Through the looking glass
Looking for a location that broadens the mind that has history etched into the architecture? Look no further than Oxford and Oxfordshire. Home to the oldest English speaking university in the world, Oxford’s atmosphere is instantly felt once you turn off the M40. Just an hour and a half from London, this historic city is ideal for a long weekend of punting and painting or sightseeing and sipping. Explore Oxford your way with Quince.
‘That sweet city with her dreaming spires’ Matthew Arnold
While exploring the banks of river beds that make you feel as though you are walking through JRR Tolkein’s magical land, stop by ancient pubs that are steeped in history, or hop into a punt for a day on the Thames river. Gaze upon the historic spires as you wander through the city of Oxford while staying at our converted barns, The Lock Keeper’s Snipe, The Roebuck’s Rose, The Owl’s Barn and The Barns. Make memories that will match your dreams, with Quince.
Explore more, Stay longer
When it comes to planning a trip, it takes more than just click, click, book. We have gathered together our favourite hidden gems, tips, tricks and advice for all of our guests during your stay. We completely fell in love with Oxford and Oxfordshire, and of course The Cotswolds, and that is why we have chosen Bampton for our three Chimney Farm Barns. Just 1.5 hours from London, jump onto the M40 and once you arrive, we’ve got everything else sorted.
Broughton Castle - This moated and fortified manor house is set in parkland within the town of Banbury, North Oxfordshire. Built from local Hornton ironstone, this castle reflects the beauty of Oxfordshire and has been awarded five stars in Simon Jenkins’ book ‘England’s Thousand Best Houses’. Explore the ‘Ladies Garden’ which is filled with pink and purple flowers, or delve into the history of the internal architecture of the house itself.
MoreBicester Village - With shopping, dining and drinks all within the beautiful courtyard of Bicester Village, you’ll never need to shop anywhere else. The designer outlet mini town lets visitors benefit from discounts while indulging in luxury restaurants and high street cafes.
MoreRiver & Rowing Museum, Henley - Nestled beside the River Thames, the River and Rowing Museum in Henley is ideal for those that are nutty about all things nautical. With five permanent galleries, spend the day exploring the history and stories of the Thames, or dive into the competitive rowing dimension. For the children, there is a Wind in the Willows experience that allows them to be fully immersed in the beloved storybook.
MoreCogges Manor Farm, Witney - With seasonal fetes, workshops and classes, Cogges Manor Farm is not one to miss. Located in the heart of Witney, Oxfordshire, this stunning manor house has an orchard and kitchen garden for foodies to explore while the adventure play and friendly resident animals are perfect for the kids. With goats, sheep, ducks and chickens, speak with the Cogges volunteers to understand how they look after these farmyard friends.
MoreStonor Park, Henley - Dating back to the late 12th century, Stonor Park has played a prominent part in British history. When King Henry VIII formed the Church of England, Stonor house, along with many other families were forced into paying fines for their Catholic religion. During your visit discover the poignant marker of this time in the roof space where a priest hole was created for Sir Edmund Campion who hid whilst printing his famous Ten Reasons’ pamphlet.
MoreHinksey Outdoor Pool - Take a dip, whatever the weather. The Hinksey Outdoor Pool is heated and perfect for those summer days where the weather isn't playing ball. With activities and classes available for visitors, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a sunrise swim or a paddle with the children, Hinksey Outdoor Pool is ideal for a summer activity.
MoreBainton Bikes - Looking to explore the city from a new perspective? Hire a bike from Bainton Bikes and enjoy bike tours around Oxford, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. With cycle routes detailed out for explorers, you can also look to create a bespoke bike tour specific for your discovery needs.
MoreBlenheim Palace - Iconically, Blenheim Palace is known as Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace with a Churchill exhibition available throughout the year. However, there is plenty more to discover. From the Palace State Rooms to the Restoration and Conservation Tour, you can get lost in the spellbinding history of this ancient Palace.
MoreA holiday for everyone
We get it. Trying to find activities for every age is challenging. We’ve been there, done that, and have found our favourite places to visit that the whole family will enjoy.
Alice's Shop, Oxford
Curiouser and curiouser. This little shop on the Oxford high street is where the real life Alice in Wonderland, Alice Liddell would visit as a child and also features in Lewis Caroll’s sequel, Alice Through the Looking Glass. Behold games, toys, and of course clocks, and feel a part of the mystery world that is the very same as it was nearly 150 years ago.
Waterperry Gardens
The Waterperry Gardens are a feast for the eyes. Bathed in colour and variety, the gardens let visitors explore flowers from around the world. Home to eight acres of landscaped, ornamental gardens, Waterperry Gardens were made famous by Beatrix Havergal who established the School of Horticulture for Ladies. With a plant centre, garden shop, gallery, museum and gift shop, carve out an afternoon to venture in this habitat of horticulture.
Pitt Rivers Museum
Entirely free of charge, the Pitt Rivers Museum is a must-see attraction in Oxford. With exhibitions from ethnographic displays to television and film culture, Pitt Rivers gives visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Oxford and art. Explore the museum on a rainy afternoon and treat yourself to a hot chocolate at The Horsebox Café or extend on the grass covered forecourt in the sunshine.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Connecting you to history. Filled with fossils, discoveries and historic specimens, The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a perfect day out to introduce science and discovery to a new generation. With shells, taxidermy butterflies, and collections of heritage and culture research, learn more about the world up until now.
Ashmolean Museum Of Art And Archaeology
Discover treasures from far away lands. The Ashmolean Museum delves into gems of times gone by, from a Japanese gunpowder flask, to Guy Fawkes’ very lantern he was arrested with. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean contains world famous collections that tell human stories across cultures and time.
University Of Oxford Botanic Garden
The UK’s oldest botanic garden, the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum is home to over 5,000 varieties of plants that are indigenous to a vast selection of countries around the world. While the Arboretum lets visitors explore over 130 acres of land filled with the world’s more rare and endangered trees, the gardens offer events and workshops for visitors to enjoy. Start the morning right by experiencing zen with yoga and meditation in the gardens or see the gardens at night with the Twilight Tour or the Bat Walk.
Afternoon Tea at The Randolph
Have your cake (and eat it!) An afternoon tea is an age old tradition, however, The Randolph really is the icing on the cake. With the choice of either The Drawing Room, The Lancaster Room or The Alice, you’ll be spoilt for choice when enjoying the quintessentially British afternoon tea.
Punting
Take a punt and row until your heart's content. From enchanting views of Oxfordshire to winding through historic corners under willow trees, punting is one of the oldest (and most fun) modes of transport Oxford has to offer. Take a walk down to the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and hire a punt for an hour, or the day, there is even an option to hire a chauffeur to do all of the work for you.
Restaurants and pubs around Oxfordshire
Cafe Coco - A lesser known part of Oxford city is the vibrant street of Cowley Road. Filled with eclectic fooderies and bars but none like the buzzy atmosphere of Cafe CoCo. This relaxed, almost European take on dining is a breath of fresh air in Oxford and offers delicacies to match. From prosciutto pizza to Greek salad, Cafe CoCo offers a zingy boost to your Oxford trip.
VisitKolkata - Located 15 miles out of Oxford, Kolkata offers traditional Indian cooking while also bringing unique dishes that will leave you wanting more. Each dish is prepared and cooked daily to ensure the freshest flavours around. The Tandoori King Prawns are a standout Quince favourite!
The Folly - Oxford’s riverside fine dining restaurant overlooks the River Thames while the terrace floats on the water. The menu is filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients crafted into excellently created dishes that are simply served. We would strongly recommend the slow cooked pork belly!
VisitThe Fleece - With a seasonal menu that ensures the freshest ingredients, The Fleece celebrates food from all over the country. Overlooking the expanse of Witney’s Church Green, visitors can book a table in the relaxed pub atmosphere, or book the private dining room for a special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch of garlic and paprika king prawns or an indulgent dinner, finished off with a warm chocolate fondant, The Fleece is sure to tickle your taste buds.
VisitQuod - Perched upon the Oxford high street is the treasure of Quod. Set within the Old Bank Hotel, Quod is perfect for a celebratory dinner, a special lunch or just a snack at the stylish bar while sipping a signature cocktail.
VisitBlake's Kitchen - What’s better than breakfast? Blake’s Kitchen brunch. Give the cooking to someone else and head out for brunch. With breakfast classics from around the world such as Turkish Eggs, coconut and red quinoa porridge and Blake's English muffin, change it up from the usual and treat yourself to a Blake’s Kitchen brunch.
VisitGlut - Give into temptation (and the children) and delve into Glut. This independent, american comfort food diner style restaurant is a perfect way to give into your children’s pleas while also encountering fresh, locally sourced produce. With vegan and vegetarian options, each ingredient has been hand selected to give the best flavour, even the blue cheese sauce has Oxford blue cheese in it! We highly recommend the buffalo chicken wings!
VisitThe Mole Inn - Burrow further away from Oxford and discover The Mole Inn. This gastro pub-come restaurant serves up a relaxed atmosphere with beautifully presented local delights. With traditional English food such as the braised blade of Oxfordshire beef, this will truly be a highlight of your holiday.
VisitThe Rusty Bicycle - Tucked into a residential corner of Oxford is The Rusty Bicycle. Part of Dodo pubs, The Rusty Bicycle has a variety of Dodo beer and ales for the drink aficionado to choose from, and also offers unique cocktails that go perfectly with the neapolitan pizzas and indulgent burgers they are known for.
VisitMinster Mill - Focused on British farmers, fishermen and artisan producers, Minster Mill serves a classically British menu with typical Cotswolds interiors with muted tone walls and beamed ceilings. Fancy a bite outside? The Minster Mill showcases a stunning terrace right by the stream where you can explore the lunch and dinner menu, or enjoy a spot of afternoon tea.
VisitBig Society - Known for its pops of bright colour (we wonder why we like it!) and friendly atmosphere Big Society is perfect for a spot of lunch. With table tennis and pool on offer, bring the whole family and let the children entertain themselves while you sit outside and watch the world go by.
VisitThe Barns
Gather and giggle -The Barns is the combination of two of our iconic barns together, The Roebuck's Rose and The Lock Keeper's Snipe. Sleeping twenty six guests in total, this is just the place.
The Owl's Barn
What a hoot - The Owl Barn has a private terrace and courtyard. This spacious hideaway sleeps ten guests across five bedrooms with English country home interiors.
The Lock Keeper's Snipe
Everything and the kitchen sink - Explore our unique y-shaped converted barn, The Lock Keepers Snipe. With vaulted ceilings and a wood stove, this retreat hosts fourteen guests with six bedrooms and has everything you’ll need for a group trip.
The Roebuck's Rose
Linger a little longer - Bask in the beauty of the Roebuck’s Rose. This Cotswold stone modern barn house sleeps up to twelve guests across five bedrooms with vaulted ceilings.

Properties with pedigree
At Quince we know that a getaway isn’t seriously complete without the most important member of the family. No pet peeves wanted, just pure happiness and fun-filled days that your pooches will love too. We provide clean dog bowls for your four legged friends, one less thing for you to remember. There is space for two, very well behaved pups in each of our properties, just get in touch and let us know!