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Last updated: 08 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

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.

Surrounding area

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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Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking: Nearby (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Oxford University Colleges

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

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Overview >

Ashmolean Museum

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

People on the cooking course collecting vegetables from the garden
Experience

Raymond Blanc Gardening School

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

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Overview >
A view inside the Oxford Botanic Garden. A small pond has lily pads floating on top, and there is lots of plants and greenery.
Experience

University of Oxford Botanic Garden

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

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Overview >
The exterior of University Church of St Mary. A sandstone church with shrubbery outside, illuminated by golden hour sunshine.
Experience

Church of St. Mary [and climb the spire]

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

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Overview >
A small room with pale wooden floors, white walls, and two golden chandeliers. Rows of red cushioned tiered seating rise up from a central space. There is a dark wooden organ with golden pipes against the back wall.
Experience

Coffee Concerts at Holywell Music Room

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

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Oxford

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.

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Overview >