Banbury

About

About Banbury

Banbury, a market town in northern Oxfordshire, England, is ocated on the River Cherwell. It is 64 miles (103 km) northwest of London, 38 miles (61 km) southeast of Birmingham, 27 miles (43 km) south of Coventry and 21 miles (34 km) north northwest from the county town of Oxford. The urban area, including surrounding parishes, has a population of about 50,000.

Inspite or many modern developments the old town still has old alleys and quiet corners to explore. Two of Banbury’s famous inns remain. The Reindeer in Parsons Street and the large 17th century Whateley Hall Hotel in the Horsefair which used to be called the Three Tuns. Many famous people have stayed here including Johnathan Swift, who is reputed to have taken the name Gulliver from a tombstone in the nearby churchyard.

The famous Banbury Cross – though not the original which was destroyed by the Puritans in the 17th century is situated at a cross-roads on the broad Horsefair. The well-known nursery rhyme refers to the cross – ‘ Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross to see a finer lady on a white horse’. It is thought this rhyme referred to a visit by Queen Elizabeth I

Banbury is also famous for its special Banbury Cakes which are elliptical in shape and made of light pastry lined with currants and have a lemon fragrance. They have been produced for at least 300 years.

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How to get here

Banbury by train from London Paddington and also Marylebone.

Places of interest

Activities

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  • Review: Five Alls – Filkins - The Five Alls Filkins It is not often that I get cross when I do these restaurant reviews, but after visiting the Five Alls at Filkins I was fuming, why have I not been here before , my sort of place, my sort of food. Filkins is about 30 minutes … more
  • Canaletto at Compton Verney - One of our country’s major artworks – Canaletto’s A Grand Regatta on the Grand Canal, painted circa 1740,is on display at Compton Verney. It is a fascinating pastiche of 18th century life among the grandees who lived in Venice and quite mesmerising…A unique opportunity to see it in this beautiful … more
  • Heritage Rally – classic cars and trains – 7 June - This year’s nostalgic Heritage Rally, which will take place on Sunday 7 June, is all about Classic Cars and Steam Trains. The Rally, which is now sponsored by Wroxall Abbey Hotel & Estate, is now in its third year and is organised by the Heritage Motor Centre for vehicles aged 20 … more
  • Easter special – Shaun the Sheep movie - ‘Shaun the Sheep The Movie’ automotive Easter Adventures at the Heritage Motor Centre Children are in for yet another treat at the Heritage Motor Centre this Easter with ‘Shaun the Sheep The Movie’ automotive adventures from 28 March – 12 April. Celebrating the release of the movie earlier this year, … more
  • Broughton Castle – Banbury - Moated medieval manor house of 14th century, enlarged in the 16th, and home of the Fiennes family, Lords Saye and Sele. Many medieval rooms survive, including the chapel and a whole suite of remarkably intact Elizabethan interiors. James I slept in the King’s’ chamber, but the castle escaped damage in … more
  • Upton House – Civil War battle – 25 & 26 October - Civil War Camp, 25 & 26 October The Battle of Edgehill was fought just 1 mile from Upton. Experience the sights and sounds of 1642 combat in the English Civil War with dramatic displays by Fairfax Battalia. Normal National Trust admission charges apply
  • Upton House – Christmas Market – 6 & 7 December - Christmas Market, 6 & 7 December With a glass of mulled wine in your hand, enjoy sauntering through the many stalls offering great opportunities for ticking items off your gift list. 11am Saturday and Sunday, 6 & 7 December. Normal National Trust admission charges apply
  • Upton House – Edgehill battlefield – guided walk 24 October - Join us on a leisurely stroll. Enjoy a guided walk around Edgehill battlefield and to the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. £5 per person. Booking essential on 01295 671122.
  • Upton House, Banbury - Upton House Near Banbury Warwickshire OX15 6HT T: 01295 670266 E: uptonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Join the guests of Lord and Lady Bearsted for a weekend in the country and discover more about the life of a 1930s millionaire Discover how the family made their fortune in the Squash Court Gallery exhibition Shell … more
  • Halloween and half-term fun - Celebrate Halloween and the October half term from 25 October – 2 November with a host of spooky family events in Shakespeare’s England. Carve pumpkins, enjoy family ghost trails, learn how to make potions and spells or simply enjoy an autumnal walk. For the very brave there are plenty of … more

 

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  1. Review: Five Alls – Filkins - The Five Alls Filkins It is not often that I get cross when I do these restaurant reviews, but after visiting the Five Alls at Filkins I was fuming, why have I not been here before , my sort of place, my sort of food. Filkins is about 30 minutes … more
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Review: Five Alls – Filkins - The Five Alls Filkins It is not often that I get cross when I do these restaurant reviews, but after visiting the Five Alls at Filkins I was fuming, why have I not been here before , my sort of place, my sort of food. Filkins is about 30 minutes … more

 

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