Oxfordshire, a gentle, rural county, where traditional English Country cottages with roses climbing over the porch, abound. This is comfortable, middle England, a place of charm and contentment. It evokes memories of sleepy villages, the Thames with riverside homes overlooking the river, boating in the summer, sitting in the gardens of country pubs... Oxford, with its prestigious university full of historic interest, smart restaurants, and a superb shopping centre.
Blenheim Palace with its park, maze and lake, about eight miles distant from Oxford, is a firm visitor attraction. Winston Churchill was born here.
To the west, the Cotswolds beckon, where every golden, stone-built home is picture book perfect; the countryside idyllic. It's great walking country with several challenging walks for intrepid walkers: the Oxfordshire Way, the D'Arcy Dalton Way, the Macmillan Way, the Wychwood Way,and the Thames Path.
Chipping Norton, is the highest town in Oxfordshire. It's history goes way back - it was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Market days are still held on Wednesdays. There is an ancient stone circle, called the 'Rollright stones' to the north of Chipping Norton which might interest those who like to feel one with nature.
Warwick with its castle and Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare country, are within striking distance for a day visit. It's a good place for a relaxing and lazy holiday, with some sightseeing, a little walking taking in the beauty of the countryside, shopping, dining out in smart restaurants and picturesque country pubs, boating on the river.