England is home to countless picturesque villages, each with their own unique charm and history. I love exploring the UK and have visited villages and towns all over the country, including the Cotswolds, Rye, and North Wales. But one hidden gem that I constantly visit is Aynho.
Nestled on the Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire border, Aynho is a village with timeless beauty and impressive historic estate; it’s simply one of my favourite areas.
One of the best ways to experience Aynho is to simply wander its peaceful streets. The village is full of stone cottages, Georgian houses and historic buildings, making it one of Northamptonshire’s prettiest villages.
There are plenty of circular walks around the village and the surrounding countryside, and it’s all flat, so it’s great for a peaceful stroll.
Be sure to stop at St Michael's Church, which has stood at the heart of the village for centuries. Its medieval tower survived the 18th-century rebuilding of much of the church, making it one of Aynho’s most distinctive landmarks.
If you’re visiting for a few hours, be sure to stop at RH England at Aynho Park too.
Set within a magnificent Grade I-listed country house, it’s far more than a furniture showroom. Visitors can explore beautifully designed rooms, landscaped gardens and several restaurants and cafes, making it an attraction in its own right.
The estate has attracted plenty of famous faces over the years, particularly when it hosted exclusive events before becoming RH England.
While there isn’t too much to do in the village of Aynho itself, the surrounding villages are home to some fantastic farm shops.
Located just down the road is Wykham Park Farm Shop, selling delicious local produce. They sell an endless supply of seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as 50 cheeses, at their deli counter.
The Aynhoe Park estate features several dining experiences, including the Orangery, Conservatory, Loggia, Wine Lounge and Juicery.
The Loggia serves wood-fired pizzas alongside wines and serving plates, while the Juicery offers fresh organic juices, speciality coffees and light bites.
I’ll often visit the Orangery and the Conservatory, which have very similar menus, and tuck into the best rotisserie chicken sandwich I’ve ever had.
Food doesn’t come cheap, so it’s definitely a treat, but it is some of the best I’ve ever had.
The Great Western Arms is a great canal-side pub in Aynho, offering pub classics, fine cask ales, as well as hotel rooms if you’re planning on using the village as a base for exploring.
While Aynho is a peaceful destination in its own right, it’s also perfectly placed for exploring some of the area’s best attractions.
The market town of Banbury is less than 15 minutes away, while Bicester village is ideal for a spot of designer shopping.
History lovers can spend some time at Broughton Castle or explore the beautiful landscaped gardens at Rousham House, both within a short drive.
If you’re looking to explore more of the Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire countryside, nearby villages such as Deddington, Adderbury and Great Tew are all worth visiting for their charming streets, independent cafes and pubs.
