The city of Dreaming Spires, Oxford provides a stimulating cottage break surrounded by historical architecture and beautiful rural countryside.

Oxford is of course famous for its university, which was first established over 900 years ago and displays some magnificent medieval architecture in its college buildings. There''s plenty to explore here, you''ll see landmarks made familiar by the detective series ''Morse'' and the Great Hall at Christ Church is said to have inspired Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter films. Climb to the top of Carfax Tower and you''ll be rewarded with a spectacular view over the city.

Visit in summer and take to the River Isis to enjoy the sunshine and see the city from a different perspective, or go fishing, walking or cycling alongside this scenic waterway. There are plenty of ''green spaces'' within the city too, for example the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, which is located just off the High Street opposite Magdalen College.

Beyond the city boundaries Blenheim Palace isn''t far away, it was the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill and is a fine example of 18th century Baroque architecture set within 2,000 acres of formal gardens designed by ‘Capability Brown’; fully deserving its world heritage site status and provides a fascinating day out.

Great family days out include Didcot Railway Centre where you can hop on the steam railway, Cotswold Wildlife Park at Burford and Go Ape Tree Top adventure near Aylesbury.

To discover Oxford and the surrounding area see our selection of Oxford cottages today.