What’s On: Oxford Property Consulting’s ultimate pre-Christmas guide
With the clocks turning backwards and temperatures dropping by the week, winter will soon be upon us and Oxfordshire’s festive calendar of events in full flow.
Championing our county’s unique landscape, diverse range of properties and rich culture is something we do quite well at Oxford Property Consulting.
But winter, particularly in the build-up to Christmas, brings out the very best of what makes Oxfordshire a genuinely great place to live regardless if you’re based on the western edge in the Cotswolds, Chiltern Hills in the south or Oxford city centre itself.
Here, our local experts guide you through the best of What’s On locally this winter, from light trails to Christmas markets, crisp walks and the best places to dine.
Golden walks
One of the primary reasons people choose to up sticks and go ahead with buying a property in Oxfordshire is the area’s connection to the countryside without losing a grip on access to the city.
If you like walking and being outdoors, you’ll love our county’s 2,600 miles of rural footpaths – and the conveniently placed drinking holes along the way. Here are some of our favourite autumn-winter routes in a nutshell.
The Tews – Great Tew and Little Tew are set in the heart of the Cotswold Countryside on the Great Tew estate, offering outstanding views of the surrounding areas. You can even download the estate’s best walks here. (https://greattewestate.com/the-estate/walks/)
Stop offs: The Falkland Arms – a 16th century ivy-covered property which sits in the centre of Great Tew.
Uffington – Dare to climb to Oxfordshire’s highest point? Uffington White Horse Hill is 262m above sea level and provides outstanding views across the entire north of the county.
Stop offs: The Fox and Hounds in Uffington. Open every day excluding Mondays for quality food, drink and regular events.
Burford – If you fancy a gentler stroll, Burford is the place to go. Admire St John the Baptist Church, sample the dozens of independent shops and take a stroll along the River Windrush – although be mindful of flooding after periods of heavy rainfall!
Stop offs: There are too many to mention along Burford’s famous high street. But The Bay Tree Hotel away from the busy centre is a good starting point. Check out the Cotswold Cheese Company and Bakery on the Hill for some tasty treats.
Goring-on-Thames – It doesn’t get more picture-perfect than Goring. Although pack your hiking boots to ascend the 100m climb for the best views of the village which can be easily reached by car too.
Stop offs: The Swan at Streatley (although technically positioned on the Thames’ western bank in Berkshire!) or Pierreponts Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
Bonfire Night!
If you’re new to Oxfordshire and considering where to spend Bonfire Night next week, take our word for it that Oxford Round Table’s Charity Fireworks Display is not one to miss!
Held at South Park – a stone’s throw from Oxford city centre – the event celebrates its 56th anniversary this year and features a spectacular display plus a funfair and fully licensed bar.
Even better, all proceeds from the event are committed to Oxford Round Table’s work supporting many of our great local charities.
The evening begins at 4.30pm with the display starting at 7.15pm. Adult tickets are £10, and children go for £5. A perfect excuse to enjoy a day out in Oxford city centre.
Blenheim Festive Light Trail
We can’t run a What’s On blog without giving mention to Blenheim Palace – located on the doorstep of Woodstock, Oxford Property Consulting HQ!
The World Heritage site launches its Blenheim Light Trail on Friday, November 15, with visitors able to sample some festive sparkle until New Year’s Day.
It’s regarded as one of the UK’s most spectacular light trials and has been wowing audiences for eight years. This year’s light trail will be complimented by Blenheim’s annual Christmas market in The Great Court and – for the first time – a covered ice rink!
Oxford’s Victorian Christmas Market
Step back in time on Broad Street in Oxford city centre between November 14-17 for the annual Oxford Victorian Christmas Market!
There’ll be live music, independent traders, festive treats and street entertainment to launch the city’s festive activities. The market opens at midday on Thursday, November 14, and runs until 5pm on the Sunday.
Theatres
Oxfordshire is well-known for its thriving performing arts scene, with eight theatres based in Oxford city centre alone!
New Theatre Oxford is the county’s biggest live entertainment venue and has showcased the best musicals and biggest acts since the 1930s.
If comedy is your thing, Paddy McGuinness, Sarah Millican, Ricky Gervais and John Bishop will all step out on stage before December. The festive season sees New Theatre host War Horse from December 10 - the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre.
The show has been seen by 8.3million people worldwide and tells the story of a Devon boy and his horse Joey during World War I – an unmissable tale this Christmas.
Dining
And finally, if you’re looking for somewhere quality to eat with friends or family in the coming months take our word for it that the below places are not to be missed!
The Back Lane Tavern, Woodstock
This is one of our favourites. Executive chef Jonny Parke's small plates menu has won them 2 AA Rosettes. There is always a warm welcome and room around the fire throughout the winter months.
The Cherwell Boathouse, near Oxford city centre
Serving fantastic French cuisine and a glass of something tempting. Top tip: canoes, rowing boats and punts can be hired from here for those looking to take a leisurely stroll up the Thames.
The Perch at Binsey
If you’re looking to combine a stroll close to Oxford city centre with good food, then The Perch at Binsey is our recommendation. Start from either Oxford city centre or Wolvercote then enjoy great food and wine at this award-winning pub-restaurant.