Oxfordshire is nestled between the Cotswolds, The Midlands, The Chilterns and the River Thames and covers the local government districts of Cherwell, Oxford, Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire and South Oxfordshire. The county flower is the Snake's Head Fritillary - a beautiful purple bell shaped plant with a checked pattern all over it.
The biggest city in this county is Oxford, which is famous for its university. Many walking tours are available including the 'University and City Tour' covering the architecture and traditions of the city's most famous buildings and institutions. The 'Inspector Morse Tour' visits the scenes of the TV series and is interesting to fans of the series. The garden tour is also worth doing and covers the University Parks, the Botanic Garden and Christ Church Meadow.
There are plenty of highlights for a visit to Oxfordshire but the stately homes and castles are just one.
In Cherwell district, about 12 miles from Oxford, is Rousham House, which was built in 1635 by Sir Robert Dormer. Visitors can see the house by prior arrangement but a minimum number of people are required. The gardens were designed by William Kent to impress visitors in the eighteens century. You can see features such as ponds and cascades and the walled garden and pigeon house are definitely worth a visit.
Broughton Castle is an essentially English castle. Available to see are the Gatehouse, gallery, King's Chamber, Queen Anne's Room, Great Parlour, Oak dining room, Council Chamber and more. The King's Chamber is actually where James 1 slept in 1604 and then Edward VII in 1901. James' wife, Queen Anne of Denmark had the honour of the room she slept in being named after her.
Probably the most famous building in the county is Blenheim Palace, Woodstock. It was built by John Vanbrugh for the first Duke of Marlborough, after his victory at the battle of Blenheim. The gardens are notable because they were designed by 'Capability Brown' to include trees planted in the battle formation used by the winning troops.
The highest point of the county is White Horse Hill, in the Vale of White Horse. At about 261 metres above sea level it offers great views over Oxfordshire. The county offers more than just notable buildings. The villages are worth exploring as is the countryside. There's city walks or walks in the hills and there's boating on the rivers too. Try Oxfordshire for yourself.
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