Nestled away in the countryside that surrounds the city are several quaint and charming villages near Oxford that can offer a good balance of country life with the city nearby.
From ancient churches and country pubs to serene walking trails and picturesque meadows, these idyllic villages near Oxford present quintessential English countryside living.
Discover what these hidden gems have to offer as places to live:
Dorchester-on-Thames
Dorchester-on-Thames is a charming historic village positioned at the confluence of the rivers Thame and Thames. Picturesque properties line the streets, with red rooves and timber framed properties dotted across the village.
One of the greatest perks of living in Dorchester-on-Thames though is that so much of the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside is right on the doorstep.
Dorchester-on-Thames is a highly desirable place to live in Oxfordshire, a sought after riverside village that is well-connected to Oxford together with the nearby riverside towns of Abingdon and Wallingford.
A highlight of the calendar, the bi-annual Dorchester-on-Thames Festival showcases various art forms and links together with local businesses and schools. Over the years the festival has welcomed various well-known bands and authors.
The Haseleys
The Haseleys, the title given to Great Haseley and Little Haseley when grouped together, are two villages near Oxford that offer an excellent balance of country living with the city nearby.
Greater Haseley has greater amenities and more homes, as the name suggests, with Little Haseley by comparison being the location of just a small cluster of homes which are all within a conservation area.
The Haseleys are at the top of many buyer’s lists of places to live near Oxford and homes are in high demand. The villages are known for the active local community and for gems such as the fine dining French restaurant. La Table d’Alix in Greater Haseley.
With convenient access to Oxford, locals benefit from a serene living environment while remaining very well connected to the city’s amenities.
Local residents enjoy being in close proximity to Harcourt Arboretum, several farm shops, and gastro pubs such as The Crazy Bear and the Swan Antiques Centre at Tetsworth.
The Baldons
The Baldons, consisting of Marsh Baldon, Toot Baldon & Little Baldon are adorned with traditional cottages, classic pubs, and charming village greens. With easy access to Oxford’s rich cultural and educational resources, The Baldons are an appealing choice for those seeking a blend of rural living with Oxford nearby.
These villages offer a peaceful lifestyle, surrounded by picturesque countryside, residents appreciate the tranquillity and sense of community.
The Baldons are ideally placed for access to both Oxford railway station and Didcot Parkway, just a short drive away and both providing direct rail links to London.
The villages are in a superb location for Abingdon School & St Helen & Katherine.
Boars Hill
Boars Hill is a sought-after picturesque village in Oxfordshire, offering stunning views of the Oxfordshire hills and from some homes, views over the city of Oxford. Situated just four miles southwest of Oxford, Boars Hill is a popular place to live.
The large, sometimes secluded homes that can be found here are in high demand; the village is predominantly made up of private roads with substantial family houses on large plots.
Positioned above the Vale of the White Horse, residents can readily enjoy walks and breathtaking views of the city of Oxford.
Much of the open space surrounding the village is managed and protected by the Oxford Preservation Trust meaning it is beautifully well kept.
Local amenities are found in the neighbouring village of Wootton, with more comprehensive facilities in Abingdon and Oxford.
Boars Hill is also well located for an excellent range of state and independent schools for all ages in Oxford and Abingdon, with Chandlings and Cothill being particularly local.
By car the nearby route of the A34 gives access to the M4 (J13) to the south and the M40 (J9) to the north and regular train services to London run either from Didcot, Oxford or Oxford Parkway.
Wootton by Woodstock
Featured in the Doomsday Book of 1806, Wootton by Woodstock is a charming and very pretty village in Oxfordshire, located a short distance from the historic market town of Woodstock.
The village boasts a selection of quaint cottages and local amenities, such as the award-winning local pub The Killy (Killingworth Castle), making it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside.
Wootton Stores in the centre of the village is a shop run by the local community which is open seven days a week. The shop is perfect for day-to-day requirements as it provides a range of grocery supplies and a prescription pick-up service.
There is a very active local community with regular events such as the monthly ‘Wootton Tea Room’ in St Mary’s Church, together with baby and toddler groups, bell-ringing and efforts to raise funds for the ‘Wootton Talks’ project.
With a railway station nearby, residents can easily commute to Oxford and beyond, enjoying the best of both rural and urban living.
Swinbrook
Swinbrook, a quintessential Oxfordshire Cotswolds village, sits in a peaceful spot along the banks of the River Windrush. Known for its picturesque beauty, this village offers a scenic place to home near to Oxford.
The traditional Cotswold stone houses and lush green surroundings create an idyllic atmosphere for residents, who also enjoy the highly-regarded Swan Inn public house and a renowned, very pretty cricket club.
The A40 is just a mile away and it takes just a short time to reach the town of Burford for greater amenities.
Villages near Oxford: Moving to Oxfordshire
Buyers seeking property in any of the villages near Oxford might want to consider working together with a professional buying agent who can provide expert guidance and advice. Assisting in the search for the perfect property and then providing assurance during the process of buying a property. Get in touch to learn more.
