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                                                                             ... you are within easy reach of some of the best attractions the south of England has to offer.

Steventon Village
The village of Steventon was mentioned in the Domesday Book in the 11th century, but a village undoubtedly existed here long before that, so we have much of English history all around us.

Steventon boasts a raised causeway that runs for about a mile from the village green to the church and was built by Benedictine monks from the local priory. It is estimated that it took 45 man-years of labour to build the causeway, and that 370 cartloads of stone pitchings went into its construction.

All that is left of the priory are Priory Cottages, now owned by the National Trust.  They are open to visitors by appointment, and you can call 01793 762209 for details of admission and opening times.

Many half-timbered houses dating back to Shakespeare's time can be seen along the raised causeway, making a wonderful walk on a balmy summer's evening.  Making a circuit of the village takes you past the church of St Michael & All Angels, built in the 14th century by the Flemings, when Steventon was an important centre for the cloth industry in the Middle Ages.  A magnificent yew tree, estimated to be 1200 years old, stands just to the north-west of the church, meaning that it would have been standing when Steventon was being noted in the Domesday Book!

More recently, Steventon has become famous as the home of the annual Truck music festival held in the fields above the village each July.  Hailed by many as a better experience than the Glastonbury festival, it is organised by Truck Records and has played host to many famous acts before they broke into the big time.  The festival has an extraordinarily friendly feel about it, and has raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes since its inception.

With three pubs, two restaurants, a village shop and post office, and The Park health club within walking (or jogging!) distance, The Fox offers most of what you may need during your stay with us virtually on our doorstep.

Milton Manor
Also within walking distance is Milton Manor, a classically inspired mid-17th century red-brick country house, open to the public between 11am and 5pm throughout August and on bank holiday weekends in other months.  It is an extraordinarily beautiful family house designed by Inigo Jones, with a celebrated Gothic library and a beautiful Catholic chapel.

The grounds boast fine old trees, an attractive walled garden, two lakes, stables and a woodland wigwam walk. There is plenty to see and enjoy for all ages.

Just a ten minute drive takes you to our three closest towns, each of which has plenty to offer.

Abingdon-on-Thames
To the north is the old market town of Abingdon, which in 2006 celebrated the 450th anniversary of its royal charter granted by Queen Mary Tudor.

Abingdon Abbey was founded in Saxon times, possibly as far back as the 7th century.  What is certain is that William the Conqueror celebrated Easter at the Abbey in 1084.  The Abbey ruins still stand to this day, and in 2006 the town council began a major project to renovate them as part of the town's royal charter celebrations.

Currently Abingdon is the seat of the Vale of the White Horse District Council, but not too far back it was the county town of Berkshire before the county boundaries were re-drawn in 1974.  Indeed, the town hall, which today houses the town's museum (free admission 10.30-16.00 each day), was reputedly designed by Christopher Kempster, who worked with Sir Christopher Wren on Saint Paul's Cathedral in London.

Abingdon has a wealth of history and tradition for which it is famous.  For example, St. Helen's Church is the second widest church in England; the Ock Street fair that is held for two days every October is Britain's longest street fair; Abingdon's Morris dancers are one of the country's oldest troupes, dating back to 1560; the town is home to the MG sports car, and today is the centre of the MG Car Club, holding many events for MG enthusiasts; and the band Radiohead was formed by pupils attending Abingdon School, one of the oldest schools in the country.

Further tourist information can be obtained from the Abingdon Information Point on 01235 522711.

Didcot
Ten minutes to the east is Didcot, boasting its brand new Orchard Centre shopping centre.  Didcot grew around its railway station linking us with London and Bristol, and the town's rail heritage can be seen at the Didcot Railway Centre and Museum.  The Centre has a collection of original steam engines, coaches and buildings from Great Western Railway's history. On special 'railway experience' days, enthusiasts can ride on a steam locomotive, acting as driver, engineer and guard, and for younger enthusiasts the centre organises 'Thomas the Tank Engine' days.

On the outskirts of Didcot you'll find the Hadden Hill Golf Club, offering a fine day's golf in the rolling Oxfordshire countryside.

A further five minutes drive takes you to Pendon Indoor Model Village and Railways, and nearby is Wittenham Clumps, a wonderful place for a picnic in the summer.  At the foot of the Clumps is Days Lock, famous for the world Pooh Sticks championships!  (For those who may not know this game, the race involves dropping a stick into the river and seeing how long it takes to get to the finish line, first played by Christopher Robin and his friend, Winnie the Pooh.) The event has been held in Oxfordshire ever since a local lock-keeper noticed people were picking sticks off a hedge to play the game.  He began charging them in order to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI). Funds raised are now split between the RNLI and the Rotary Club of Sinodun's charitable projects.

Wantage
To the west of Steventon is the old market town of Wantage, with its market square dominated by a statue of King Alfred, who was born in Wantage in 849 AD.

The Church of St Peter and St Paul, part of which dates back to the 13th century, contains tombs of the Fitzwarren family into which Dick Whittington - four times Lord Mayor of London - married.  John Betjeman, Poet Laureate, lived in the town for many years and wrote a number of poems about Wantage and the surrounding areas - for example 'Wantage Bells' and 'On Leaving Wantage'.  A Betjeman Memorial Park with a statue of the poet and several displays of his better known works occupies a wooded area a short distance from Wantage Church.