If you’re thinking of staying in the UK for your family summer holidays, you might be weighing up whether to stay in a city or town with lots going on, or in the countryside with fresh air and plenty of space. Perhaps your family is divided on what to choose!
You won’t have to make that choice if you come and stay on the Nuneham Estate in our Home Farm holiday lets. While we’re nestled in the heart of the Estate amongst woods and open fields and metres from a public footpath, we’re just a five mile easy hop into Oxford city with all its star attractions. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with the Cotswolds on your doorstep, and the option of a day trip to London with great train connections.
Our Oxfordshire holiday accommodation comprises four properties, all lovingly refurbished, and ranging from 2- 5 bedrooms. We have comfortable beds, large kitchen tables to sit around, good showers and plentiful wifi and we welcome dogs. The properties can be booked individually or as a group, depending on the size of your part. All are positioned around the original Estate heritage farmyard and close together. Find out more here. To book direct or for any other queries, get in touch with Tracy, our Lettings Manager on homefarm@nuneham.com or 07904083216
There are endless activities near the Estate, and here we explore just some of them aimed at children, guaranteed to keep them busy this summer.
A Hands-on Science Discovery
At the Science Oxford Centre nearby, Family Days run every Saturday where children over 3 can get interactive, discover and play in the Exploration Zone. (children under free can come for free) You won’t hear the dreaded ‘I’m bored’ here, the children can create and test flying designs at the Air Table, get involved in making their own science animations or join one of the pop-up ‘Live Labs’ on offer. The 15 acres of woodland and ponds will ensure they get their fresh air dose – why not pick up an Explorer Backpack and map and head off to spot some wildlife. From April-October the Water Lab is open – a favourite on hotter days! There’s a café on site and you can bring your own picnic. Booking ahead is advised on Saturdays in the summer. Check out the website to find Sensory-friendly days with a reduced capacity for those who might prefer a quieter environment. Find out more here.
Stories for All
Heading into the centre of Oxford, the Story Museum is a gem of a place. With immersive story spaces inviting children into the best bits of their favourite books and a ‘Small World’ interactive zone for the under 5s, this is no dusty museum full of relics and whispers. You can even dress up for a luxury story-themed afternoon tea in the Alice in Wonderland room (pre-book, and did you know the 5th July is ‘Alice’s Day’ throughout Oxford?) or stick to the family- friendly kids menu in the bright cafe. New for July 2025 is the Story Arcade – a new gallery exploring the world of gaming and storytelling for the digital age. Puppeteer performances also run throughout the summer – check the website for details and times.
A Timeless Watery Pastime
Have you ever really done Oxford if you haven’t been punting? Ensure the whole family gets an outdoor workout by hiring a punt and cruising the city waterways past spots such as the Botanic Gardens and Christ Church College Meadows, where Lewis Caroll taught in the mid 19th century when he wrote his famous Alice in Wonderland books. Favourite spots to hire a boat are the Cherwell Boathouse – on Oxford institution and the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse. Mastering the technique is part of the fun, but if you’re after a more relaxing experience, you can also book a chauffeured punt tour.
There are so many more things to do in and around the city, just a few more ideas below.
Escape Rooms at the Westfield Centre
The Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Find out more about our holiday accommodation here. To book direct or for any other queries, get in touch with Tracy, our Lettings Manager on homefarm@nuneham.com or 07904083216