Things to Do

It may come as a surprise to you that the tiny remote village of Turville is actually one of the most popular film and TV location of the country: beautiful St Mary is the church featured in The Vicar of Dibley, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was based at the Cobstone Windmill, which overlooks the village, and Midsomer Murders is a regular visitor here at the village, to name just a few. And it is easy to see why. Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, the postcard perfect village will give you the impression of stepping back in time with its tranquility and its delightful cottages, most of which date back to the 16th century. The breathtaking countryside of the Chilterns is without a doubt the best attraction of the area, and it is itself well worth a stay. Testament to this, most of our guests keep coming back at different times of the year, to enjoy the beautiful scenery over different seasons. The best ways to explore the surroundings is walking or cycling, and the Ridgeway, The Thames Path and the Chiltern Way are here for you to do just that. Hamlets and country villages are scattered around waiting to be discovered (Swycombe, Ewelme, Fingest and Hambleden are just a few examples), with antique churches and traditional pubs. Or you can relax in front of the log burner and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Turville.

But there is more to keep you and your family entertained. Much more.

Like canoeing and cruising along the River Thames, golfing at one of the many golf courses nearby or shopping and eating out. Bicester Outlet Village is only a 20 min drive away from Turville and nearby Henley, Marlow, Wallingford, Thame  and Goring offer plenty of shops and boutiques, and a superb choice of relaxing cafes, characterful pubs and restaurants catering for every taste and budget. And if it is culture you crave, Oxford is about 20 miles away, and in Henley, Marlow, Thame and Wallingford you will find theaters, art galleries, museums and so many festivals and events you will be spoilt for choice! Two of our favourite destinations are The River and Rowing Museum in Henley and The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden; a must for families and children.

National Trust

Hughenden Manor, home to Queen Victoria prime minister Benjamin Disraeli; Cliveden estate overlooking the Thames; Greys Court, a Tudor house with an interesting history; West Wycombe village, a Chilterns village with cottages and inns dating from the 16th to 18th centuries are some of the National Trust properties you will find nearby.

Cobstone Windmill

Overlooking Turville is Cobstone Windmill, an 18th century smock mill, which was used in the 1968 childrens film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". It is privately owned but there is a lovely public footpath up the hill running alongside the windmill and from the top, there are fantastic views over Turville and the Hambleden Valley.

Ridgeway, the Thames Path and the Chiltern Way & Midsomer Murder Trail

The Ridgeway Path is probably the oldest path in Britain, having been used by prehistoric man over 5000 years ago. It follows the line of chalk ridge across the region and extends for 85 miles.

The Chiltern Way is a circular walking route of 134 miles. It is a wandering, varied and mostly rural way stretching around the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes, amongst the others, the edge of Marlow, Hambleden, Bix Bottom, Ewelme, the Ridgeway, Stokenchurch.

The Thames Path is a long distance walking trail, following our best known river for 184 miles as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties and on into the heart of London, including the Hambleden Valley, Henley, Marlow and Oxford. On its way the Trail passes peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities and many lovely villages. The River Thames is only five miles away, with the picturesque Hambleden Lock.

Old Rose Cottage happens to also be the perfect base to find Causton: Wallingford, Thame, Henley, Ewelme, Rotherfield, Brightwell Baldwin and  Turville itself are among the historic market towns and hamlets visited by Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.  Visit Midsumer for more info and maps.

Golf Courses 

Badgemore Park Golf Club (Henley on Thames) about 5 miles from Turville: 01491 637300  

Aspect Park Golf Club (Henley on Thames) about 5 miles from Turville: 01491 577562

Harleyford Golf Club (Marlow) about 6 miles from Turville: 01628 816161

Oxford & London

Neither of the above need introducing - and both of them are well within reach of our guests. Oxford is about 20 miles away and West London is only about 35-40 miles, making Old Rose Cottage the perfect location for day trips. You can either drive or leave the car behind and use the convenience of the Oxford Tube, thel bus service connecting central Oxford with Central London every 7 minutes; the nearest stop is Lewknor, at Junction 6 of the M40 motorway, about 7 miles from the cottage.

Bus services to and from Oxford also regularly run from nearby Watlington and Wallingford. 

Henley-on-Thames

Approximately 7.5 miles from Turville and Fingest is the pretty market town of Henley-on-Thames situated on one of the most beautiful reaches of the River Thames. It is well-known for its rowing tradition and particularly for the Henley Royal Regatta, which has been held annually there since 1839. As well as strolling along the river or visiting the River and Rowing museum, there are art galleries, historic houses, antique shops and lots of places to eat and drink - and a buzzing summer of events and festivals. Below a selection of the most anticipated dates:

Henley Royal Regatta: 27th June - 2nd July 2023

Henley Festival: 5th - 9th July 2023

Henley Rewind Festival: 18th - 20th August 2023

Henley Literary Festival: 30th September - 8th October 2023

Marlow

Approximately 7 miles from Turville is the historic market town of Marlow, also situated on the River Thames, with its lovely 19th century suspension bridge. Marlow has a range of interesting independent shops and boutiques and there are lots of lovely places to eat and drink.

Come in June to enjoy the Marlow Town Regatta and Festival (10th -11th June 2023)- a fun-filled week-end of rowing, music, food and spectacular Dragon Boating. And if you visit in July you could witness the ancient ceremony of Royal Swan Upping, when the colourful crew of the Queens Swan Marker and the Swan Uppers travel by skiff from Sunbury to Abingdon to complete the annual census of the swan population on the River Thames.

Whatever your holiday theme, no visit to Turville is complete without a visit (at least!) to The Bull and Butcher, our beloved local pub. They serve great food and beer, in a truly spectacular setting. Booking is advised on 01491 638 283. 

You can visit our links page if you need more help with planning your visit and for more info on what to see and do in the area. 

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