The Killingworth Castle is located in the vicinity of one of the worlds' most prestigious academic cities, some of the UK's most idyllic countryside and arguably the nation's finest stately home.

01. Blenheim Palace

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and now a world class UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is a picture-perfect example of baroque architecture, with over 2,000 acres of magical parkland laid out by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Owing to the palace's close proximity to The Killingworth Castle, Churchill would often luncheon at the pub, taking in the short drive to road test his numerous cars.

Distance: 3.6 miles / 7 mins drive

thekillingworthcastle.com/blenheim-palace

03. The Cotswolds

Google ‘quintessential English village’ and the Cotswolds will usually come up tops. Taking in the counties of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire - as well as parts of Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire - this loosely defined region of rolling hills, thatched roofs and honey-stone buildings is one of the most achingly beautiful parts of the country. From wildlife parks to the Cheltenham Races, there's something for everyone in this other Eden.

Distance: on the doorstep

cotswolds.com

04. Diddly Squat Farm Shop

Established in 2020, Diddly Squat Farm Shop was the brainchild of Jeremy Clarkson. The TV personality's farm shop has taken social media by storm with thousands travelling from across the country to pay a visit. Be sure to check out this local farm shop, which sells its own potatoes, and homegrown vegetables, along with a range of other products all sourced as locally as possible.

Distance: 9 miles / 15 mins drive

diddlysquatfarmshop.com

05. Woodstock

Queen Elizabeth I lived in Woodstock between 1554 and 1555, albeit as a prisoner at the behest of her sister, Mary I. Thankfully, this idyllic market town is now far more welcoming, drawing in the crowds to its art galleries, antique shops and the excellent Oxfordshire Museum. If visiting on a hot summer's day you can always cool off at the town's popular open air swimming pool. Dads, don't forget your budgie smugglers.  

Distance: 2.7 miles / 7 mins drive

visitwoodstock.co.uk

06. Daylesford Cookery School

Having pioneered organic farming for over three decades, Daylesford remains one of the most sustainable farms in the UK. In addition, the 2,350 acre holding is revered for its excellent cookery school, which hosts numerous courses including quick and simple suppers, seasonal dinner parties and artisan bread making. Private classes are available for groups and a visit to the amply stocked farm shop is in itself also well worth the journey.

Distance: 15.8 miles / 25 mins drive

daylesford.com

07. Downtown Abbey Filming Locations

The chocolate-box charm of Cotswolds village Bampton has become world famous owing to its doubling as fictionalised northern town, Downton in Downton Abbey. From the weddings and funerals (and even a jilting) staged at St Mary’s Church - to the old grammar school that served as Downton Hospital, the village and the surrounding area is abundant with locations repurposed for the hit show. Click here to download a guide and information on guided tours.

Distance: 18.2 miles / 35 mins drive

oxfordshirecotswolds.org

09. Ashmolean Museum

Although Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is the world’s oldest university museum, it’s also one of the world’s most contemporary owing to the recent addition of a number of new galleries. The latest, which opened in 2016, houses 19th century works of art and furnishings, including the famed Great Bookcase, as designed and painted by William Burges. The museum’s rooftop restaurant also warrants a long and leisurely visit.    

Distance 11.3 miles / 22 mins drive

ashmolean.org