Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cheltenham to Oxford

If you're planning a road trip between Cheltenham and Oxford, there are plenty of fantastic things to see and do along the way. This journey boasts stunning countryside views and hidden cultural gems that are easily overlooked. The journey is about a 30-mile drive and has plenty of great stops along the way. One noteworthy stop is Burford, Oxfordshire, a beautiful town that is the halfway point between the two cities. There is something for everyone on this road trip, so pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is an expansive 160-acre park, home to over 260 different species of animals and birds. Most of the species are rare and endangered, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to view them up close and personal. The park is divided into different sections, including the Madagascar Zone, which is home to fossa, lemurs, and giant tortoises. In the Walled Garden, visitors can enjoy a variety of flowering plants, while in the Bat House, visitors can see over 50 bats from around the world.

Fun fact: The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is home to the only giraffe herd in England.

The Rollright Stones

The Rollright Stones is a prehistoric monument located near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The monument comprises three main elements: the King's Men, the Whispering Knights and the King Stone. The King's Men is perhaps the most striking feature of the monument; it is a megalithic stone circle consisting of seventy-five upright stones placed in a ring. According to folklore, the stones were brought from Wales by a wizard who turned the men into stone.

Fun fact: It is believed that the Rollright Stones were erected over 3,000 years ago.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a monumental country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. It is the principal residence of the Duke of Marlborough, and also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, one of Britain's most celebrated Prime Ministers. The Palace interior is adorned with magnificent artwork and tapestries. The scenic parkland surrounding the palace is great for strolling, cycling, and picnics. It's the perfect place to take a break from a long drive and admire the beauty around you.

Fun fact: The Palace was built in the early 1700s as a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory at the Battle of Blenheim.

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum is located in central Oxford and houses archaeological and anthropological collections from all over the world. Its displays include items from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, ranging from clothing to weaponry to musical instruments. Visitors can view items that have come to the museum via explorers, missionaries, and anthropologists of the Victorian era. The museum's architecture is also fascinating, with glass cases and cabinets placed in rows.

Fun fact: The museum was founded by General Pitt Rivers in 1884 and has been open to the public since then.

The Botanic Garden

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is situated on around four acres of land and is considered one of the world's oldest scientific gardens. Founded in 1621, the garden’s greenhouses host several tropical plants, while the outdoor areas represent different world habitats (such as deserts and meadows) with their different plant species in their respective locations. It is also home to scientific research on conservation and plant life. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to walk around and take in the array of flora and fauna around you.

Fun fact: The Garden owns fourteen National Plant Collections covering plants such as Euphorbias, Meconopsis, and Lonicera.

Conclusion

In summary, a road trip from Cheltenham to Oxford offers an incredible range of activities and attractions. Not only are there stunning countryside views and hidden cultural gems, but the journey provides an opportunity to explore some of the most significant historical sites in England. From the Cotswold Wildlife Park to the Pitt Rivers Museum, there's something for everyone. The round trip usually takes about 1.5 hours to complete, not including the time you take to visit each site, so make sure to plan out your trip in advance to ensure you have time to stop off at your top locations.