Wantage is a great place from which to visit some of our countries historic houses, parks and gardens. The places below are certainly futher afield, but still only between half an hour and one hour’s drive away
ASHDOWN HOUSE
This Dutch-style 17th century house is located near Upper Lambourn on the B4000. It perches on the Berkshire Downs and is famous for its close links with Charles I’s sister, Elizabeth of Bohemia.
Ashdown House
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashdown-house
BLENHEIM PALACE
Blenheim Palace is set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown.
The magnificent Palace is a unique example of English Baroque architecture and is surrounded by sweeping lawns, award-winning formal gardens and the great lake.
Inside, the scale of the Palace is beautifully balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings displayed in each room.
Situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford, the Palace was created a World Heritage site in 1987.
Blenheim Palace
BUSCOT PARK
Situated north-west of Faringdon near Buscot village, this neo-classical house (built between 1779 and 1783) is set in parkland and contains fine paintings and furniture of the Faringdon Collection Trust. Licensed tea room and picnic area.
Buscot Park
DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE
Unique collection of steam engines, coaches, wagons, buildings and small relics.
www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
GREAT COXWELL BARN
Built between 1300 and 1310 the Great Coxwell Barn is a remnant of the Cistercian Grange of Coxwell. William Morris loved this agricultural cathederal, calling it the finest piece of architectire in England.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/great-coxwell-barn
KELMSCOTT MANOR
This Grade I listed Tudor farmhouse adjacent to the River Thame was built in 1570. William Morris chose it as his sumer house.
KINGSTON BAGPUIZE HOUSE & GARDENS
17th century manor house set in mature parkland in the village of Kingston Bagpuize. The gardens contain a notable collection of plants, a woodland garden and an early Georgian gazebo.
MILLETS FARM
Millets Farm Centre is not an historia centre, but is a great place to visit for a family visit. It has an extensive range of facilities including a farm shop, garden centre, cafe, craft centre and restaurant.
MILTON MANOR HOUSE
Situated in the village of Milton, east of Wantage, this beautiful Grade 1 listed family home, was built in 1663 with wings and outbuildings added in 1772. Strawberry Hill Gothick library and chapel and 230 year old chinese wallpaper. Outside, there is extensive parkland with two lakes to picnic by, pony rides for the children, rare breed pigs and sheep, and a llama. Tearooms are situated in the old kitchens, which also house a large teapot collection.
Milton Manor House
PENDON MUSEUM
Pendon Museum was founded in 1954 and preserves the idyllic rural scene and transport of the 1920s and 1930s in a miniature form.
There is much to see, from the pioneering Madder Valley railway, through Pendon’s first complete model – the Dartmoor Scene – to the breathtaking Vale Scene that is fulfilling the original dream.
PRIORY COTTAGE STEVENTON
Former monastic buildings, now concerted into houses and part of the National Trust. The south cottage contains the Great Hall of the original Priory.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/priory-cottages
TOM BROWN’S SCHOOL MUSEUM
Located in the village of Uffington, west of Wantage, the museum details the life and works of Thomas Hughes, author of “Tom Brown’s Schooldays” together with other historial material from the area including poet laureate Sir John John Betjeman and his poetry.
