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There’s an irony somewhere that one of the most perfect country house hotels in Britain was conceived by a Frenchman.
Now owned and run by Belmond, Le Manoir was originally the creation of world-renowned chef Raymond Blanc, who also still hosts a superb cooking school here.
It’s a stunning Oxfordshire country manor house with 32 sumptuously comfortable rooms and suites, each individually designed by the man himself.
The pristine gardens that surround the manor supply the kitchen with fruit and vegetables, including rare and unusual varieties, sourced by Blanc on his travels abroad and bought back to create a true one-of-a-kind garden.
Don’t come expecting spa facilities and swimming pools – this is a place to eat, drink and generally indulge – and in spite of its hefty price tag and upscale reputation, it has a wonderfully informal feel.
It may only be a few minutes from the busy M40, but Le Manoir feels as if it’s in another world; surrounded by tranquil Oxfordshire countryside, with unbroken views and utter peace.
The historic town of Oxford is within easy reach, and there are some excellent walks in the nearby Chiltern Hills.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Great Milton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]
One of the UK’s premier culinary experiences – a unique opportunity to cook in Raymond Blanc’s world-famous kitchen, in a glorious English manor house setting.
Best for ages: 13+ | £205 | Half - full day
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.2 miles]
Oxford’s extraordinarily beautiful colleges have housed everyone from prime ministers to presidents, and pair centuries of British history with spectacular architecture.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.2 miles]
An extraordinary array of 7 million exhibits from the natural world, including the world-famous ‘skeleton parade’, housed in one of the country’s finest Victorian Gothic buildings.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.4 miles]
A world-class collection of art and architecture in the heart of Oxford that ranges across 3,000 years of history, with Egyptian rooms to rival those of the British Museum.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Great Milton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]
Providing much of the home-grown produce for the chef’s world-famous cooking school are 11 enchanting gardens and orchards. These interactive day courses in the gardens offer advice, ideas and inspiration for growing your own produce, from the best in the business.
Best for ages: 16+ | £150 | 1 day
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11.4 miles]
Founded in 1621 and one of the oldest Botanic Gardens in the world, this is a horticulturalist’s dream, with over 5,000 different species of rare and endangered plants.
Best for ages: 4+ | £6
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11.9 miles]
A 13th-century church which was the first university building. Climb the spire for wonderful views over the Oxford Colleges and the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside.
Best for ages: 6+ | £5
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11.9 miles]
Held every Sunday, these classical concerts are the chance to see world-class performers in the Holywell Music Room, the oldest, purpose-built music room in Europe.
Best for ages: 18+ | £15 | 1+ hours
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
One of Britain’s most beautiful and historic cities, graced by heartstopping architecture and home to the world’s second-oldest university.
