Discover villages near Oxford: 8 ideal locations for homebuyers
If you are looking for an idyllic rural setting with the convenience of being close to a bustling city, these villages near Oxford present an array of appealing options for homebuyers.
Oxford with its historic architecture, prestigious university, and vibrant cultural scene, is a city that offers much to those who live within its bounds. However, beyond the city’s boundaries lie a collection of attractive villages that provide a slower pace of life.
Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly location near top schools, a peaceful retreat, or a place rich in history, these sought-after villages near Oxford are well worth considering.
Dorchester-on-Thames
Dorchester-on-Thames is one of the most desirable villages near Oxford. Its timeless appeal has made it a popular filming location, featuring in productions such as Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple.
Lovely pub hotels and cafes, a convenience shop, and a variety of clubs serve Dorchester’s community, while outdoor enthusiasts benefit from the nearby iconic Wittenham Clumps, access to sailing lakes, fishing, and scenic walking trails in the nearby Chilterns AONB.
A biennial music festival centres around the 12th-century Dorchester Abbey.
This stunning venue also hosts an array of musical and theatrical events.
The village has a primary school and access to some of the region’s top schools including Abingdon School, The Manor, St Helen and St Katharine, Cothill, and Chandlings. Oxford’s highly regarded schools are also within easy reach, with school buses serving the village.
Transport links are convenient, with the A4074 and A415 roads providing regular bus services to Oxford, Abingdon, Wallingford, and Reading.
For those commuting to London, Didcot Parkway, just a 20-minute drive away, offers fast trains to London Paddington in under 45 minutes.
Boars Hill
Boars Hill is located three miles from Oxford city centre within the Oxford Green Belt. This prestigious hamlet is revered for its wooded rural charm, elevated position, and breathtaking views over the Vale of White Horse and Oxford’s iconic ‘dreaming spires’.
Local amenities are easily accessible in the neighbouring villages of Wootton and Cumnor, with more comprehensive facilities available in nearby Abingdon and Oxford.
The area around Boars Hill is home to numerous scenic footpaths and bridleways.
These include those through Bagley Wood and lands preserved by the Oxford Preservation Trust.
Boars Hill is conveniently located to access the A40, A420, and the A34, which links to the M4 in the south and the M40 in the north.
For rail commuters, Oxford and Didcot stations offer fast services to London Paddington in 51 minutes and 38 minutes respectively, while Oxford Parkway provides an alternative route to London Marylebone.
Families in Boars Hill benefit from a superb selection of schools, both state and independent, in Oxford and Abingdon.
Chandlings, Radley College, Magdalen College School, St Helen and St Katharine’s, Abingdon School, and Dragon School are all within easy reach, with many offering bus services to and from the area.
Eynsham
Eynsham, located adjacent to the A40 approximately six miles from both Oxford and Witney, is a characterful, bustling village with a thriving community.
The wide range of facilities in Eynsham makes it among the most popular villages near Oxford for families to buy a home. There is a modern health centre, library, post office, convenience stores, a butcher, a greengrocer, and the popular Market Garden Delicatessen with its café.
Additionally, there are several traditional pubs, coffee shops, and local businesses.
Families are supported with toddler groups, a well-regarded primary school, and the highly reputable Bartholomew Secondary School.
Eynsham is a hub of activity, with sports clubs, societies, and groups catering to all ages and interests.
Rail services to Oxford and London Paddington can be found at nearby Hanborough Station; services to Bicester Village and London Marylebone run from Oxford Parkway. A frequent bus service connects the village to Oxford, Witney, and beyond.
Sutton Courtenay
Sutton Courtenay, located along the banks of the River Thames, is a characterful village with a picturesque green surrounded by period and thatched properties. There are three inviting pubs and restaurants in the village, two shops for everyday conveniences, and a post office.
The village’s history is evident in its landmarks, including the Norman Hall Manor House and the Abbey. Famous former residents include Prime Minister and Earl of Oxford Lord Asquith, and writer George Orwell is buried in the churchyard.
The surrounding countryside enhances Sutton Courtenay’s appeal, bordered by the Chiltern Hills to the north and the Berkshire Downs to the south.
Sutton Courtenay offers excellent schooling options, including a well-regarded village primary school and access to a range of esteemed state and independent schools in Didcot, Abingdon, and Oxford.
The village enjoys an enviable position between Abingdon and Didcot, with excellent transport links making it one of the most sought-after villages near Oxford.
The A34 provides easy access north to Oxford and the M40, and south to Newbury and the M4. Didcot Parkway, just four miles away, offers a direct rail service to London Paddington with fast trains taking under 40 minutes.
Stonesfield
Stonesfield is another of the charming villages near Oxford. Located around 10 minutes from Woodstock on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is surrounded by the picturesque countryside of the Evenlode Valley.
The village boasts a well-regarded primary school, a shop with a post office, a hair salon, and a 13th-century church.
Social and recreational opportunities are plentiful in Stonesfield.
There’s a sports field, a sports and social club, and a village hall hosting local events and activities.
There are regular bus services to Woodstock, Oxford, Charlbury, and Chipping Norton.
For commuters, nearby train stations at Charlbury, Long Hanborough, and Oxford Parkway provide direct services to London Paddington and Marylebone, while the A44 and M40 are within easy reach for road travel.
Stonesfield’s proximity to Woodstock, Charlbury, and Witney ensures access to additional amenities and market-town charm.
Kirtlington
Kirtlington is another enviable location. Set amidst North Oxfordshire’s beautiful countryside, the village offers a range of attractions, including the Capability Brown gardens at Kirtlington Park and scenic walks through the old stone quarry by the canal.
There are two welcoming pub restaurants, the Oxford Arms and the Dashwood Arms, a village hall, a golf club, and a polo club.
The village primary school is well-regarded, and it feeds into an excellent Church of England secondary school in Woodstock. Several esteemed independent schools are also within a short drive.
Nearby Woodstock, Bicester, and Oxford provide further options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Kirtlington’s proximity to the Cotswolds offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities and country sports.
From Kirtlington there is easy road access to the A34 and M40, and train services from Bicester arrive at London Marylebone in as little as 50 minutes. Frequent bus services connect the village to Oxford and Bicester.
Islip
Islip, a picturesque village in Oxfordshire, is another desirable place to live featuring a range of character properties, complemented by its 13th-century parish church.
Local amenities include an excellent community shop, the Swan Inn and its Cygnet restaurant, a well-regarded primary school, a village hall, and a doctors’ surgery.
Social life thrives around Islip’s two welcoming pubs.
The village’s rail station provides frequent services to Oxford, Bicester Village, and London Marylebone.
Islip is conveniently located for Summertown, Headington, and Oxford city centre, as well as Woodstock, Bicester, the A34, and the M40. Surrounded by rolling countryside, Islip offers a harmonious blend of rural living and accessibility to major hubs.
Wheatley
To the east of Oxford is the thriving village of Wheatley. Its narrow streets are lined with thatched cottages and historic buildings. Cultural landmarks such as the 18th-century windmill and St. Mary’s Church highlight Wheatley’s longstanding presence in the English countryside.
Wheatley offers a mix of charming cottages, modern flats, terraced houses, and larger family homes, ensuring a wide range of options for prospective buyers.
Families are well-served by a selection of primary schools and the highly regarded Wheatley Park School, which provides a comprehensive secondary education.
The High Street is the heart of the village, featuring a variety of shops, a post office, a convenience store, a pharmacy, as well as cafes and pubs.
On the outskirts of the village is an Asda superstore and petrol station. For those seeking larger shopping opportunities, Oxford’s city centre provides the Westgate and Clarendon shopping centres just a short drive away.
Wheatley also caters to active lifestyles with its parks, including the peaceful Wheatley Park, and sports facilities for community use.
The nearby A40 provides easy access to Oxford, while the M40 (Junction 8) connects to London and Birmingham.
Regular train services run from Thame Parkway Station to London Marylebone, and the Thornhill Park and Ride offers 24-hour coach services to London, Heathrow, and Gatwick airports. Heathrow is a convenient 45-minute drive.
Villages in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is a beautiful county with great connectivity and properties in the villages near Oxford are particularly desirable. Enlisting the services of a professional property finder to assist with your property search can be highly advantageous.
With access to properties not listed publicly and a tailored approach, we can help you find your dream home.
To find out more about what the villages near Oxford have to offer, contact Garrington for an initial discussion without obligation.
