Charlbury is an ancient Cotswold market town, situated in the beautiful Evenlode Valley, 15 miles north west of Oxford. It is typical of the Cotswolds, with houses built of local materials and having colourful cottage gardens.
To the south west of Charlbury lies the remainder of the ancient Wychwood Forest, part of which now makes up the estate of Cornbury Park. Whilst Monarchs once exercised their exclusive hunting rights in the forest, today walkers can see deer and other wildlife from the public footpaths that border the Park.
Award-winning historic pubs and inns at the heart of the town invite visitors to sample local hospitality. For those with time to stay, Charlbury offers a range of serviced accommodation; from B & B through farmhouse to former coaching inn. Self catering apartments and serviced camp sites are also available.
With no main roads passing through the town this is a quiet place. It is ideal for a leisurely stroll followed perhaps by a rest whilst watching the cricket or maybe a pub lunch with locally brewed beer. Afterwards, visit our outstanding museum which tells the story of our town and its people in times of work, war, peace, pleasure and sadness.
The many miles of way-marked trails and other public paths make Charlbury an ideal place for walkers. Cyclists too appreciate the quiet lanes through the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and beyond.
Throughout the year there is an extensive programme of local events all of which are open to visitors. The Wilderness Festival, Charlbury Open Gardens, Beer Festival, Riverside Music Festival, Farmers’ Markets, Boundary Walk, Horticultural Shows, Amateur Dramatics and September’s Street Fair are just some of the highlights.
Further afield there is much to be enjoyed: Within just 30 miles we have world renowned gardens, preserved railways, bus and aviation museums, breweries to visit, numerous historic houses and stately homes – perhaps the grandest of which, Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, is just six miles away.
With the historic university city of Oxford just 30 minutes away and Shakespeare’s Stratford upon Avon less than one hour north, Charlbury really is a well located town.