New homes in Oxfordshire

Whether you’re exploring cities, hiking in the countryside or discovering historic sites, Oxfordshire is a diverse county with lots to see and do. Encompassing towns and cities including Oxford, Abingdon,  Bicester and Henley-on-Thames, a new home in Oxfordshire is perfect if you’re looking for great amenities, first-rate transport links and lots of employment opportunities in the local area.

A quick history

Dating back to the 10th century, the county of Oxfordshire is bordered by the Cotswolds, the Chilterns and the River Thames, having grown around the city of Oxford which brought wealth to the area. The University of Oxford was founded in the late 11th century, and today is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.

Oxfordshire was mainly built on the wool trade and agriculture, while manufacturing became more important after Morris Motors was started in Oxford in 1912. Today Oxford is home to a diverse range of businesses across a range of sectors, making the city an exciting place to live.

Business and industry

Major businesses in Oxfordshire include BMW (UK) Manufacturing, the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University and Oxford University Press. There are also a number of big public sector employers, including Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust and Oxfordshire County Council. Reading is also nearby, where you’ll find the headquarters for Microsoft UK, Oracle and 3M.

Things to do in the area

From picturesque countryside to historic architecture, there’s a huge range of things to see and do in Oxfordshire. The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a great place for a relaxing walk, while the Chiltern Hills also have plenty of hiking and cycling routes.

If you’re moving to the county with children, try visiting; Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens in Burford, Cogges Manor Farm in Witney and Pendon Indoor Model Village and Railways in Abingdon. Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Broughton Castle in Banbury and Didcot Railway Centre are also popular.

Oxford is the only city in Oxfordshire, where attractions include; The Story Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum and the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. For a spot of retail therapy you can go shopping in high street stores around Cornmarket, or browse the boutiques at the 18th century Covered Market. For designer shopping at outlet prices, a visit to Bicester Village is a must.

Travel and commuting

Towns and cities in Oxfordshire are well-connected within the county and beyond, both by road and rail. The M40 runs through the northeast of the county, while the A34, A40, A420 and A44 all feed into Oxford.

From Oxford, the journey to London takes over one hour 25-minutes by car or just one hour by train, ideal if you’re travelling to the capital for work or for a day out. Birmingham can be reached in one hour 20-minutes by car or one hour 10-minutes by train, while the journey to Bristol takes one hour 20-minutes by car via the M4.

When you’re going on holiday, London Heathrow is only a 50-minute drive away from Oxford, and public transport is also available if you want to leave your car at home.