Bampton Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Bampton Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Bampton itself is small but packed with interesting spots to visit. The village became world-famous as the filming location for Downton Abbey's village scenes and you can take a self-guided tour to spot familiar buildings from the show.

St Mary's Church (OX18 2LW, open daily 9am-5pm) served as Downton's St Michael's and All Angels. The Old Grammar School next door now houses the Bampton Archive and a Downton Abbey exhibition with props and photos from filming.

Bampton Library (OX18 2NE) appeared as the village hospital in the series. Other filming locations include Church View (the Crawley family home) and Churchgate House (Isobel Crawley's home).

Beyond Downton connections, Bampton offers excellent access to the Cotswolds. Burford (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) is just 8 miles away with its medieval bridge and sloping High Street. Kelmscott Manor (4.5/5), former home of William Morris, is 9 miles west and worth visiting on Wednesdays and Saturdays when it's open.

For family fun, Cotswold Wildlife Park (4.5/5, OX18 4JP, open daily 10am-6pm summer/10am-5pm winter) is just 7 miles away with over 260 species of animals including rhinos and giraffes.

Pet Friendly

I've found Bampton is brilliant for dog owners. Many cottages welcome pets, often with enclosed gardens where you can relax in your hot tub while your dog explores safely.

The Morris Clown pub (OX18 2JH) in the village centre welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves good food. They even keep dog treats behind the bar!

For walks, try the 4-mile circular route from Bampton to Aston and back along the Thames Path. It's mostly flat with few stiles, making it manageable for most dogs.

Cotswold Wildlife Park allows well-behaved dogs on leads throughout most areas (excluding the walled garden, restaurant and children's farmyard). It's unusual for a wildlife park to be so dog-friendly.

If you're visiting in summer, the Thames at Shifford Lock (OX18 2DZ) has shallow areas where dogs can paddle safely. Pack a towel though - you don't want wet dog smell competing with your hot tub's bubbles!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Bampton

St Mary's Church and the Bampton Archive (OX18 2LW) tops my list. This 12th-century church features impressive architecture including a 170ft spire visible for miles around. The archive next door houses fascinating local history displays alongside the Downton Abbey exhibition. One visitor wrote: "Even if you're not a Downton fan, the church is beautiful and the archive volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable."

Aston Pottery (OX18 2BT, open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm) is worth the short drive. Beyond the beautiful handmade pottery, their garden features over 5,000 plants with spectacular seasonal displays. The café serves excellent homemade food using local ingredients. A recent visitor commented: "The gardens in summer are incredible - better than many dedicated garden attractions and completely free!"

The Horseshoe Inn (OX18 2HA) offers the perfect traditional Cotswold pub experience. Dating from the 17th century, it features original beams, flagstone floors and a real fire in winter. They serve excellent local ales and good food. We recommend their Sunday roast followed by a soak in your cottage hot tub afterwards! One TripAdvisor review notes: "Proper pub with proper beer and no pretension."

Is Bampton worth visiting if I'm not a Downton Abbey fan?

Absolutely! While Downton connections attract many visitors, Bampton stands on its own merits as a beautiful Cotswold village with 1,000+ years of history. The architecture, local pubs and surrounding countryside make it worth visiting regardless of TV interests.

When is the best time to visit Bampton?

May through September offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub. Bampton also hosts several events worth timing your visit around, including the traditional Bampton Morris Dancing on Spring Bank Holiday Monday and Bampton Garden Festival in July.

Can I get around without a car?

It's challenging. The 19 bus connects Bampton with Carterton and Witney (for onward connections), but services are limited. For exploring the Cotswolds properly, a car is essential unless you're happy staying mainly in the village.

Where's the nearest supermarket to stock up for our cottage stay?

Bampton has a Co-op Food store (OX18 2JH) for essentials. For a bigger shop, Witney (8 miles) has Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Tesco supermarkets. Many also offer delivery to Bampton cottages if you book a slot.

Are there any good restaurants for a special meal?

The Trout at Tadpole Bridge (OX18 2HA, 5 miles) is excellent for a special meal. This riverside inn has earned 2 AA Rosettes for its seasonal menu. Book ahead, especially for weekend evenings.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage break?

Beyond the usual holiday items, bring flip-flops for getting to and from the hot tub, extra towels (though many cottages provide these) and plastic glasses if you fancy a drink while soaking. Swimming costumes are optional depending on your group's preferences!

1. Cotswolds Tourism Official Site
2. Experience Oxfordshire
3. Bampton Parish Council
4. Cotswold Wildlife Park