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Want to make a day of it?
Visit a local attraction
Just like our fabulous pies, trips to North Oxfordshire are best with plenty of good stuff crammed in. So if you’re heading to The Marlstone Tavern from afar, why not make a day of it crowned off with a wonderful pie supper.
Below is a list of some of the best attractions close to the Tavern. It would be a shame not to catch some of them while you’re in the area. The direction buttons will tell you how to get to the pub afterwards.
Farmers Market
On the fourth Saturday of each month, Deddington hosts its famous Farmers’ Market – one of the biggest and best in the country. Make your way round more than 40 stalls, perusing the best in locally produced beer, bread, crafts, flowers, fruit, veg, meat and more.
For exact dates, visit: http://www.deddingtonfarmersmarket.co.uk
Ashmolean Museum
One of the city’s most famous pieces of architecture, the imposing Ashmolean is home to Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a culture vulture and have time to kill, take in some of the fabulous collections and exhibitions.
Museum website: https://www.ashmolean.org/
Bicester Village
A dream destination for the shopaholic, Bicester Village offers you the chance to spend a day (and potentially a fortune) in more than 130 luxury boutiques. The likes of Armani, Versace and many more have stores here, all promising great savings against high street prices. There are restaurants and cafes around too, when you need to rest your feet and your shopping bags.
Bicester Village website: https://www.bicestervillage.com/
Blenheim Palace
A World Heritage Site, famed as the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace needs little introduction. Take a tour around the beautiful baroque architecture, stroll through the stunning park and landscaped gardens (designed by Capability Brown) and marvel at the majesty of Britain’s greatest palace. It’s an awe-inspiring place, well worth a visit.
Blenheim Palace website: https://www.blenheimpalace.com/
Broadway Tower
Quite literally a high point of any trip to Oxfordshire, Broadway Tower is the highest castle in the Cotswolds. From this high up (more than 300m above sea level), you can see across 16 counties – making it one of England’s finest viewing platforms. Explore the tower, enjoy the views and visit the shops and cafes that have turned this beautiful spot into a real tourist attraction.
Broadway Tower website: https://broadwaytower.co.uk/
Hook Norton Tour
After savouring a pint of Old Hooky with us, ale aficionados can go behind the scenes at the local independent brewery that produces it. Hook Norton Brewery is proud family business renowned for its handcrafted brewing heritage – and a tour is the finest way to experience the sights, smells (and samples) of the beer-making business…
Hook Norton Brewery website: https://www.hooky.co.uk/
Oxford Botanical Gardens
There’s no shortage of natural beauty to be found in Oxfordshire, but one of its most stunning green spaces is right at the heart of the city. The Botanic Garden features one of the world’s most diverse collections of plants, and is a real must-visit for anyone with green fingers.
Botanical Gardens website: https://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/
Museum of Natural History
The Oxford Natural History Museum is a great way to spend an hour or two in the city. Dating back to 1860, the museum now hosts the University’s superb collections of geological and zoological specimens – making it the perfect place to discover Dinosaurs to Dodos.
Museum of Natural History website: https://www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk/
Pitt Rivers Museum
If the Ashmolean can’t quite quench your cultural curiosity, there’s plenty more to discover at the Pitt Rivers Museum – which holds one of the finest collections of anthropology and archaeology anywhere in the world. You can take a guided tour, or explore at your leisure.
Pitt Rivers website: https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/
Punting
When in Oxford, there’s no more traditional way to spend an afternoon than to jump aboard a punt! Head for Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and hire a classic Oxford punt, rowing boat or pedalo, and enjoy a gentle cruise along the River Cherwell. Our top tip? Try not to fall in…
Punting website: https://www.oxfordpunting.co.uk/