Historic Oxfordshire Hotels: The Bear, The Bull, The George

Let Not Poor Nelly Starve.

On this site since 1610 � though operating as licensed premises for at least 200 years before that � The Bull Hotel is one of Oxfordshire�s most celebrated old inns.

It is said that Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton stayed here in 1802 while visiting Oxford, and the hotel�s Trafalgar Room is believed to be that in which they spent their time here. Other notable visitors include King Charles II (Nell Gwynne is purported to have conveniently lived in the town) and acclaimed artist, William Morris.

Stand and Deliver...

Located at the centre of the historic market town of Wallingford, The George Hotel is a sixteenth century coaching inn whose origins are believed to have been as Dower House to the castle (the remains are to be seen at the rear of the hotel).

The hotel�s most famous resident is purported to have been none other than Dick Turpin � the most famous of highwaymen. Legend has it that he escaped from his would-be captors on more than one occasion whilst staying in a room above the courtyard.

More beautiful than neighbouring Blenheim, if you ask us.

Standing many centuries before nearby Blenheim Palace was built, The Bear is, without doubt, one of Britain�s most attractive coaching inns. Alas, though the hotel is said to have played host to numerous famous figures over its long history, there is no record available at present of whom they might have been.

It should be noted, however, that it was here that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor sought to escape media attention during their well-publicised love affair.

The Red Lion
Hart Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2AR

Row, row row your boat...

Alas, there is little information currently available other than that this old sixteenth century inn is said to have been visited by Charles I, James Boswell and William III.

Avoid the new... The following may not necessarily be linked to famous figures or events, but all offer accommodation in historic surroundings. Click on the links for further tariff and availability information.

Bay Tree Classic Hotel. BURFORD. Built in 1565, the house was originally the property of Elizabeth I�s Chancellor. Expedia.co.uk

Best Western Jersey Arms Hotel. A traditional Cotswold inn said to have been built in 1245. Expedia.co.uk
Crown and Cushion, The. CHIPPING NORTON. A fifteenth century coaching inn. Expedia.co.uk

Fallowfields. KINGSTON BAGPUIZE. 300-year-old country house, formerly the home of Begum Aga Khan. Expedia.co.uk | LateRooms

Feathers Hotel. WOODSTOCK. 17th century hotel near to Blenheim Palace. www.lastminute.com | LateRooms

Heythrop Park. CHIPPING NORTON. Impressive mansion set amid 400 acres of grounds. Hotelshop

Holt Hotel, The. STEEPLE ASTON. Operating as an inn since 1475, The Holt Hotel is said to have once been a favoured haunt of the notorious highwayman, Claude du Vall. Expedia.co.uk

Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons. GREAT MILTON. Raymond Blanc�s beautiful five-star 17th century hotel. Expedia.co.uk

Mercure Eastgate Hotel. OXFORD. Once a seventeenth century coaching inn, now a four star hotel in the City of Dreaming Spires. Expedia.co.uk | LateRooms

Mercure Whately Hall. BANBURY CROSS. Seventeenth century coaching house. Expedia.co.uk
| Hotelshop

Old Parsonage Hotel, The. OXFORD. Centrally located 17th century hotel.Expedia.co.uk

Weston Manor Hotel. WESTON-ON-THE-GREEN. An attractive 16th century country house. Expedia.co.uk
| LateRooms