We spent a night at Warsborough House, a delightful 300 year old house in Kidlington, a short distance from Oxford.
We were greeted by Elizabeth, a lovely hostess who made us feel very welcome. Our room was lovely and large overlooking the long driveway with lawns and trees at the front of the house. The en-suite bathroom looked over the smaller, back garden, home to a family of ducks. They were happily swimming around in the pond, but quickly flew into the swimming pool whenever they got the opportunity.
Cars can be easily left in the private car park, set back off the road. The rooms have TV, Video and Hairdryers and there is Wireless internet access. There is a beamed Dining/Breakfast room, with a large table to seat all the guests. Breakfast offers a large selection of foods to suit all tastes.
The house is situated within easy reach of places like Blenheim Palace Woodstock, Stratford- upon- Avon and the Cotswolds. Large enough to have a 'town' status, Kidlington remains a 'village' which appears to be at the bequest of the residents. It is a peaceful location, ideal for relaxing and those on business. Close by is the church of St Mary the Virgin, a grade one listed building dating from 1220 with fine medieval stained glass and a 67 m spire known as 'Our Lady's Needle'. There is evidence of a church existing on the site from AD 1073 and archaeological remains of a three-sided moat, behind the church. A causeway has recently been discovered, possibly of Roman origin.
We ate at the nearby Jolly Boatman, a traditional pub which sits alongside the Southern Oxford canal. You can choose from a good, varied menu and either eat inside, or, on the tables outside next to the canal towpath, watching the boats go by.
Warsborough House is a place I would recommend for a stay. At £85 per room with breakfast, it compares reasonably with prices today.