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The Old Parsonage - Oxford

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Luxury amidst the Dreaming Spires

Think of a city break and the phrase ‘country retreat’ might not be the first that springs to mind. The Old Parsonage really is the best of both worlds - a luxurious and stylish hotel a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Oxford, and yet a beautiful and tranquil idyll that’s the perfect bolthole for a relaxing weekend.

The hotel is a 17th-century, honey-coloured, ivy-covered lump of loveliness in the midst of Oxford’s stunning college suburbs. Sitting at the end of St Giles - one of the most famous streets in the country, flanked by illustrious colleges such including St John’s, Balliol and Trinity, the Ashmolean museum and the Apollo theatre - and next to the ancient church that gave it its name, staying at the Old Parsonage is as close to being part of Oxford and its leafy academic life as most of us are likely to get.

Step inside, and you might as well be in the depths of the Oxfordshire countryside - a real fire burns in the lobby all year round, while chic contemporary interior design blends seemlessly with countless period features. Outside, flag-stoned terraces are hidden from the world outside by romantic, Cotswold-stone walls, while a lavender-scented roof garden boasts views towards those famous dreaming spires. The 30 bedrooms at The Old Parsonage, arranged around the roof garden, are super-stylish and uber-comfy. Individually designed, they are havens in themselves, with chic colour schemes picked out in jewel-hued cushions and throws, en-suite marble bathrooms and flat screen tellies. For that real country experience, opt for one of the ground floor rooms, with their own private terraces overlooking St Giles’ church spire.

Food and drink are a relaxed, but equally stylish affair, with The Parsonage Bar a chic extension of the hotel and a popular choice amongst Oxford residents in-the-know. Open for breakfast (fantastic), lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves mouthwatering, way-above-average pub grub using lots of local and seasonal produce. Sunday lunch is a spectacular highlight. Meanwhile, for those pre-dinner, post-dinner, elevenses cocktails, you can’t get much better than a gorgeous bar within spitting distance of your bedroom.

Where is it?

The Old Parsonage is in Oxford. Yes, really. For all the best things to see, do and eat in this gorgeous city, read The Weekenders Guide to Oxford.

For a more rural weekend, the Cotswolds are right on the hotel’s doorstep, with the gorgeous town of Burford - the self-styled ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ - just a half an hour drive from The Old Parsonage. Once a popular Georgian stop-off between Oxford and the West Country, is the perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds. Its magnificent high street, flanked by honey-coloured buildings built in Cotswold stone, sweeps down to a medieval bridge crossing the River Windrush, and tourists-in-the-know flock to enjoy its unspoilt character and inevitable plethora of antique shops. It’s a bona fide potterer’s paradise.

But it’s the countryside that’s really the star, and while the miles and miles of rolling hills, country lanes and picturebook villages that are the Cotswolds are within eay striking distance, walkers in Burford can get their fix of fresh air without even touching the ignition. A gorgeous, 4-mile walk through the Windrush Valley, taking in ancient burial grounds, Norman manor houses and tiny villages, starts and ends in town (log on to www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org for a full map and directions). If you don’t mind exploring on four wheels (or two), this area - the biggest Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty in England - is your oyster. For loads more Cotswolds walks, things to see and places to eat, read The Weekenders Guide to the Cotswolds.

Another big Oxfordshire star, 8 miles from The Old Parsonage, is the jaw-dropping, baroque Blenheim Palace (www.blenheimpalace.com Tel: 01993 811091). Set in 2100 acres of Capability Brown-designed gardens and parkland, the birthplace of Winston Churchill is certainly big and deserving enough for a good day’s wandering.

Where can I eat?

The Parsonage Bar really is a no-brainer of an eating option. Not only is it the perfect place to chill out, but the food is fantastic and, of course, there’s nothing better than enjoying a great meal and a bottle (or two) of vino within staggering distance of your bed.

If you are looking for alternatives, then The Old Parsonage is perfectly placed to walk to the best restaurants Oxford has to offer. For the best of the best, read The Weekenders Guide to Oxford.

If you fancy something a little more rustic and out-of-the-way, The Carpenters Arms (www.thecarpentersarmsfulbrook.co.uk Tel: 01993 823275) in the little village of Fulbrook, close to Burford, is loved by locals and critics alike. Fantastically fresh and seasonal fine dining menus, that change daily, are delivered by head chef, Paul Griffith, a former chef for the Saudi royal family no less! For lunch out in the country, it’s perfect.

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A luxurious and stylish hotel a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Oxford, and yet a beautiful and tranquil idyll. This is the perfect bolthole for a relaxing weekend.