THINGS TO DO
Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, between Oxford and the Cotswolds, Worton Park is perfectly located for a wide range of unforgettable stays. You can enjoy a countryside escape on each of our properties doorsteps or a break filled with culture, history and entertainment, you’ll find it all on your stay with us.
Surrounded by beautiful rural landscapes, guests can unwind and enjoy the peace of the countryside. Woodstock, known as the gateway to the Cotswold, is a short distance away. Here, you can explore charming streets, local pubs and scenic walks, getting a taste for what the region has to offer.
In contrast, the vibrant city of Oxford is just a stone’s throw away, offering an incredible variety of things to see and do. From world-renowned museums and historic landmarks to shopping, dining and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone and Worton Park provides the perfect base to explore it all.
The Oxford Canal and Thrupp
On the doorstep of our Manor House, Coach House and The Dovecote properties, the Oxford Canal is a stunning environment to explore. It’s ideal for walks, kayaking and boating or just relaxing by the canal watching the narrowboats go by. Thrupp is the base of our houses and is lined by thatched-roof cottages along the canal. You can find three amazing cafés and bars in the village with canal-side seating perfect for a refreshing drink or bite in the summer months.
The Cotswolds
Just a short drive from Worton Park, you can find Woodstock, often referred to as the gateway to the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are one of England’s most beautiful countryside regions. Visitors can explore picturesque towns such as Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, browse independent shops and cosy cafés, or enjoy scenic walks through the surrounding countryside.
Oxford
The City of Dreaming Spires is just a 10-minute drive away from Worton Park, and even less from our Hillcrest property. Oxford is one of the UK’s most historic and beautiful cities, famous for the University of Oxford, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the iconic college buildings and discover attractions such as the Bodleian Library, the Natural History Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Ashmolean Museum. The city also hosts a vibrant social scene, with a fantastic range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as fun outings like escape rooms.
Woodstock
Home to our very own Woodstock Manor, Woodstock is a charming Georgian town often regarded as the gateway to the Cotswolds. Many people think first of Blenheim Palace, but the town itself offers so much more. Stroll through its picturesque streets and discover what makes a Cotswold town so memorable, from honey-coloured stone cottages to the surrounding countryside. With a range of independent shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés, it’s perfect for browsing locally produced goods and souvenirs.
Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museums
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum are must-visit attractions for anyone visiting Oxford during their stay with us. Located side by side, these free-to-visit museums offer a fascinating day out for visitors of all ages. The Natural History Museum showcases an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and scientific specimens, while the Pitt Rivers Museum houses an extraordinary array of artefacts from cultures around the world.
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is one of Oxfordshire’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Woodstock, visitors can explore the grand palace interiors, stroll through the formal gardens, enjoy scenic walks around the lake and parkland or visit the adventure play area. The palace also hosts seasonal events throughout the year including tours, exhibitons and family events. The grounds can be accessed almost directly opposite Woodstock Manor along the public footpath.
Port Meadow and Godstow Abbey
A short drive from Worton Park, and even closer to Hillcrest, Port Meadow is a vast stretch of ancient grazing land along the River Thames, still home to cattle and horses. It’s perfect for walking or wild swimming, with stunning views across the Oxford skyline. Across the river lies Godstow Abbey, a 12th-century Benedictine nunnery famous as the burial place of Rosamund Clifford, later dissolved in the 16th century. You can combine both in one trip with a visit to The Trout Inn, a picturesque riverside pub with literary connections to C. S. Lewis.
The Oxfordshire Museum
Explore the history of the county in The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock. Step inside and discover more than you might expect, with fascinating galleries that bring Oxfordshire’s story to life; from the Jurassic period to the Anglo-Saxon and Victorian eras. The Oxfordshire Museum hosts an impressive range of things to do including a cafe and shop, walled garden, library and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, and an events space which hosts a range of fantatsic events throughout the year.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Located near Burford, about a 30-minute drive from Worton Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the UK’s largest zoological collections, set within 160 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland and gardens. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, lions, lemurs, and reptiles, which visitors can experience up close through themed and interactive enclosures. Guests can also explore the elegant Victorian manor house and its tropical indoor exhibits, enjoy adventure playgrounds, picnic areas, and a popular miniature railway that runs through the park.
The Story Museum
Located in Oxford, The Story Museum is a unique and immersive attraction dedicated to the power of storytelling. This interactive museum brings books, fairy tales, and stories to life through creative exhibitions, themed rooms, and hands-on activities. Popular with families and visitors of all ages, it celebrates classic tales such as Alice in Wonderland alongside modern children’s literature. With regular events, performances, and workshops, The Story Museum offers a magical day out in Oxford for anyone who loves stories.
Oxford Castle and Prison
Oxford Castle & Prison is a historic attraction offering a fascinating glimpse into over 1,000 years of Oxford’s past. Visitors can explore the medieval castle grounds, climb St George’s Tower for panoramic city views, and take guided tours through the prison cells to hear stories of former inmates and historic events. With interactive exhibits, engaging storytelling, and special seasonal events, Oxford Castle & Prison combines history, architecture, and adventure for an unforgettable day out in the city.
Bicester Village
Just 30 minutes from Worton Park, Bicester Village is a luxury shopping destination featuring over 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, offering year-round savings on leading designer brands. Set in an elegant, open-air village environment, visitors can enjoy a relaxed shopping experience alongside a variety of stylish cafés and restaurants. From high-end fashion and accessories to homeware and gifts, Bicester Village has something for every shopper, making it the perfect destination for a day of retail therapy near Oxford.
Diddly Squat Farm Shop and The Farmers Dog
Fans of Clarkson’s Farm and Top Gear will love this! Just a scenic drive from Worton Park, visitors can stop by Diddly Squat Farm Shop to browse locally produced food, drinks, and farm products sourced directly from the surrounding countryside. Close to Burford, The Farmer’s Dog Pub offers a relaxed setting with beautiful views of the countryside, where guests can enjoy local food and drinks. A little further afield, you can also visit Hawkstone’s Brewery in Bourton-on-the-Water for a taste of locally brewed ales.
Hook Norton Brewery
Roughly a 30-minute drive from Worton Park, Hook Norton Brewery is a historic Victorian tower brewery offering guided tours, a museum, a restaurant, and a shop. Visitors can take a tour to learn about traditional brewing methods using the original steam-powered equipment and discover the brewery’s rich heritage. After the tour, guests can sample a range of award-winning ales in the cosy on-site bar or pick up local products from the shop, making it a perfect day out for beer lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum, the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, is one of the oldest public museums in the world. It houses an incredible collection spanning thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian artefacts and classical sculptures to Renaissance paintings and modern art. Free to visit, the museum offers a fascinating cultural experience, with beautifully curated galleries, temporary exhibitions, and a rooftop restaurant with views across the city.
Didcot Railway Centre
Located around 30 minutes from Worton Park, Didcot Railway Centre is a fascinating heritage attraction set on the site of the former Great Western Railway engine shed. Perfect for families and railway enthusiasts alike, visitors can explore a unique collection of restored steam locomotives, vintage carriages, and historic railway buildings. With interactive exhibits, train rides on selected days, and regular special events, Didcot Railway Centre offers an engaging and nostalgic day out celebrating Britain’s railway history.
Local Theatres
Oxford is home to a vibrant theatre scene, offering a mix of drama, comedy, music, and dance. Key venues include the Oxford Playhouse, which hosts touring productions and local performances; the New Theatre, known for large-scale West End shows and musicals; and the North Wall Arts Centre, featuring contemporary theatre, live music, and workshops.
Fairytale Farm
Roughly 40 minutes from Worton Park, Fairytale Farm is a magical, family-friendly attraction where children can meet and interact with a wide range of animals. From cuddly lambs and goats to pigs, alpacas, and more, the farm brings stories and fairy tales to life in a fun and educational setting. With adventure play areas, storytelling sessions, seasonal events, and hands-on animal experiences, Fairytale Farm offers a delightful day out for families exploring the Oxfordshire countryside.
Oxford Literary Heritage
The city is also a literary haven, with connections to Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, and The Chronicles of Narnia. From Tolkien and C.S. Lewis to Philip Pullman, Oxford has inspired many literary greats. Discover their haunts on a self-guided literary walking trail through the city’s pubs, colleges, and bookshops. Highlights include Christ Church College, which inspired Alice in Wonderland, and the Bodleian Library, featured in Harry Potter.
Crocodiles of the World
Located just outside Witney, Crocodiles of the World is a unique and exciting wildlife attraction dedicated to crocodilians from across the globe. Around a 25-minute drive from Worton Park, it offers visitors the chance to get up close to a wide variety of crocodiles, alligators, and caimans, as well as other reptiles and animals. With daily keeper talks, feeding demonstrations, and interactive experiences, guests can learn about these fascinating creatures and their conservation efforts.
Punting
A renowned Oxford and Cambridge activity, punting involves navigating a flat-bottomed boat (a "punt") using a long pole pushed against the riverbed. It’s a relaxing way to explore Oxford from the water and spend a few blissful hours on the river. Punts can be hired from the Magdalen Bridge or Cherwell Boathouse.
Oxford Botanic Gardens
The Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in the UK, is a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets. Just a short drive from Worton Park, it features beautifully curated gardens, glasshouses, and diverse plant collections from around the world. Visitors can wander through tranquil borders, discover rare and exotic species, and enjoy seasonal displays throughout the year. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing day out, the Oxford Botanic Garden provides a calm and scenic retreat in the heart of the city.
Westgate Shopping Centre
Oxford’s Westgate Shopping Centre is a modern retail and leisure destination in the heart of the city. It offers a wide range of high-street shops, designer boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and social activities. Visitors can shop for fashion, homeware, and gifts, catch a film at the cinema, or relax with a coffee while enjoying the lively city atmosphere. Westgate is the perfect spot for a convenient and enjoyable day of shopping while exploring Oxford.
Farmers Markets
You can find great markets all across Oxfordshire, here are some local ones.
Woodstock Farmers Market: 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month
Kidlington Market: Every Friday and Saturday
Witney Farmers Market: 4th Friday of every month
Summertown Market: Every Sunday
Oxford Science Museum
Another great Oxford museum, the History of Science Museum offers a fascinating look at the development of scientific ideas and instruments over the centuries. The museum houses an impressive collection of scientific instruments, including early telescopes, microscopes, astrolabes, and mathematical devices, many from the University of Oxford’s historic collections. Free to visit, it provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, exploring the intersection of science, history, and innovation in a beautifully preserved historic setting.
Millets Farm Centre
Located around 30 minutes from Worton Park, Millets Farm Centre is a family-friendly destination offering a mix of shopping, food, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the farm shop and garden centre, meet a variety of farm animals, enjoy falconry displays, take part in adventure play, and join seasonal events and workshops. With cafés, picnic spots, and plenty of space to roam, Millets Farm Centre is a perfect day out for families.
Oxford Ice Rink
Oxford Ice Rink is a popular year-round destination for ice skating enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors can enjoy public skating sessions for beginners, patch sessions for more advanced skaters, and occasional disco sessions on Fridays. Skate hire is available on site. The rink provides a fun and active day out for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a classic winter activity in Oxford, no matter the season.
Oxford Walking Tours
If you’re planning to visit Oxford during your stay with us and don’t know where to start, why not join an Oxford walking tour? Oxford Official Walking Tours offers a variety of experiences, including Oxford University and city tours, film location tours, ghost tours, literary tours, Harry Potter tours, detective tours, and more.