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Beyond Stone Court there are many attractions in the area:

 

Below is some information on a variety of places to visit and things to do, all within approximately one hour driving distance from Sulgrave.  Where appropriate or possible you can link to the web site of the venue you are interested in - please use the back button to return to Stone Court.  

The list is not exhaustive and we do not accept any responsibility for omissions or errors in the information provided.    

• Castles and Country Houses                                 • Gardens open to the Public 

• Shopping Areas                      • visitors with disabilities                • Major towns and places of interest

• Sport and Recreation and children activities                 • Places to eat out, Theatres etc                               

 

 

Castles and Country Houses

Althorp    Famous more recently as the family home and final resting place of The Princess of Wales, the Spencers have lived here for nearly five centuries. It is a handsome house with little exterior ostentation.  

Upton House    Outstanding art and porcelain collections in a 17th-century mansion, with superb terraced gardens.  Experience the millionaire lifestyle of the 1920s/30s and a fascinating exhibition of Shell advertising posters from 1920s and 1930s  

Blenheim Palace Home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, it is possibly the finest example of the English baroque style in the country. The gardens include an arboretum, water terraces, maze and Italian garden.

Broughton Castle   A medieval manor house, later transformed into a Tudor mansion, surrounded by a wide moat and parkland.  Broughton castle and its beautiful grounds has been the back drop for many TV and films,  Shakespeare in Love was made here.  Open from 1 May to 15 September on Wednesdays & Sundays 2.00 – 5.00 pm.  

Canons Ashby House    Is a romantic 16th century Elizabethan manor house, which has survived almost unaltered since around 1710. The house sits amongst beautiful gardens. It is a National Trust property with a tea room. Check opening times but generally not open on Thursdays and Fridays.  

Farnborough Hall    A honey-coloured stone house with exquisite plasterwork and fine landscaped gardens. It is open from April to September on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 2.30 till 5pm.  

Stowe House    The house is open to the public with some organised tours but because of many other functions it is best to check before making a visit as dates & times can change  

Sulgrave Manor    This compact Tudor manor house, once home to the ancestors of George Washington, the first President of the United States of America provides you with a gentle stroll through three centuries of English History to educate and enthrall and then finish with a gentle stroll through the National Garden of the Herb Society, in the grounds of the Manor 

Warwick Castle   Undoubtedly the finest medieval castle and garrison in England , The parkland was landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Look out for the Medieval jousting weekends.

Waddesdon Manor    A Renaissance-style chateau, built (1874-1889) by Baron F de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world, is now a NT property. Both house and beautiful gardens have a French influence.  

Gardens open to public

Coton Manor Gardens The 17th century Manor house is the backdrop for these beautiful gardens of exceptional charm and with unexpected vistas at every turn. There is something for everyone.  Open from March to October, Tuesday to Saturday but with some Sunday and Bank Holiday openings.  

Stowe Gardens The picturesque and Georgian landscaped gardens, made up of valleys and vistas, narrow lakes and rivers, were given to the National Trust with an endowment in 1989 to restore the 40 listed monuments and temples.  The house is one of Britain ’s finest 18th century houses and is the home of Stowe school.

The National Herb Centre     Certainly worth a look if you like your herbs. It overlooks a charming valley and has a really good selection of over 500 herbs.  

waterperry gardens     It is a partner to the Royal Horticultural Society so RHS members can enjoy free entrance at certain times of the year.  The gardens are open all year (except Christmas & New Year) and host  a full Events Diary covering Fresco Tours, Outdoor Concerts, Special weekends etc. .  

 

National Trust properties, some Historic Houses and many Oxford colleges allow visitors to enjoy a walk in their gardens – there may be a small charge, please check relevant web site

 

 Shopping Areas  

Bicester Village Outlet Shopping    Up to 60% off retail from some of the best designers. Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, Versace, MaxMara, Burberry, Dunhill, Calvin Klein, Karen Millen, Farhi and Zegna sell their end of season lines here.  

Heart of the Shires    About 20 retailers in converted farm buildings, two miles north of Weedon. Gallery, cookware, pottery, quilts, shoes, tea rooms and gift shops make up an eclectic and somewhat charming mix, representing an enjoyable diversion for hotel guests and the keen shopper.  

OXFORD, Royal Leamington Spa and Milton Keynes   For 'retail therapy' there are three shopping towns of note in the region.  As one might expect, the latter is an excellent Shopping Mall and is one of the largest undercover shopping centres in the UK - just 30 minutes drive will get you there.  

Oxford is also about 30 minutes drive but with several  'park and ride' facilities, to avoid parking frustration in the City centre.  Oxford is an exciting place to shop and stroll - there is a covered market, major stores and designer boutiques plus numerous coffee shops and restaurants to help you relax 

Leamington Spa is also 30 minutes away but with a greater concentration of smaller, high-quality, independent retailers.

Banbury   Castle Quay Shopping Centre is right in the heart of Banbury’s town centre and next to the picturesque Oxford canal, great for a leisurely stroll.  There is a market in the town square on Thursdays and Saturdays and a Farmers market once a month. 

Visit www.farmersmarkets.net for more information on markets in the area

ANTIQUES - there are three centres within less than 30 minutes drive for more information call Deddington 01869 338968, Pottersbury,Towcester 01908 542121 and Brackley 01280 841841

 

Major towns and areas of interest

Stratford-upon-Avon   A world-class destination on the River Avon and surrounded by beautiful countryside.  Shakespeare was born in the town in 1564 and died in the town in 1616. There are many houses, museums and attractions in and around Stratford but centre of attraction is the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), which is probably the most famous classical theatre company in the world.  It operates three theatres in Stratford - the 1412 seated Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the 432 seated Swan Theatre and the flexible seating studio theatre called The Other Place. The ticket hotline number is 08706 091110 and is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Backstage tours are fun and can be booked on 01789 403492.  

Oxford Oxford has a charisma all of its own.  Famous for dreaming spires and ancient colleges of mellow golden stone, museums and Oxford Castle, which was once a Prison, Oxford is packed with chic restaurants, bistros and bars, traditional pubs and attractions. The best way to explore Oxford is on foot, there are official walking tours every day that take in all the sites. These can be booked by calling 01865 252200 

Banbury   take a leisurely stroll along the Oxford Canal, follow the Historic Town Trail or visit Banbury Museum, located in the Castle Quay Shopping Centre.  Of Saxon origin, many of the streets and passageways in Banbury can be traced back to Medieval times and there are some fine examples of 17th Century buildings.  Banbury was once a bustling Market town but has maintained lots of its old character and can still offer you an enjoyable visit.  

Cotswolds   Banbury is situated at the gateway to the Cotswolds an area of outstanding natural beauty.  Just a short journey away can bring you to Stow on the Wold, Moreton in the Marsh, Bourton on the Water, the Slaughters and many more.  For further information please refer to www.cotswolds.com

 

Sport, Recreation & Young at Heart Activities

Motor Racing  

Silverstone Race Circuit needs no introduction, being the home of the British Formula One Grand Prix for many years and also the Moto GP but it also hosts many other motor car and motor bike events throughout the year.  It is only 7miles away. Why not book a driving experience  

Whilton Mill   Offers a National Karting Circuit but on an outdoor track. There are two circuits: one short, one long. Whilton is also host to quad bikes, hovercrafts, clay pigeon shooting, team-building events and archery  

Santa Pod in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, is the home of European FIA Drag Racing, the fastest and loudest motor sport on earth.

Adrenalin Alley,  Skate Park in Corby, Northamptonshire prides itself on providing a safe environment for youngsters. 55 graffiti artists have given the skate park's walls an urban feel.

Golf

Cherwell Edge Golf Club and Driving range - 18 hole mature undulating parkland layout is a challenge to all set in a very picturesque and scenic location.

Farthingstone – The course sits between two woods in a small valley deep in the countryside. 18 holes.

Hellidon Lakes – Pretty location on an escarpment overlooking the Warwickshire countryside. Also has a health spa and bowling alley.

Rye Hill – Championship course, Golf Academy, Golf Parc for children & families plus a coarse fishing lake.

 Staverton Park – PGA championship course, American-style greens and bunkers, undulating parkland. 18 holes

Whittlebury Park Golf & Country Club - boast 4 courses, driving range and putting green plus many other activities. 

Horse Racing

Towcester racecourse is set in beautiful parklands and has had a recent £7.5 million investment into the course and facilities.  It hosts 18 National Hunt meetings from October through to June and most events are FREE

Stratford racecourse, in the heart of Shakespeare country is in the top flight of Britain’s smaller courses.  It has been home to Steeplechasing since 1775 and holds 18 National Hunt meetings, most of which take place within the summer months.

Warwick racecourse is a leading flat racing and steeple chasing course holding 25 meetings throughout the year, many of which are televised.  It one of Britain's oldest race courses, there is a nine hole golf course in the middle plus a golf driving range and the area is a popular place for local people to walk their dogs. There is ample parking next to the course and it is only a five minute walk away from the town centre.

 

 

Shooting

Honesberie Shooting club is set in pretty Warwickshire countryside and owned by Nick Hollick, a former member of the England and Great Britain team.  It provides for Clay, individual and group shooting lessons

Manor Farm Sports provides for Clay pigeon shooting and quad bikes.

 

Cycling, Walking and Water Sports 

The Cherwell Valley and the Cotswold borders provide a haven of cycling and walking routes, along tow paths and through beautiful countryside.  All manner of bikes can be hired from Heyford (by car 25 minutes) and information on different levels of routes, both cycling and walking is easily obtained from our local Tourist Information Centre(s) and local Council Offices  

Banbury Sailing Club is located at Boddington Reservoir. The Club is an RYA registered Training Centre and runs a number of courses for members,

Narrow boats are available for hire if you enjoy the tranquility of cruising along canals through pretty villages and stunning countryside, with the occasional hop off at a canal-side pub

 

zoo's, wildlife parks & centres for children activities

Cotswold Wildlife Park at Burford is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens and is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world

Woburn Safari Park offers visitors a full, fun filled day out - get to drive your own vehicle through the reserves

Cogges Manor Farm Museum is a great day out and gives an insight into Victorian life with lots of activities for kids

Rugrats & Half Pints is a children’s activity centre, which provides a new sensory and soft play experience for children 0-8 years.  An exciting and safe place for children to ‘unwind’ and for ‘carers’ to relax especially if the weather is not agreeable!

Salcey Forest is an oasis of nature and history only 7 miles from the centre of Northampton. Wildlife and history are in abundance so you can enjoy discovering why elephants roamed the forest, where to find a roman road and if you have a head for heights, ascend the all ability Tree Top Way and see Salcey from a completely different view.

 

Churches,Theatres, Dining etc

churches, Theatres, cinemas, music  

Churches    Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire have many historic churches. which are cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.  

for more information call 02072130660 or visit www.visitchurches.org.uk .

Theatres, cinemas and concert halls. 

Northampton - Royal & Derngate - 01604  624811 - www.northamptontheatres.com

Stratford upon Avon - RSC, Swan Theatre and The Other Place - 01789 403403   www.rsc.org.uk 

Oxford    Playhouse Box Office - 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

              New Theatre - 0844 847 1585 www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk  

              Music - 0870 7500659 www.musicatoxford.com

Banbury   The Mill Arts Centre - 01295 279002

Chipping Norton -  The Theatre - 01608 642 350 www.chippingnortontheatre.com       

Milton Keynes - 0870 060 6652 : www.miltonkeynestheatre.com

Wavendon  -The Stables Theatre - 01908280800 www.stables.org

Music Festivals - there are several sites in the local area but the most famous will be at Cropredy, which is home to the legendary Fairport Convention.  For information on music festivals visit www.efestivals.co.uk

 

Eating Out 

Banbury, which is 7 miles away has a vast variety of places to ‘dine out’, from fast food to fine dining but  following is just a few of many equally fine restaurants/bars nearer to Sulgrave, 'phone numbers provided  as it   is always worth a check to ensure opening times etc have not changed.          

The Star Inn, Sulgrave – 01295 760389  - www.thestarinnatsulgrave.com  fine ales and home cooked modern British food with a 'restaurant' twist - no food on Monday but a 'phone call will confirm as this can vary with seasons.  Regular quiz nights and 'take away fish & chips' offered Tues-Thurs weekly.

The Three Conies, Thorpe Mandeville -  01295 711025 - 17th century Drovers Inn, Hook Norton Ales, open all day and serving traditional pub food, with a modern twist, at affordable prices - no food Monday

The Red Lion, Culworth -  01295 760050 - is a 'Free House' with a good cellar, warm atmosphere and an excellent Bistro style dining room. It is 'walkable' from Sulgrave but worth making a reservation before starting out!

The Royal Oak,  Eydon - 01327 263167 - Real Ales and excellent 'Gastro Pub' food. It is advisable to book  

The George and Dragon,  Chacombe - 01295 711500 - dating back to 17thC, this is an Everards PH with guest beer and offering fine wine and good, popular 'pub' food all week but check if hot food on Sunday evening.

The New Inn, Farnborough - 01295 690615  www.newinnfarnborough.co.uk  exceptional food and fine wines

The Butchers Arms, Priors Hardwick - 01327 260504 - www.thebutchersarm.com modern yet traditional cuisine with a touch of the Mediterranean -  not open Saturday lunch or Sunday evening  

The Moon and Sixpence, Hanwell - 01295 730544  www.themoonandsixpencehanwell.com  open lunch and dinner 7 days a week - quality modern English menu with a touch of French cuisine

Fawlsey Hall,  - 01327 892000  www.fawsleyhall.com - open 7 days, lunch and dinner - fine dining and brasserie to cater for all 'wallets'.  The House is set in beautiful gardens for you to enjoy a stroll after lunch.

    

Visitors with disabilities  

Majority of the venues in our 'places to visit' will have ACCESS facilities but please check to confirm what is available prior to your visit

Parking for visitors with disabilities is available in all public car parks in North Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire and is free of charge to visitors holding an orange permit.

Shopmobility     

www.direct.gov.uk/bluebadgemap