Luxury self-catering accommodation in Oxford
All guests fall for this historic university town with its ancient spires, cosy pubs and glittering river. Visitors love summer punting, winter pubs and touring the college.
There is no doubt that this city, about an hour and a half from London, is best known for its gold-standard university and sprawl of colleges stretching out to the suburbs, but there is much more to be discovered on a weekend break here. Book a self-catering home and historians can spend hours in the world’s oldest public museum, the Ashmolean, with displays of Egyptian mummies and Raphael drawings. For a birds’ eye view, climb the 99 steps of Carfax Tower; back down again and Oxford Castle & Prison is perfectly positioned in the heart of town.
A walking tour will ensure you hit all the hotspots, but with the city tucked deep into the Cotswolds, there's also much to be said for setting out into the hills for a day of hearty hiking. While out and about, pay a visit to the beautifully baroque Blenheim Palace. Set in landscaped parkland with a maze and butterfly house, take the Untold Story tour to fully experience the history of the house. Shoppers sneaking off to nearby Bicester Village will find designer treats in the year-round sales; bag some goodies then have a fashion show back at the house.

In Clover
Witney, Oxford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Wrap yourself in clover at this once-forgotten Cotswolds cottage encircled by private bluebell woods. A luxury take on a bucolic country retreat, this self-catering homestay flaunts a 12-person hot tub and sumptuous Soho Home furnishings.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £3,450 per week, £2,595 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two dogs are welcome
Features: Large wood-fired hot tub, games room with pool table, air hockey, ping pong and darts board, plus a trampoline, tree house and al fresco kitchen

The Tapestry
Witney, Oxford, Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds, UK
Muted greens and blues, thick drapes and stone floors, this Oxfordshire farmhouse oozes tranquility, with all the luxurious home comforts a weekender could wish for.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £2,995 per week, £2,395 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 8 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior arrangement
Features: Television room and trampoline