If you’re in Oxfordshire as a tourist, it’s possible that the big draw for you was the weighty history and modern literary and cultural attractions of Oxford. But what is it about the part of the county north of Oxford that makes it so popular with tourists?

Rustic and Historic British Country Living

For walkers, nature-lovers and lovers of charming English country living, the old walking trails, rolling hills, flower meadows, farms and hamlets north of Oxford will be full of appeal. Such travelers won’t need a lot of urging to hit the road or the railways for Banbury, Woodstock or Kidlington.

In the peace of a well-appointed and modernized rustic self-catering cottage in the Cotswolds, you can get away from city life and live your ideal farm holiday. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there is the possibility of exploring the Chiltern Hills in the east.

There are also plenty of historic sites to explore, including the small picturesque village of Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill is buried.

Access to the Cotswold AONB

North Oxfordshire not only has its own attractions. It also offers a gateway to the Cotswolds. The Cotswold Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) is an enormous 800 square mile of area that spans the five counties of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Wiltshire and Warwickshire.

The Cotswolds cover a large area, and there is a variety of landscapes to see. But the common factors among them are the rolling hills and the honey-colored stone of the wolds. These wolds make up the largest designated Area of Natural Beauty in England and Wales. A part of it lies in North Oxfordshire, and this makes the district a must-visit.

Local Markets

North Oxfordshire has excellent farmers’ markets that carry high quality seasonal produce. It is well-known that farmers’ markets sell the freshest ingredients and traders cure, pickle and generally prepare their produce by hand. The aim of farmers’ markets is to support the smaller, often organic producers. Some of the best farmers’ markets include:

Banbury Market

The traditional Banbury market is held every Thursday and Saturday, where you can find fruit, vegetables, flowers, clothes and pictures. Banbury also hosts an antique market every second and  fourthThursday.

Banbury Farmers’ Market

Banbury Farmers’ Market is held on the 1st Friday of every month. Offerings include fresh produce as well as Brockleby’s pies, produce from Limes Farm, Bouche Bakehouse croissants etc.

Deddington Farmers’ Market

The Deddington Farmer’s market is held every 4th Saturday of the month. It is a centuries-old market offers everything from fresh vegetables and fruit, meat, wet fish, local mustard, honey, preserves and more.

Chipping Norton Farmers’ Market

While Chipping Norton is a little to the west, it is the point of entry into the Cotswolds. It is also home to a fine farmers’ market that offers fresh produce, and lot of which ends up in posh restaurants in the town. The market takes place in the center of town every third Saturday.

Bicester Farmers’ Market

Held every 2nd Thursday at Sheep Street and a weekly market held every Friday.

Oxford Farmers’ Market

There are several markets in Oxford city, and the Gloucester Green Market is well-known for its vibrant and various offerings in an open-air setting. This market offers more variety in its products than the rural farmers’ markets you’ll find elsewhere in North Oxfordshire.

Well-Connected

One of the other big reasons for putting North Oxfordshire into your itinerary when you’re in the UK is accessibility. The county is located centrally on the border of Warwickshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire. Much of the northern district of Cherwell is well within reach of the M40. When you plan your trip to this part of Oxfordshire, you’ll find there are many option depending on your point of origin. {NOTE TO DEVELOPER: Please link “Plan your trip” with the article “Steps to Plan a Trip to North Oxfordshire”}

Because of the M40, Banbury is very easily reachable from Birmingham (in 40 minutes) and London (in 75 minutes). The town is also very well connected by trains. Taking the train from Oxford will get you to the college town in 19 minutes. The train journey to Birmingham is 50 to 60 minutes and there are as many as 2 to 3 trains an hour. London Marleybone can be reached in 80 minutes, and there are trains every half an hour.

Banbury is also connected by direct trains to Birmingham, Edinburgh, Reading, Piccadilly, Manchester, Newcastle and Bournemouth. Northampton, Brackley and Coventry are also reachable by road from Banbury.

Conclusion

There are plenty of reasons to include North Oxfordshire in your travel plans to the UK. If you are a foodie or a history enthusiast, there is no question that you will find enough to excite you in Cherwell and its ancient heart.