Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a historic country house designed by British architect, Sir John Vanbrugh. It was built between 1705 and 1722 as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his military victories against the French during the War of the Spanish Succession, particularly for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim.

The palace is famous for its Baroque architecture, stunning gardens, and its connections to Sir Winston Churchill, who was born there in 1874. The palace has a collection of Churchill memorabilia, including the room where he was born and his childhood toys.

The interior decor reminds you why Blenheim is described as a palace. It has grandiose and intricate detailing with opulent state rooms and the Long Library. Afterwards, there is the formal garden to be admired, surrounding the Palace, with features such as a rose garden, an Italian Garden, and a Secret Garden.

Today, Blenheim Palace is recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Witney

Witney is the largest of the market towns in Oxfordshire and it was famous for its production of woollen blankets from the Middle Ages until the Industrial Revolution.The water from the river Windrush was reputed to be a major contributor to the quality and softness of these blankets. This thriving industry resulted in a Blanket Hall being built in 1721, which is where every blanket made in Witney was measured and weighed to ensure it met the agreed quality standards. In 1845, the opening of mills rendered the Blanket Hall obsolete, and it underwent several changes, until in 2015 it was opened as a museum to the blanket industry in Witney and its surrounds.

The heart of Witney is its historic market square, which dates to the Middle Ages.

Cogges Manor House was built in the 13th century and sits in a 15-acre garden, with adjoining 17th-century buildings. It is one of the many locations used for the filming of “Downton Abbey”, as Yew Tree Farm in the fourth and fifth series, and briefly in the sixth. It has also been used a location in other film productions, notably “Arthur and George”.

The Buttercross is a 17th-century charming structure from where butter, milk and eggs were sold.

Minster Lovell

Minster Lovell is a picturesque village located on the banks of the river Windrush and is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside.

It is a charming thatch and stone hamlet that hosts the ruins of Lovell Minster Hall, built in the fifteenth century, that was once owned by the Lovell family. The hall is now a Grade I listed building. You can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the site, including its connection to King Richard III. It is believed to have been the site of a battle during the English Civil War.

There is reputed to be a ghost haunting the ruins, the owner, Francis Lovell, who sided with Richard III and was opposed to Henry VII. Eventually, he had to go into hiding in a secret chamber in the Minster. He had a servant who was looking after him, who either died or disappeared, leaving Lovell trapped in the chamber with a faithful dog. In 1708 workers found Francis and his dog when they unearthed the secret chamber.

Another notable building in the village is St. Kenelm’s Church, which dates to the 12th century. The church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and historic tombs.

There are also several traditional thatched cottages in the village, as well as a pub, a post office, and a village hall.