Banbury (pop. 35,796) is located on the Cherwell River 38mi/61km southeast of Birmingham. Banbury has many recreational areas and parks as well as a canoe club, cricket club, and football team.
The Banbury Museum houses permanent displays and temporary exhibitions on the history of the Banbury area. The museum overlooks the Banbury Cross, which was erected to to commemorate the wedding of Queen Victoria's eldest daughter to Prince Frederick of Prussia.
In addition to the social history of the area the museum also tells of the economic history. You will see an original plush loom and artefacts from the area's other major industries, which included cattle ranching.
Address: Banbury Tourist Office, Banbury Museum, Spiceball Park Road, Banbury OX16 2PQ, England
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 10am-5pm; Closed: Sun
October 1 to March 31: 10am-4:30pm; Closed: Sun, Sun, Mon
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Originally designed as a fortified manor, Broughton Castle has been refurbished to be an excellent mediaeval manor house of the current day.
It was here, in the council chamber, that the Viscount Saye and Sele held secret meetings that involved the usurping of Charles I.
A wide moat and pretty gardens, along with unique architectural features, make this a highly worthwhile site to visit.
Address: Broughton Castle, Banbury OX15 5EB, England
Hours:
May 1 to June 30: 2pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
July 1 to August 31: 2pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat
September 1 to September 15: 2pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Always opened on: Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May ), Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August ), Easter - Christian
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The town of Banbury hosts an annual four-day festival in late September or early October. Events include screenings, workshops and interactive exhibitions.
Address: Oxfordshire Independent Video, Town Hall, Banbury OX4, England
Farnborough Hall is a National Trust property located near Banbury. The mid 18th century house has been the home of the Holbech family for more than 300 years. The interior has fine period plasterwork and the grounds contain 18th century temples, terrace walk and an obelisk.
Address: Farnborough Hall, Banbury OX17 1DU, England
Hours:
April 2 to September 27: 2pm-5:30pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Always closed on: Good Friday - Christian
Tips: Last admission 30 mins before closing.
Dogs allowed on leads.
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Sulgrave is located east of Banbury, but in Northhampton. George Washington's ancestors lived in Sulgrave Manor, a 16th century house typical of the Elizabethan period. It contains the famous Stuart portrait.
Address: Sulgrave Manor, Manor Road, Sulgrave, Banbury OX17 2SD, England
Hours:
April 1 to April 30: 12pm-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
May 1 to October 31: 2pm-4pm; Sun:12pm-4pm; Sat:12pm-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Mon, Fri
Always closed on: Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: By appointment only: Weekdays in February, March, November, December.