June 29, 2014
Where would you go on a day trip to the countryside from Oxford? Blenheim Palace springs to mind, or perhaps one of the Cotswold villages. Further from the madding crowds we find the gardens of Waterperry House near Wheatley.
The gardens themselves are perfect for a relaxed walk. Cosier than Blenheim, the rose garden is especially notable. Outside the garden proper is a well-stocked garden centre, surrounded by an abundance of gift shops. The centre is also home to a wonderfully quaint Museum of Rural Life with a collection of mechanical devices for all thinkable purposes.
The centre offers courses in gardening and crafts, and the ‘Friends of Waterperry’ provide occasional free tours. The gardens also host a wide variety of activities, performances and other events all year round.
Despite its location only 5 miles from Headington, Waterperry Gardens is not so easy to reach by public transport. The park recommends public bus (280 or U1) to Wheatley, followed by a taxi for a fixed price for the last couple of miles, but the specified taxi company is perhaps too small to be dependable for all times. For the agile, or on a sunny day, a bicycle trip is the obvious alternative – reward your exertion with an ice cream or a cake in the tearoom.
The gardens themselves are perfect for a relaxed walk. Cosier than Blenheim, the rose garden is especially notable. Outside the garden proper is a well-stocked garden centre, surrounded by an abundance of gift shops. The centre is also home to a wonderfully quaint Museum of Rural Life with a collection of mechanical devices for all thinkable purposes.
The centre offers courses in gardening and crafts, and the ‘Friends of Waterperry’ provide occasional free tours. The gardens also host a wide variety of activities, performances and other events all year round.
Despite its location only 5 miles from Headington, Waterperry Gardens is not so easy to reach by public transport. The park recommends public bus (280 or U1) to Wheatley, followed by a taxi for a fixed price for the last couple of miles, but the specified taxi company is perhaps too small to be dependable for all times. For the agile, or on a sunny day, a bicycle trip is the obvious alternative – reward your exertion with an ice cream or a cake in the tearoom.