Oxfordshire is a large county situated in southeast England, kind of spilling over towards southwest England. Not far from London, it’s known for its university and ancient buildings, and of course a certain TV detective!
Oxford is one of England’s oldest cities, with roots going back thousands of years. Set on the River Thames, this bustling place is now known for Oxford University, which was established back in the 12th century.
Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter actually studied at Cambridge but said he and Morse shared a love of Wagner, beer and crosswords. John Thaw looked older than he was due to his white hair (he was 44 when filming began and only 60 when he died).
When the series ended, he refused the offer of the famed red Jaguar, saying ‘it was too slow and terrible to drive’.
Walking Trails & River Strolls
Oxfordshire is home to many walking trails including the 184-mile Thames Path that begins in Kemble (Gloucestershire) and goes all the way to London. Another famed walking trail is the Cotswold Way (102 miles) that beings in the market town of Chipping Campden (again in Gloucestershire) and ends in the historic city of Bath (it takes at least a week to complete).
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep dogs and livestock safe.
Local wildlife hotspots include Port Meadow (one of the largest open spaces north of the city of Oxford) and Wytham Woods (1000 acres of semi-natural woodland dating back to the Ice Age, along with secondary woodland and modern plantations – home to over 500 plant species, and 800 species of butterflies and moths).
Home to Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace (Oxfordshire) is of course known as the place where Winston Churchill was bought, a stunning example of English baroque architecture in extensive grounds. Designed by Capability Brown, do this virtual walking tour with Lucy Wyndham-Read around the gardens.
It’s still owned by the Churchill family, in the form of the Duke of Marlborough. If you’re old enough, you’ll remember this party boy was all over the papers a few years back, for his wild ways. Leading Happy Mondays singer to say ‘If I was born into dough, I’d have done nothing forever too’.
After coming out of jail, he took part in a BBC documentary alongside other rich people, to spend three nights homeless. On the second night, he demanded to be put up in a hotel! He now campaigns for the Reform party and is apparently friends with Donald Trump.
The Quaint Market Town of Thames
Thame is a charming town, proper English! This hidden gem is worth a visit, to find buildings dating back to the 13th century, a weekly fresh produce market and friendly independent shops. It’s annual food festival is a feast for the senses, bring good food and people together to support local independent farmers.
The Riverside Charm of Henley-on-Thames
Another quintessential English town, this one is set on the River Thames, and known for its annual boating regatta. Popular with walkers and rowers, here’s the place to enjoy a picnic on the grassy banks. Or in rainy weather, visit local artists in their studios, as part of the Henley Arts Trail.
A County of Runners & Rowers!
It was in Oxford that junior doctor Roger Bannister raced the first mile in under 4 minutes (his record lasted just just 46 days). Oxford and Cambridge participate each year in a well-known boat rate, which has been held since 1856 (bar the two World Wars).
The rowing competition covers a 4.2 mile section on the River Thames (in 1912, both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather). One former rower was Hugh Laurie, in the race when his team (Cambridge) lost, after clashing oars!
