voco Oxford Thames

Set inside an historic manor house, formerly belonging to the Knights Templar, voco Oxford Thames had a much-needed refresh in 2019 – and it’s all the better for it. Its stunning location, right on the riverbank of the Thames in the village of Sandford, is now complemented by cosy but modern bedrooms with exceptionally good mattresses and high-spec bathrooms with steamy showers.

On arrival, you’re first greeted by a double-height lobby-bar with huge, dark timber beams and exposed stone – ask staff to show you the oldest part which dates back 250-years. These little historic touches are peppered throughout the hotel, which has had various modernisations and renovations since its inception but still retains some original fireplaces and windows.

At check-in, you’ll be handed some complimentary honeycomb, which is made on-site by head chef and uses honey from the bees living in hives on the hotel’s grounds. There’s a lovely courtyard for afternoon tea, a decent spa for a spot of relaxation, but it’s those grounds that steal the show.

Beautiful lawns tumble down to the riverside, where the hotel’s own 1920s barge sits on the water like a scene out of Downton Abbey. A boat stops on this stretch of river to ferry passengers into Oxford, but if you fancy a walk with the pooch then take the towpath – approximately two hours – into the city centre. Request a Garden Room and you’ll get your own private patio with seating that looks right out onto the weeping willows that tickle the Thames.