A relaxation of the COVID lockdowns allowed us to transport ourselves to an AirBnB in Kirtlington, Oxfordshire. We had booked and cancelled a few times, but finally began our 10-day Cotswolds holiday.
We had visited the Cotswolds several years ago but wanted to return to spend a little more time in some of our favourite places. Plus, we wanted to discover new places. We weren’t disappointed.
Kirtlington
We chose Kirtlington as our base. Our host was Barbara while we stayed at Stoke House Annexe. The house is beautiful with lovely gardens and fields beyond and gorgeous countryside all around. It is a good base to explore the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire towns and villages.
The town dates way back to the 10th century as Saxon origins with the name meaning a town (‘tun’) or settlement for ‘Cyrtla’s People’.
Kirtlington has two pubs for food and refreshments, both are good for food and refreshments, which means that you may need to book a table. There are the Oxford Arms and the Dashwood Arms, from a prominent family name in Kirlington. There were other inns that sadly no longer exist through the passage of time.
The Lamb Ale is an annual tradition going back to the 1600s that is held for two days after Trinity Sunday. Nowadays, Morris dancers attend a Spring festival leading into the Ale.
The Village Church
The church of St Mary the Virgin is worth a visit. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and has Saxon beginnings with Normal additions. There is also mention of the name, Thomas SIr Robert Dashwood Blackamoore, to be found on a memorial in the church. This article by WordLoft, touches on the subject with the suggestion that there is more to read up and investigate.
Indeed, there is. The term ‘blackamoore’ was a common name used to describe or categorise the dark skinned people of Mauritania (‘moore’) – typically Muslims of North Africa. Typically slaves!
However, the memorial suggests that Thomas, although likely a slave, as were many to wealthy families, was a cherished member of the Dashwood family. He may have been a part of the family since childhood.
Around the Village
The canal is just a short walk down a lane. There’s a lovely, colourful cafe along the way – a garden setting with ribbons and bunting all over. The path leads down to Pigeon Lock.
Pubs and restaurants were just opening their outdoor eating areas. Although it was mostly dry, it was still a little cold to eat out. We were lucky on a few occasions to find a sun-trapped courtyard or garden in the towns we visited. We were also lucky to have a well-stocked supermarket down the road in Bletchingdon with a good range of pop-in-the-oven dinners, sitting in the cosy comfort of our AirBnB.
If you are interested in a Cotswolds holiday or short break, here is a list of holiday properties and hotels located all over the Cotswolds region.
Kirtlington for Walks
There are some good walks in this area too. Above are a few shots I took on a couple of them.
I set myself a longer walk (11.5 miles) during our holiday. The walk itself is easy-going and fairly level. It takes in public footpaths and bridleways, along with a few lovely villages and, of course, canals and rivers. Read the full article, Cotswolds Walk from Kirtlington.
There are a number of short walks in this area too. The canals to the SW and open fields to the NE are great for a stroll. If only to work up an appetite before dinner at one of the village pubs.
Read my article, A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Walks, if you would like more information and ideas about this wonderful pastime.
Oxford
Oxford is an easy drive from here to its Park & Ride. It’s a city of historic sandstone buildings and bicycles. There is amazing architecture all over the city, from its castle to its famous colleges and university. Read my article – Visit Oxford.
Banbury
We had an afternoon free, so decided on a trip to Banbury. We didn’t know what to expect, We had heard of Banbury Cross and the famous nursery rhyme, but hadn’t researched at all. So what a delight when we walked into the historic centre with all of its architecture, along with the Oxford Canal running through its centre. Plus, of course, Banbury Cross. Read my short article about our visit to Banbury.
If you are thinking of visiting the Cotswolds, go grab a book or two – here is a list of books about the Cotswolds.
Thanks for reading this article. Please leave any comments, suggestions or advice you may have for a great Cotswolds holiday.
