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Our Top Guest Recommendations For Staying in Oxford, Oxfordshire And Beyond

We’ve gathered our top guest recommendations from this year to help you make the most of your stay in Oxford and the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside. From exceptional places to eat and unforgettable attractions to peaceful walks through some of England’s most beautiful landscapes.

This guide brings together the best of the region, tried, tested, and loved by our guests. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, let this be your go-to list for discovering Oxfordshire and beyond.

Our Guests Favourite Places to Eat

Our guests have been sharing their favourite places to eat whilst staying in our homes and we have narrowed down some of the favourites amongst the bunch! Whether you want an English country pub, a homely Italian or a fine dining meal, there is something for everyone on our list!

Top 5 Places to Eat in Oxford

Angrid Thai

Address: Unit D, Threeway House, Oxford, OX1 2BT

If you’re craving vibrant, authentic Thai cuisine during your stay, Angrid Thai is a must-visit. This popular restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and warm hospitality.

Conveniently located in Gloucester Green, offers both dine-in and takeaway options. Guests can expect a menu filled with classic Thai favourites, from fragrant curries to perfectly balanced stir-fries and street-food style starters.

The Punter

Address: 7 South Street, Oxford, OX2 0BE

The Punter is one of Oxford’s best-kept secrets, a charming riverside pub dedicated to delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Tucked away on South Street, it offers a cosy, relaxed atmosphere with views over the water. Guests can enjoy a great selection of local beers, cocktails, and wines, all paired with a creative plant-based menu. It’s a perfect spot for a laid-back drink or a memorable meal in Oxford.

Burnout BBQ

Address: 263 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7HN

Burnout BBQ is a much-loved favourite in the Short Let Space office, known for its authentic barbecue dishes and classic American diner comfort food.

With locations in Summertown and the Westgate Shopping Centre, it’s an easy stop whether you’re exploring North Oxford or enjoying a day of shopping in the city centre. Expect generous portions, bold flavours, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Perfect for anyone craving hearty, flavour-packed BBQ.

Mamma Mia Pizzeria

Address: 9 S Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JL or 102 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6EB

Mamma Mia Pizzeria brings a slice of Italy to Oxford with its rustic trattoria charm, complete with checked tablecloths and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Serving authentic thin-crust pizzas and classic Italian dishes, it’s a long-standing local favourite in both Summertown and Jericho. Guests can choose to dine in or enjoy great-value takeaway options.

A perfect spot for comforting, traditional Italian food done well.

The Holly Bush

Address: 106 Bridge Street, Osney Island, OX2 0BD

The Holly Bush on Osney Island is a welcoming neighbourhood pub with a relaxed atmosphere and a lovely beer garden – perfect for sunny afternoons.

The menu offers everything from wood-fired pizzas to classic pub favourites, all complemented by a great selection of local beers. The pub is dog-friendly making it a popular stop for walkers.

A charming spot for hearty food and a laid-back drink just outside the city centre.

Top 5 Places to Eat In and Around Oxfordshire

The Slaughters Country Inn

Address: The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire GL54 2HS

The Slaughters Country Inn in Lower Slaughter is a quintessential Cotswolds pub, serving delicious dishes made with locally sourced produce.

Guests can enjoy a great selection of local ales while taking in the charming village surroundings. Their Sunday roast is a must-try, showcasing the very best of the area’s flavours. A perfect stop for a hearty meal and a true taste of the Cotswolds.

And it is just a short walk from out stunning home called, The Little Barn.

The Mole Inn

Address: The Mole Inn, Toot Baldon, Oxford, OX44 9NG

The Mole Inn in Nuneham Courtenay is an AA Rosette-awarded country pub and restaurant, just a 45-minute walk from The Bolthole. 

Known for its fine food, excellent wines, and real ales, it also features a gorgeous garden perfect for al fresco dining. Their famous Sunday roasts are well worth a visit – booking ahead is recommended. 

A charming destination for a leisurely meal in the Oxfordshire countryside.

 The Sun Inn

Address: The Sun Inn, High Street, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, OX15 5NH 

The Sun Inn in Hook Norton is a family-friendly British pub offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Guests can enjoy local ales from Hook Norton, continental beers, and seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced produce. Whether relaxing by the fireplace or dining on hearty favourites, it’s a perfect spot to experience traditional pub life.

A charming destination for both drinks and a delicious meal in the Oxfordshire countryside.

King William IV

Address: King William IV, Hailey, Ipsden, Oxfordshire, OX10 6AD

The King William IV, is a charming Grade II-listed pub set in the Oxfordshire countryside. Guests can enjoy a cosy log fire, sprawling gardens, and beautiful surroundings perfect for a leisurely stroll. The pub serves high-quality seasonal dishes, a weekend breakfast, and a special Sunday roast.

With a great selection of beers and wines, it’s an ideal spot to relax and soak in the countryside atmosphere.

The Blenheim Buttery

Address: 7 Market Place, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1SY

The Blenheim Buttery is a charming eatery in the heart of Woodstock, perfect for a relaxed breakfast, lunch, or indulgent sweet treat. With a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of delicious options, it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, it’s an ideal spot to start your day or enjoy a midday break.

Located right in the centre of Woodstock, making it easy to pop in while exploring the town.

Our Guests Top 5 Attractions to Visit when Staying in Oxfordshire

Whether you love wandering through grand stately homes, exploring magnificent palaces, meeting animals at family-friendly parks, or discovering the charm of Oxfordshire’s famous farms, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. Our guests have tried it all and these are the attractions they’ve consistently rated as the very best during their stay with us.

Spend The Day Exploring Blenheim Palace and Estate

Image Source: Rob Atherton via iStock 1282545657

Set in the heart of Woodstock, Blenheim Palace and its breathtaking estate offer guests an unforgettable blend of history, grandeur, and natural beauty. The palace itself features opulent state rooms filled with art, antiques, and stories from centuries past. Outside, the expansive estate offers beautifully designed gardens, tranquil lakes, and miles of walking paths ideal for exploring. Seasonal events, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities also make every visit feel unique.

Have an Indulgent Day at Soho Farmhouse

Image Source: Jacob Wackerhausen via iStock

Soho Farmhouse, part of the Soho House group, is a luxury countryside retreat in the Cotswolds. Set across a large estate, it blends rustic charm with modern comfort, offering stylish rooms, cosy cottages, a members’ clubhouse, and a range of leisure facilities including pools, a spa, and a plethora of outdoor activities. It is a popular destination for relaxing, socialising, and enjoying the scenic English countryside in a private, exclusive setting.

Explore All Hidcote Gardens Has to Offer

Image Source: Jennifer Sanerkin via iStock

Hidcote Gardens, located in the Cotswolds, is a renowned Arts and Crafts-style garden famous for its stunning “garden rooms,” each with distinct themes, colors, and plantings. Visitors can wander through meticulously designed hedges, flower borders, and terraces, discovering a harmonious blend of formal design and natural beauty. It’s celebrated as one of England’s most influential and inspirational gardens.

Visit the Famous Diddly Squat Farm

Image Source: Brian Scantlebury via iStock

Diddly Squat Farm is a 1,000‑acre working farm in the Cotswolds (near Chipping Norton), made famous by the TV series Clarkson’s Farm. It grows typical arable crops, like barley, wheat and rapeseed and keeps livestock such as pigs, sheep and chickens. Although farming is the core activity, Diddly Squat also hosts a rustic farm shop selling produce from the farm and nearby local suppliers – it’s become a bit of a pilgrimage site for fans of the show.

Spend The Day at The Crocodiles of The World

Crocodiles of the World, located in the Cotswolds near Brize Norton, is the UK’s only dedicated crocodile zoo. It is home to over 150 crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and other exotic reptiles, alongside smaller animals like turtles and snakes. The park offers interactive experiences, educational talks, and a chance to see these fascinating creatures up close in a safe environment.

Our Top Walks to Enjoy When Staying in Oxford and Oxfordshire

If you love spending time outdoors and exploring the local area, our top five walks in different parts of Oxfordshire feature a mix of our most recent guests’ favourites as well as some of the staff’s personal picks.

Lower Slaughter to Bourton on the Water  

The walk from Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water is an easy, scenic route taking around 2.5 hours. You’ll head south from Lower Slaughter through peaceful fields and pastoral landscapes, crossing the River Eye on your way to Bourton-on-the-Water. The walk can also be extended to include Upper Slaughter for a longer adventure. 

Highlights: The quaint villages, historic water mill, and the River Eye in Lower Slaughter.

The Ridgeway National Trail

The Ridgeway walk near Wallingford offers a scenic journey along one of England’s oldest trails. Stretching across rolling hills and open countryside, the route provides stunning views over the Thames Valley. Walkers can enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks, charming villages, and peaceful woodland paths along the way.

Our beautiful wooden lodges, just a few minutes’ walk from The Ridgeway trail, make the perfect stopover for anyone exploring this historic route.

Around Blenheim Estate via Park Perimeter 

The Park Perimeter Walk is the perfect place to start your outdoor adventure. This 4.6-mile circular route takes you over some steep slopes, past ancient oaks, and through a vibrant world of wildlife. It’s a walk that’s both invigorating and calming, offering the chance to stretch your legs while enjoying some much-needed time in nature. Whether you’re taking a solo stroll, walking the dog, getting the kids out of the house, or enjoying a morning jog, wandering beneath the woodland canopy is a real feast for the senses.

Enter this walk from Blenheim Footpath Entrance located on The Causeway in Woodstock.

Port Meadow Circular (Oxford)

The Port Meadow Circular is a five-mile circular walk that follows the Thames Path from Medley to Godstow, then continues along the Oxford Canal towpath from Wolvercote to Jericho.

On Oxford’s northwest side lies Port Meadow, a vast natural floodplain of the River Thames and one of the city’s largest open spaces. The meadow is home to herds of cattle, grazing horses, and a variety of wildfowl, making it a wonderful spot to enjoy both scenic views and local wildlife.

From scenic walks and historic attractions to the very best places to eat, these guest recommendations highlight the very best of Oxford and Oxfordshire. Whether you’re exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, wandering the countryside, or enjoying a meal at a local favourite, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. We hope these tips inspire you to make the most of your visit and discover all the hidden gems our region has to offer.

 

Author Bio

Sally

Sally is a marketing whizz with over 10 years in hospitality and the last couple focused on short-term lettings. She makes sure Short Let Space and its properties stand out from the crowd, while also scouting out the best local spots to showcase to guests.

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