Things to do near our hotels

Things To Do Near Our Hotels

Surrounded by picturesque English countryside, our hotels are ideal if you want to experience the glorious autumn colours at their best. Located in the English holiday destinations of Oxford, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, there is so much to see and do near our hotels, they are the perfect bases for a fun-filled autumn break. From sightseeing to cycling, window shopping to walking, beautiful villages to bustling cities, there's something for everyone.

Below are just a small selection of what the local Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Cotswolds areas have to offer, along with details of which of our hotels they are closest to.

Call 0800 374 692 to book or for more information

Cotswold Wildlife Park

Featured Attraction - Cotswold Wildlife Park

Close to: Abingdon/Cotswold Water Park/Oxford Spires/
Oxford Thames/Oxford Witney Hotel

A great family attraction, this wildlife park is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970. The Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world and aspires to show animals to people - so that they can come to understand and respect all forms of wildlife; to understand what is special about each species, and how the various species have evolved over very long periods of time, adjusting to survive in habitats from many parts of the earth.

You can get exclusive discounted rates as a Four Pillars Hotel guest when you present your keycard.

Terms and Conditions
1. Visitors must show hotel key card when purchasing tickets
2. Not to be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer
3. Offer valid from 01/03/2011 until 30/09/2011
4. No cash alternative available

Oxford Castle Unlocked

Close to: Abingdon/Oxford Spires/Oxford Thames/Oxford Witney Hotel
Tales of murder, romance, betrayal, escape and execution... The site has been used as a place of incarceration since 1071, continuing until the closure of HM Prison in 1996. The old buildings have been preserved and are now open to the public, revealing a time capsule – allowing the buildings to tell their story.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace

Close to: Abingdon/Oxford Spires/Oxford Thames/Oxford Witney Hotel
This spectacular palace was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is now a World Heritage site. With 2100 acres of beautiful grounds landscaped by Capability Brown, award winning formal gardens and family fun available in the Pleasure Gardens, Blenheim Palace offers a memorable day out and is suitable for the whole family.

Buy your tickets from our reception desks and get exclusive discounted rates.

Visit Oxfordshire

Visit Oxfordshire

Tell anyone, anywhere in the world that you are from Oxfordshire and the chances are, they will have heard of or even visited the area. There are many reasons for this. Our wonderful reputation as a first class provider of education, the excellent minds which have enriched the world of science, research and technology, a mind-boggling collection of leading medical facilities, not to mention the natural beauty of Oxfordshire. Visit Oxfordshire, the official tourism guide to Oxfordshire, provides more information on this fascinating area.

City Sightseeing Oxford

City Sightseeing Oxford

Close to: Abingdon/Oxford Spires/Oxford Thames/Oxford Witney Hotel
Known as ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’, Oxford is famous the world over for its university and historic attractions. There are a huge range of things to see and do in Oxford, ranging from fabulous architecture and museums to shopping, theatres and restaurants. Why not take a Guide Friday Sight Seeing Open Top Bus Tour to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the highlights?

Tickets can be purchased from our reception desks.

Bicester Outlet Shopping Village

Bicester Outlet Shopping Village

Close to: Abingdon/Oxford Spires/Oxford Thames/Oxford Witney Hotel
Bicester Village offers some of the best outlet shopping in Britain. More than 100 shops sell end of season merchandise from famous names – discounted up to 60%.

As a Four Pillars Hotel guest you will get a VIP invitation which grants a further 10% discount.

Butts Farm

The Butts Farm

Close to: Cotswold Water Park/Tortworth Court Hotel
Offering a fun day out for all the family, The Butts Farm is a family run Rare Breeds farm where you can join in all the activities and have a real hands-on experience. You can watch chicks hatching, cuddle the bunnies, feed the Zurich Flying Pigs, give lambs and goat kids their bottles. On Thursdays, the very popular pony rides are also available.

Stay at a Four Pillars Hotel and you'll get one FREE child entry when purchasing a full price adult ticket.

The Cotswold Water Park

The Cotswold Water Park

Close to: Cotswold Water Park Hotel/Tortworth Court Hotel
Perfect for all the family, the Cotswold Water Park is a vast expanse of lakes, rivers, woodland and countryside that offers a tremendous range of leisure activities. Have a go at some of the exhilarating water sports on offer such as sailing, wind surfing and wake boarding. Or if you prefer to stay on dry land you can enjoy leisurely walks, horse riding, cycling, golfing and visiting the nature reserves.

WWT Slimbridge

WWT Slimbridge

Close to: Cotswold Water Park/Tortworth Court Hotel
This leading conservation reserve has an astounding array of wildlife, including the world’s largest collection of swans, geese and ducks, as well as all six species of flamingo, offering a great day out for families.

Bristol Zoo

Bristol Zoo

Close to: Tortworth Court Hotel
Spend a fun-packed day with over 450 amazing species from lions to love beetles. With most of the exhibits under cover, you can enjoy your visit whatever the weather. Bristol Zoo makes a fantastic day out for all the family.

As a Four Pillars Hotels guest, you will get £2.50 off an adult entry or one free child entry when purchasing a full price adult ticket.

McArthur Glen Outlet Village

McArthur Glen Outlet Village

Close to: Cotswold Water Park/Tortworth Court Hotel
Shopaholics will love this designer outlet in Swindon, which offers hundreds of famous name brands with up to 50% off a wide range of items.

As our guest, you'll receive a 10% discount card.

SS Great Britain

Close to: Tortworth Court Hotel
Step back in time and enjoy a memorable family day out when you board Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Discover the true stories behind the ship that changed the world. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on board for Victorian passengers and crew. Descend under water below the glass ‘sea’ to touch the world’s first great ocean liner.

Stay at a Four Pillars Hotel and you will get £1.00 off an adult entry or one FREE child entry when purchasing a full price adult ticket.

Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor

Close to: Oxford Spires/Oxford Thames Hotel
A magnificent French Renaissance-style château, this National Trust property houses the Rothschild collection of art treasures and has one of the finest Victorian gardens in Britain.

Bourton on the water

Cotswold Towns and Villages

Close to: Cotswold Water Park/Tortworth Court/Oxford Witney Hotel
There are an abundance of places to visit in the Cotswolds, including the delightful market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water (also known as the ‘Little Venice of the Cotswolds’) and the beautiful town of Burford. Whichever you choose, be sure to have a cream tea, an essential part of any visit to the Cotswolds.

STEAM

STEAM

Close to: Cotswold Water Park Hotel
STEAM tells the remarkable story of the men and women who built, operatedand travelled on 'God's Wonderful Railway'. It gives you the chance to experience the sights and sounds of the GWR works at Swindon - famous as the place where many of the best steam locomotives in the world were built - and to hear the stories of the men and women who worked there. STEAM also brings to life the exploits of Isambard Kingdom Brunel - the flamboyant engineer, and acknowledged genius, behind the creation of the GWR. A fascinating journey for all the family, through the life and times of the GWR.

If you stay at a Four Pillars Hotel you'll get special rates on admission.

Cotswold Country Park and Beach

Cotswold Country Park and Beach

Close to: Cotswold Water Park Hotel
Just down the road from the Cotswold Water Park Hotel, the Cotswold Country Park makes a great family day out. There is plenty to see and do for all ages, including the UK's largest beach, complete with swimming area. Bikes, rowing boats and pedal boats are available for hire. We have discounted access passes available at the hotel’s reception along with directions for cycling and drivers.

WMSki Wakeboarding

Close to: Cotswold Water Park Hotel
From introductory courses for beginners to seasoned pro’s WMski Wakeboarding and waterskiing facilities are second to none and conveniently located just next door to us, so you can easily get there by foot.

Salters Steamers

Salters Steamers

Close to: Oxford Thames Hotel
Salters Steamers are one of the longest established firms on the Thames, owning one of the largest and most exclusive fleets operating on the river. Their cruises combine traditional style, contemporary comforts and the highest modern standards. They run a daily service from Oxford to Abingdon, which can be joined from the jetty at Oxford Thames. For further details including a timetable click here

Show your key card when picking up the boat from Oxford Thames and get a 10% discount.

Meller Merceux Galleries

Meller Merceux Galleries

Close to: Oxford Spires/Oxford Thames/Oxford Witney Hotel
The Meller Merceux Gallery on the Oxford High Street is a new Art Gallery show casing significant modern and contemporary artwork. From highlights such as Picasso and Warhol, to contemporary giants such as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons, the gallery sets out to exhibit the best the art world has to offer. They also have work from new and emerging artists.

Berkeley Castle

Close to: Cotswold Water Park/Tortworth Court Hotel
Possibly the most outstanding example of Medieval domestic architecture in the country,
Berkeley Castle makes a truly remarkable day out for the whole family.

Explore-At-Bristol

Close to: Tortworth Court Hotel
Explore-At-Bristol is the first of it's kind - A true 21st century science centre combining the best of hands-on activities with the very latest multi-media techniques. In Explore-At-Bristol science is brought alive through stunning visuals and over 170 interactive experiences, making it a great family day out.

If you stay at a Four Pillars Hotel you'll get £2.50 off an adult entry or one FREE child entry when purchasing a full price adult ticket.

Westonbirt Arboretum

Close to: Tortworth Court Hotel
As well as having its own arboretum, Tortworth Court is near to Westonbirt Arboretum, The National Arboretum, which covers 600 acres. One of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world, Westonbirt has a collection of over 3,000 different trees and shrub species many of which are rare or endangered in their native lands.

Cabot Circus

Close to: Tortworth Court Hotel
Cabot Circus is the latest development to open in Bristol. Located in the city centre it provides visitors with over 120 new shops including Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser. Over 25 new restaurants and cafes offer plenty of options for weary shoppers to rest their feet and enjoy a quick latte or a tasty lunch.