There's no shortage of things to do and places to explore on our doorstep

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Things to Do

Hardwick Parks is surrounded with great things to do, places to see and experiences to be had. From relaxing walks in stunning countryside, enjoying lunch in a village pub or spending the day in a bustling city brimming with sights and sounds – there really is something for everyone!

Animals

Aside from the local wildlife all around us at Hardwick Parks, there are some far more exotic creatures to get up close and personal with nearby. Feed the penguins at Cotswold Wildlife Park, make friends with the farm animals at Cogges Manor Farm or Millets Farm Centre and hold a baby alligator at Crocodiles of the World!

Fun, Fun, Fun!

If you’re after something a bit more grown up, why not visit Cheltenham Races and try your luck with the horses or visit Silverstone for a day of motor racing. Try out karting at Karting Nation near Kidlington, around 30 minutes from Hardwick Parks. Visit the home of Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, where you can take part in activities ranging from laser tag, bowling and soft play.

For all you Harry Potter fans, Warner Brothers Studios Featuring Harry Potter World is an easy 1.5 hour drive away, a fun filled day out for all of the family, a truly magical experience.

If you fancy something a bit different, the Westgate shopping centre in Oxford is host to Junkyard Golf and Escape Westgate, which is an escape room adventure.

For an action-packed day of adventure you will never forget, pop down to Legoland – with over 50 interactive rides, shows and workshops, it’s great fun for all the family! For the train fanatics amongst you, Didcot Railway Centre has visiting locomotives passing through every weekend.

Shop’ til you drop! (Then stop for some pampering...)

Whether you fancy treating yourself, or want to grab a bargain – there are endless shopping opportunities around Hardwick Parks. Bicester Village is full of luxury fashion outlets, homeware boutiques and discounted designer stores, or there are famous labels to be snapped up at factory prices at the Great Western Retail Park in Swindon. The recently developed Westgate Centre in the heart of Oxford is a perfect day out for shoppers, featuring high street to high end fashion, alongside some great eateries and bars, along with a cinema and escape room, it makes for a great day out for the whole family. The delightful Burford, just 15 minutes away in the Cotswolds is awash with antique shops, craft fairs and even the odd car boot sale!

Next door to the park is the wonderful Waterside Therapy Rooms, offering a fabulous range of beauty and therapeutic treatments. You can also enjoy a brunch board or afternoon tea as part of your package.

Take in some culture

The real challenge for visitors to Hardwick Parks is fitting in even a fraction of everything there is to marvel at! There’s the architecture, history and famous University of Oxford where you will be spoilt for choice with the amount of stately homes and gardens, city centre attractions and even river cruises to enjoy. Visit Blenheim Palace and take in the breath-taking views – not only of the manor house but the grounds and gardens or revel in the buzzing arts scene in Swindon.

Discover…

The magnificent Cotswold countryside, just waiting to be explored is much loved for many different reasons. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings and roaming hills littered with unexpected vistas, hidden villages and arguable the most pleasing display of historical small town architecture in all of England. With so much to discover, The Cotswolds are an absolute must!

Get back to nature

Hardwick Parks has 180 acres of lakes and parkland to lose yourself in, but for some truly breath-taking sights, visit Waterperry Gardens, Oxford Botanic Gardens or Westonbirt Arboretum for floral blooms and picturesque landscapes galore.

Get Wet & Wild

While we have swimming and activities in our very own turbocharged watersports lake, you might fancy something a little more gentle and leisurely… Enjoy a river cruise or narrow boat trip on the Thames for a lovely afternoon on the water, or if it’s fishing you are interested in, Hardwick Parks is in the midst of some of the finest coarse or trout fishing lakes in the country and we have a sailing club right next door!

Get Physical…

Once again, our watersports lake at Hardwick Parks is tops for even the most hardened adrenalin junkie, and with our glorious parkland offering scenic walks and hikes, dog walking and mountain biking, you can really test your energy levels.

We are right by Standlake Ranch Equestrian Centre, so why not try out horse riding? We are located within a short drive to Witney Lakes Resort and Burford Golf courses, for those people who fancy a game of golf.

Or watch others get physical instead!

Spend a day at the races with Cheltenham, Newbury and Ascot to choose from nearby! Watch a game of polo, have a picnic at Blenheim horse trials, cheer at a football match or take in the wonder that is Fairford’s world famous Air Show! Watch some high-octane motor racing at Silverstone or chill to the sound of leather on willow at the village cricket club.