Mind Your Manors in Oxfordshire
The stately manor houses and their splendid gardens that lie in the delightful countryside surrounding Oxford
The stately manor houses and their splendid gardens that lie in the delightful countryside surrounding Oxford
The county of Oxfordshire lies between The Chiltern and Cotswold Hills and is dominated by its magnificent and historical county town - Oxford, of course. But our focus of interest on this occasion is not “The City of Dreaming Spies” but rather the stately manor houses and their splendid gardens that lie in the delightful surrounding countryside. Historically the main residence of the lord of the manor – the term is loosely applied to English country houses at the smaller end of the spectrum. Usually built between the medieval and early modern period, they were home to the landed gentry who acquired the character and amenities of country gentlemen.
ITINERARY
Friday - Morning departure from Dorset to Waterperry near Oxford - a magical place surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers with secret corners and long vistas. These spectacular ornamental gardens offer the whole spectrum of gardening, from formal through to wild with a museum of rural life. Later this afternoon drive on to Banbury. After settling into our handsome hotel we shall enjoy dinner.
Saturday - Morning to Morton-in-Marsh a thriving market town in the Cotswold Hills with elegant Cotswold stone buildings housing quirky shops, cafes and antique centres. Continue to Coggs Manor Farm, a hidden gem near Witney - a beautifully preserved collection of Cotswold stone farm buildings - the manor house dating back to the 13th century. A new interpretation brings to life 1000 years of history. Such a unique location has featured in many tv and film productions, most notably Downton Abbey. There are charming gardens, farm animals and nature to explore.
Sunday - Welcome to Sulgrave Manor and Garden - the original home to the "special relationship" - birthplace of the 3rd great grandfather of George Washington, first president of the US. Brought by America in 1914 to commemorate 100 years of peace between the UK and US it is an impressive Tudor Manor steeped in history and legacy that unites our nations. The manor houses a collection of period furniture and recreations, a Washington family exhibition and the surrounding gardens are in the formal English style. This afternoon return to Banbury with time to explore the historic town or stroll along the canal and enjoy sculpture, poetry, lock-gates and bridges of the tow-path.
Monday - Visit Kelmscott Manor - Williams Morris' "Heaven on Earth". View collections of artworks and objects owned by the father of the arts and crafts movement and discover why this Cotswold home was so inspirational to him. Kelmscott is a place where imagination and creativity thrive.
After lunch head homewards to return to Dorset late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Mercure Whatley Hall Hotel, Banbury
This impressive building dates from 1677 and still boast many original features including stone passages, priests holes and a fine wooden staircase. It has been sympathetically modernised to provide the most up to date facilities for todays discerning guests. Bedrooms provide private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, television, phone, desk, iron, tea tray and free wifi. The restaurant is lavishly decorated and offers a wide range of meals to savour while overlooking the private gardens. The bar serves a good selection of drinks and is a comfortable place to relax and socialise. A lift serves all floors.
Tour Price: £419.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £110.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 3 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Entry to: Waterperry Gardens – Coggs Manor – Sulgrave Manor – Kelmscott Manor
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
