Find the perfect holiday cottage near Oxford for an idyllic getaway with your family or a fun-filled weekend with friends.
Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, is known all over the world for its world-class university and beautiful architecture.
It’s also an excellent place for a holiday. A stay near Oxford will give you easy access not only to the lovely city but also to some gorgeous parts of the English countryside: the Chiltern Hills and the Oxfordshire Cotswolds are just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
If you’re looking for Oxfordshire holiday cottages close to areas of outstanding natural beauty, you’ve come to the right place. We, here at Breakfree Holidays, have put together a list of some of our favourite self-catering properties and holiday cottages in Oxfordshire and the surrounding area. From cosy stays in quaint villages to spacious accommodation in the heart of the countryside, short breaks in this English gem have never been easier.
List of The Best Cottages Near Oxford
- The Granary (High Cogges, near Witney)
- Swallows, 1 The Old Stables (Stanton Harcourt, near Witney)
- Wroxton House (Oxford)
- Hidden Brook House (Frilford, near Oxford)
- Henrietta Cottage (Dorchester-On-Thames)
- The Old Reading Room (Bledington, near Stow-On-The-Wold)
- Anvil Cottage (Churchill)
- Keen Cottage (Kingham)
The Granary
Location: High Cogges, near Witney
Great for: Romantic breaks in a 17th-century property
The Granary is a perfect spot for a romantic couple’s retreat. This Grade II–listed building boasts original features but also has all the mod-cons you could need for a comfortable stay. The area around the cottage is peaceful and serene, making this an ideal country escape for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The market town of Witney can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes, and Oxford city centre is an easy drive from the cottage.
Facilities: This reverse-level accommodation is well equipped and finished to a very high standard. The downstairs double bedroom is spacious and comfortable, and the en-suite wet room means you can start every day of your stay with an almost life-changing shower. Underfloor heating will keep you cosy even in the depths of winter, and if the temperatures do drop, you can cuddle up by the wood-burning stove upstairs in the living area. Cook yourself a meal in the self-catering accommodation’s spacious kitchen, then head out into the countryside for a relaxing walk to the local pub. This place is a paradise.
Swallows, 1 The Old Stables
Location: Stanton Harcourt, near Witney
Great for: Peaceful stays in a converted stable
Looking for something a bit out of the way? Well, a stay in the Swallows cottage at the Old Stables could be right up your street. In a quiet and secluded area with easy car access to the rest of Oxfordshire, this beautifully presented cottage has everything you need for a relaxing stay. The holiday cottage is also within walking distance of the village of Eynsham, where you’ll find a shop and a great pub. Also in the area are excellent walking routes, cycling paths and fishing lakes.
Facilities: The cottage is equipped with two bedrooms – one has a king-size bed and the other a comfortable double, so there’s plenty of room here for two couples to stay. There are also two bathrooms, including one wet room with a walk-in shower and one with a tub for a soothing soak. The property also features a lovely open-plan living area, with plenty of sofa space and a fully equipped kitchen. If you’re blessed with good weather, head outside for a barbecue or wander around the farm to see the animals. This lovely cottage can even provide a stable space if you’re travelling with your own horse!
Wroxton House
Location: Oxford
Great for: Family stays near Oxford city centre
Just 1 mile from the centre of Oxford and with great bus links, Wroxton House is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a city break with your family. This self-catering accommodation is an excellent base to explore Oxford. You can roam the streets, stare at the spires or just imagine yourself as a student at Oxford University – we’ve all done it! The holiday cottage is within walking distance of excellent pubs, and the Thames River Path is just a few minutes away on foot.
Facilities: Although it was built in the 1930s, this cottage has a beautiful mock-Tudor facade to give your stay a fantastically decadent atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find many original features, including oak floors, striking fireplaces and a gorgeous baby grand piano. The house has two double bedrooms and two singles, meaning there’s plenty of space for a family or group of six. Relax in the living room by the fire, or cook a fantastic meal in the kitchen’s AGA oven. There’s also a garden with patio furniture, so you can eat outside if the weather’s good. Sound good? Book your stay!
Hidden Brook House
Location: Frilford, near Oxford
Great for: Large groups of friends or big family gatherings
This whopping eight-bedroom house sleeps up to 18 guests and is equipped with everything you could possibly desire for a fun-filled group getaway: a hot tub, a games room, a roof terrace and an enormous dining area. The house is just 20 minutes away from Oxford, so your group can easily take day trips into the bustling city centre. There’s also a well-regarded golf course just a few minutes from the house, so you can play a few holes if the mood strikes.
Facilities: In addition to an outdoor hot tub (which, let’s be honest, is a huge draw!), this modern and spacious house is comfortably furnished and fantastically equipped. Eight roomy bedrooms provide ample sleeping space, and the fact that there are five bathrooms means there won’t be any bickering over whose turn it is to use the shower. Downstairs, you’ll find two living rooms and a games room, as well as a huge kitchen. There’s also a private garden with furniture for outdoor dining, and there’s plenty of private parking available too. You and your friends will have a great time here!
Henrietta Cottage
Location: Dorchester-On-Thames
Great for: Picturesque village stays in a characterful property
Henrietta Cottage is situated in the peaceful village of Dorchester-On-Thames. The cottage is right on the high street, meaning you’ll be just a short walk from excellent pubs, a village shop and an adorable little tea room. Anyone for afternoon tea?
Local attractions include Dorchester Abbey and the beautiful nature reserve at Wittenham Clumps, used as the backdrop in the TV show Midsomer Murders. You’ll also be close to an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for a bit of fresh air in the stunning countryside.
Facilities: This quaint little cottage can comfortably sleep two couples in its two double bedrooms. The brick exterior is just beautiful, and the interior has original features to make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. The wood-burning stove is an excellent addition to the living room, and the brightly coloured kitchen is the ideal place to rustle up a tasty dinner for you and your friends.
The Old Reading Room
Location: Bledington, near Stow-On-The-Wold
Great for: Couples retreats close in a quintessential Cotswolds village
Oxfordshire cottages don’t get much cuter than this. This adorable little cottage is an ideal place for romantic short breaks. It’s ideally situated between the market town of Chipping Norton and the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-On-The-Water, one of the most iconic honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds. Take a short drive to this beautiful village and take a stroll through the Windrush Valley. Alternatively, wander from the cottage to the local pub, just half a mile from the front door.
Facilities: The Old Reading Room gets its name from its previous use: the building was formerly part of the local school – more precisely, it was the room used by the children to read and practise music. The property has been converted to a high standard but maintains some of its original charm, creating the perfect combination between old and new. Cuddle up by the fireplace or relax on the outdoor swing seat. The gallery-style bedroom is comfortable and modern, and the spacious kitchen has everything you need to cook your loved one a romantic meal.
Anvil Cottage
Location: Churchill
Great for: Secluded stays for two couples in the heart of the Cotswolds
Tucked away in a very private location, but just a 30-second walk to the closest pub (nice!), Anvil Cottage is an ideal choice if you’re looking for Oxfordshire holiday cottages. Spend your days relaxing in the garden or exploring the nearby town of Chipping Norton, just three miles from the cottage itself. Anvil Cottage is perfectly placed to make the most of a stay in the Cotswolds, with several of the area’s most popular towns just a short drive away.
Facilities: With two double bedrooms, each with a very comfortable king-size bed, Anvil Cottage has plenty of sleeping space for four adults. Each bedroom also has a spacious en-suite bathroom, meaning all four guests can take their time getting ready with no need to worry about vacating the shower for someone else! The property also has a well-equipped kitchen and dining area, plus a comfortable living area with a wood-burning stove. In the summer months, guests can also enjoy the enclosed garden, complete with a table and chairs. If the weather isn’t so good, you can always sit in the beautiful conservatory instead. Bliss!
Keen Cottage
Location: Kingham
Great for: Family stays in a traditional Cotswold property
This delightful 18th-century cottage is set within the picturesque village of Kingham, once voted England’s favourite village by Country Life magazine. The village itself is in the Evenlode Valley, between Stow-On-The-Wold and Chipping Norton, so you’ll be ideally placed to explore some of the most famous market towns of the Cotswolds. The village is also home to two highly rated pubs, including the Wild Rabbit, voted pub of the year by the Michelin Guide in 2016. Keen Cottage is just a five-minute walk from the centre of the village but is set down a little country lane, making this a place of peace and tranquillity.
Facilities: This two-bedroom cottage is ideal for families of four, with one double bedroom and one twin. The double has an en suite attached, but there’s also a family bathroom upstairs. The sitting room has a lovely inglenook fireplace, but there’s also central heating and underfloor heating to keep you nice and cosy if you’re visiting during a cold spell. Cook up a tasty dinner for your family and enjoy it in the beautiful conservatory, where the dining room table gives views over the south-facing garden.
Book Your Breakfree Escape to Oxfordshire
These beautifully presented cottages in Oxfordshire and the surrounding area are sure to tick all your boxes. With easy access to the stunning countryside of the Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills, Oxfordshire’s picturesque towns are an ideal choice for a country escape.
Don’t forget, there are even more properties available on the Breakfree Holidays site. If cottages near the university city aren’t doing it for you on this occasion, why not consider a boating holiday on the Thames? Alternatively, change destination altogether and book a stay in Cornwall instead.
Whatever you settle on, you’re sure to have a fantastic trip with Breakfree Holidays.