms and collection of carvings, porcelain, tapestries and painting, the 2,100 acres of parkland are also a huge draw, with sweeping lawns, formal gardens and a grand lake.

Beautiful 14th century Manor House surrounded by a magnificent moat.  There is plenty to see in house including the Great Hall, King’s Chamber, Great Parlour, Queen Anne’s Room, Chapel and pretty gardens outside of the house. 

The Bodleian Library is located in the heart of the University of Oxford, across buildings dating back 500 years. It is the second largest library in the UK, with 30 reading rooms in 10 buildings, with over 300,000 items. Visitors can buy quality merchandise from The Bodleian Shop, or see the Divinity School, the oldest teaching room of the university built in 1488.  Tours and Audio Tours of the historic libraries are available daily Monday to Saturday with information about the library from its beginning to current day, whilst viewing the fantastic architecture.

Eight Acres of beautiful landscaped ornamental gardens, with a small museum and Saxon Church as well.  The gardens have trees, shrubs, flowers, classical borders, modern planting, secret corners and long vistas, with specific garden areas of the Formal Garden, Mary Rose Garden and a Water Lilly Canal.  The museum displays ancient tools and implements, and the small Saxon church has collections of ancient glass, brasses, plaques and floor tiles.

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden has three sections; the Glasshouses, classic garden features and the Walled Garden.  Plants are grown in the garden to support teaching programmes.  The garden is also a national reference collection with 7,000 different types of plant.

Harcourt Arboretum is at it’s most colourful during the months of May, June and October.  In spring there is a 10-acre woodland and in summer a 37-acre meadow full of wild flowers.  As well as the dramatic trees and shrubs there are also themed planted in six beds.