Located between the Chilterns and Cotswolds, Oxfordshire is the epitome of pastoral splendour. The region abounds with majestic spires, charming hamlets, and verdant landscapes, serving as an idyllic countryside escape. At the same time, designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and extravagant wellness spas dot the rugged county, seamlessly blending bucolic charm with cosmopolitan sophistication.
Read on to discover the best places to live in Oxfordshire
Oxford
Oxford is a cathedral city and the main county town of Oxfordshire. It is perched on the confluence of the River Thames and the River Cherwell and was established in the 8th century. Its strategic location contributed to its prosperity during its early years. The Christ Church Cathedral and its namesake university were built in the 12th century, significantly catapulting Oxford’s status in the region.
Steeped in intriguing political history and architectural grandeur, Oxford is home to cobbled streets, splendid museums, bewitching viewpoints, and charming independent cafes. The prestigious Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the second-oldest university in continuous operation, further cementing the city as a major cultural capital.
Besides its touristic value, small businesses and creative ventures thrive in Oxford. The average price range of a home in this city is between £475,000 and £650,400.
Henley-on-Thames
As the name indicates, Henley-on-Thames is a small town situated on the banks of the River Thames. The quaint town dates to the 12th century, when Henry II had bought the land “for the making of buildings”. By the Middle Ages, Henley-on-Thames was a well-planned town with manicured streets, stately manors, a tavern, a church, and a bustling market.
Henley-on-Thames was built with meticulous detail by the British royal family, as evidenced by its regal beauty and affluence. Cobbled streets are lined with period buildings, all hosting high-end independent stores, upscale charity shops, and excellent restaurants.
With a robust luxury market, premium amenities, and a reputed educational sector, Henley-on-Thames is the second-most expensive market town to live in. The average price of a property in this town is about £757,153.
Burford
Burford is a small town tucked away in the Cotswolds hills by the River Windrush. Located by the Oxon/Glos border, Burford is often referred to as the “gateway to the Cotswolds."
The town dates to the mid-Saxon period (5th–11th century). As such, history is palpable in the town’s air, underscored by the array of red sandstone buildings, quaint pathways, and the iconic Grade I-listed Church of St. John the Baptist. During the Middle Ages, Burford rose to riches owing to its fruitful wool trade. This led to an uptick in majestic 15th-century townhouses, enhancing Burford’s stately charm.
Today, Burford is known for its breathtaking natural landscape, bohemian high street, and the fun-filled Burford Festival. With vistas of the Cotswolds and a range of wildlife parks (the National Trust Lodge Park and Sherborne Park Estate, and the Cotswold Wildlife Park), Burford is ideal for nature lovers. The average price of a property in this picturesque town is £616,785.
Witney
Witney is a vivid market town on the banks of the River Windrush. With Roman ruins and Iron Age settlements, the scenic town brims with historic lore. While records prove its existence since AD 969, the town began to flourish in the Middle Ages with its blanket industry, employing thousands of people to weave blankets for global export. Archaeologist John Steane noted “almost 3,000 people from 8 years old to old age worked" in blanket production in Witney. The weekly market centre saw mighty crowds haggling over meat and butter.
Today, Witney is known for its fairs, the annual wine festival, music festivals, and market days. There’s a notable 150-acre school in the city, in addition to a reliable transport network and quality amenities. The average house price in Witney is £334,941.
Kingham
Kingham is a sequestered wonder, tucked away in the Cotswolds hills. According to Country Life, Kingham is “England's Favourite Village”, and it is one of the most exclusive in Oxfordshire. With a population of just 500, Kingham is a markedly quiet village. Streets here are lined with stone houses and mediaeval buildings, embodying a peerless rustic charm. Everything – from the taverns to the cafes and parklands – bears a nostalgic aura.
Today, Kingham is known for its masterful gastronomy, exclusive social scene, prime schools, and a well-connected railway network. The average property price in Kingham is £1.65 million, while detached homes are priced higher at £5.16 million.
Goring-on-Thames
Goring-on-Thames is a harbourside village perched on the River Thames. With a 3000-strong population and luxuriant farmlands, it is one of England’s best unspoilt gems. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goring is full of picturesque walking trails and parklands. This enchanting town is the picture of a classic English novel, with stone buildings, mediaeval chapels, and quaint pathways.
Religious sites are a prominent draw of Goring. The St. Thomas of Canterbury parish church, an archetype of Norman architecture, is the town’s crown jewel. The Goring Free Church and the Our Lady and St. John the Apostle are other notable churches in the town.
Today, Goring-on-Thames is one of England’s prime country retreats — BBC called it “Village of the Year” in 2009. With a tightly knit community and impressive infrastructure to boot, Goring is a highly sought-after postcode. The average house price here is about £775,765.
Charlbury
Charlbury is a small town nestled in the edge of the Cotswolds in the Evenlode Valley. Dating to the early Middle Ages, Charlbury has retained much of its rustic, rural atmosphere. The town is embraced by rugged cycling trails and walking routes, presenting endless vistas of the Cotswolds hills. Roads are lined with honey-hued cottages and traditional taverns. The town also hosts the Grade I-listed Cornbury Park, a 5,000-acre farmland, and the iconic 17th-century country house designed by Hugh May.
Today, Charlbury has a well-heeled population of 2,000, and it hosts popular beer festivals and outdoor adventures. It is well connected to London and boasts a reputed selection of private schools. The average price of a detached home in this gold-tinged town is £919,667.
The English countryside has perfected the art of elevated rejuvenation. Oxfordshire, with its bosky fields, fresh produce, vibrant markets, luxury spas, and premium amenities, effortlessly straddles pastoral tranquillity and modern-day indulgence. From Oxford to Charlbury, these are some of the best places to live in Oxfordshire.
