Guest Info
Local Info For Memorable Stays
Explore the very best of Oxfordshire and beyond from your base at The Swan Hotel. From historic cities and countryside adventures to shopping trips and rural experiences, we’ve got something for everyone. Here’s your guide to top destinations and activities during your stay.
Just 5 miles from The Swan, Oxford is a city steeped in history, learning, and beauty. Home to the world-renowned University of Oxford, its dreaming spires, cobbled lanes, and stunning architecture invite visitors to wander and wonder. Highlights include the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and the Ashmolean Museum. Take a punting trip on the River Cherwell or stroll through the Botanic Garden. The city also offers fabulous shopping, riverside dining, and guided walking tours for every interest. Regular buses from right outside the Swan Hotel, make getting to Oxford easy.
A charming market town just 15 minutes’ drive from The Swan, Woodstock is best known as the gateway to Blenheim Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The palace grounds offer beautifully landscaped gardens, lakes, and seasonal events from flower shows to festive lights. Woodstock itself is a delight to explore with its antique shops, galleries, pubs, and tearooms. It’s the perfect half-day outing for guests who love history, heritage, and peaceful countryside settings. We provide daily drop-off and pick-up services to and from the Swan Hotel.
If designer brands and luxury labels are on your list, head to Bicester Village, just 25 minutes away by car. This open-air retail destination is home to over 150 boutiques, including Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and Ralph Lauren – all offering up to 60% off recommended retail prices. With stylish cafes, personal shopping services, and hands-free shopping options, it’s ideal for a full day of retail therapy. Parking is free, or you can reach Bicester easily via the local park-and-ride or a quick train ride from Oxford. We cal also provide you with daily drop-off and pick-up services to and from the Swan Hotel.
The surrounding Oxfordshire country side offers several excellent fishing spots, both for coarse and fly fishing. The nearby River Thames and River Evenlode provide tranquil waters where you can catch perch, chub, pike, and trout. Local fisheries such as Linear Fisheries and Linch Hill are also within easy reach and provide a peaceful day out for anglers of all levels. Ask our team for directions, permits, and guided fishing trips.
Experience the countryside on horseback with several local equestrian centers offering lessons, hacks, and treks through scenic trails and bridleways. Cotswold Riding, just a short drive away, provides experiences for all ages and abilities – from gentle rides for beginners to longer outings through woodland and rolling farmland. It’s a wonderful way to see the landscape from a new perspective. Ask our team for directions, permits, and guided riding trips.
For guests looking for a more adrenaline-fuelled rural activity, clay pigeon shooting is a fantastic option. Local shooting grounds such as Edgehill Shooting Ground and Oxford Gun Company offer group sessions, tuition, and all equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a total beginner, it’s a thrilling countryside sport that makes for a memorable outing with friends or colleagues. Ask our team for directions, permits, and guided shooting trips.
Explore the city like never before with a guided walking or cycling tour of Oxford. Learn the secrets of ancient colleges, uncover tales of famous alumni, and follow in the footsteps of Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien. Inspector Morse, Harry Potter, and Brideshead Revisited themed tours are also available. We also offer tours of the famous Oxford colleges like Christ Church, Balliol, Merton, Queens and New College. Private and group options can be arranged through local operators connected with the Swan Hotel.
Spend a day in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, and historic spa culture. Guided tours – whether by foot, bus, or even boat – provide insights into the city’s rich heritage and modern culture. It’s around 1.5 hours from The Swan by car, making it an ideal full-day trip.
Join a guided tour of the Cotswolds to see the best of the region without the stress of navigating. Choose from half-day or full-day options that include transport, knowledgeable local guides, and visits to highlights like Bibury, Lower Slaughter, Broadway Tower, and more. Some tours include stops for tea or pub lunches – the perfect way to savour the charm of the English countryside. Ask our team for directions, permits, and info on guided trips.
